JP7765982B2 - Components for human-powered vehicles - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to components for human-powered vehicles.

There are components for human-powered vehicles that are attached to the frame of the vehicle and assist in propulsion of the vehicle.

JP 2017-24700 A

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a component for a human-powered vehicle that can improve at least one of heat dissipation performance and noise reduction performance.

A component according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a component for a human-powered vehicle, comprising a housing having an internal space, and an internal component at least partially disposed in the internal space, the internal component including at least one of a heat-generating component that generates heat during operation and a mechanical component that generates at least one of sound and vibration during operation, the housing including at least one first portion having a porous structure and at least one second portion having a solid structure and formed integrally with the at least one first portion. According to the component of the first aspect, the first portion having a porous structure can improve at least one of heat dissipation performance and noise reduction performance.

In the component of the second aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the housing includes an outer surface and an inner surface that defines the interior space, and the at least one first portion includes at least a portion of the inner surface. According to the component of the second aspect, sound and vibration generated by mechanical components in the interior space of the housing can be attenuated by the first portion.

In the component of the third aspect according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the internal component includes the mechanical component, and at least a portion of the inner surface faces at least a portion of the mechanical component. According to the component of the third aspect, sound generated by the mechanical component can be attenuated by the first portion.

In the component of the fourth aspect according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the mechanical part includes a rotating shaft and a bearing portion that supports the rotating shaft, and at least a portion of the inner surface contacts the bearing portion. According to the component of the fourth aspect, sound generated from the rotating shaft and the bearing portion can be attenuated by the first portion.

In a component according to a fifth aspect of any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present disclosure, the porous structure of the first portion forms a reduced pressure space. According to the component according to the fifth aspect, the reduced pressure space can suppress sound transmission.

In the component of the sixth aspect according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the proportion of the reduced pressure space in the first portion to the total volume is 1% or more and 50% or less. The component of the sixth aspect can improve sound attenuation performance while maintaining the mechanical strength of the first portion.

In the seventh aspect of the component according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the housing includes an outer surface and an inner surface that defines the interior space, and the at least one first portion includes at least a portion of the outer surface. With the seventh aspect of the component, the area of the outer surface is increased, allowing heat generated by heat-generating components in the interior space of the housing to be efficiently dissipated to the outside of the housing.

In the component of the eighth aspect according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the internal component includes the heat-generating component, and the at least one second portion includes at least a portion of the inner surface, and the at least a portion of the inner surface faces at least a portion of the heat-generating component. According to the component of the eighth aspect, heat generated from the heat-generating component can be absorbed by the second portion, and the heat absorbed by the second portion can be released to the outside of the housing by the first portion.

In the component of the ninth aspect according to the seventh or eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one second portion includes at least one fin, and the at least one first portion is configured to cover the at least one fin. The component of the ninth aspect can improve the heat dissipation performance of the fins.

In a component according to the seventh or eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one first portion forms at least one fin. The component according to the tenth aspect can improve the heat dissipation performance of the entire fin.

In the component of aspect 11 according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the housing includes an outer surface and an inner surface that defines the interior space, and the at least one first portion includes a portion of the outer surface and a portion of the inner surface that is connected to the portion of the outer surface without the at least one second portion. The component of aspect 11 can improve the heat dissipation performance of at least one first portion that includes a portion of the outer surface of the housing and a portion of the inner surface that is connected to the portion of the outer surface without the at least one second portion.

In the component of aspect 12 according to aspect 11 of the present disclosure, the at least one first portion is configured to allow gas to pass between a portion of the outer surface and the portion of the inner surface. According to the component of aspect 12, heat can be released from the inside of the housing to the outside through at least one first portion including a portion of the outer surface of the housing and a portion of the inner surface that is connected to the portion of the outer surface without passing through at least one second portion.

In a component according to the eleventh or twelfth aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one first portion includes at least two first portions. The component according to the thirteenth aspect can, for example, draw cool air from the outside of the housing to the inside through one first portion, and expel warm air to the outside of the housing through the other first portion.

In a component according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects of the present disclosure, the heat-generating component includes an electric motor. According to the component according to the fourteenth aspect, heat generated by the electric motor can be dissipated to the outside of the housing, thereby suppressing an increase in the temperature of the electric motor.

In the component of aspect 15 according to aspect 14 of the present disclosure, the electric motor is configured to provide propulsive force to a human-powered vehicle. According to the component of aspect 15, heat generated by the electric motor while providing propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle is released to the outside of the housing, thereby suppressing an increase in the temperature of the electric motor.

In the component of aspect 16 according to any one of aspects 1 to 15 of the present disclosure, the housing is formed from a metal material. The component of aspect 16 can improve the mechanical strength of the housing.

In the component of aspect 17 according to aspect 16 of the present disclosure, the metal material includes at least one of iron, aluminum, and magnesium. The component of aspect 17 allows for the formation of a housing of any shape while improving mechanical strength.

In a component of aspect 18 according to any one of aspects 1 to 17 of the present disclosure, the housing is formed by additive manufacturing. According to the component of aspect 18, a housing of any shape can be formed without using a mold.

The components for human-powered vehicles disclosed herein can improve at least one of heat dissipation performance and noise reduction performance.

1 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle including components for a human-powered vehicle according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of components for the human-powered vehicle of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a first side view of a component for the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 2 . FIG. 3 is a second side view of the component for the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 2 . FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D5-D5 in FIG. 3; 4 is a side view of the first side view of the component for the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 3 with a portion of the housing removed. FIG. 5 is a side view of the second side view of the component for the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 4 with a portion of the housing removed. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing components for the human-powered vehicle of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the cross section taken along line D5-D5 in FIG. 3. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing components for a human-powered vehicle according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of a component for a human-powered vehicle according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a second modified example of a component for a human-powered vehicle according to the second embodiment.

First Embodiment
A component 40 for a human-powered vehicle according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 . The human-powered vehicle 10 is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be propelled at least by human driving force. Examples of the human-powered vehicle 10 include various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand bikes, and recumbent bikes. The number of wheels that the human-powered vehicle 10 has is not limited. Examples of the human-powered vehicle 10 include unicycles and vehicles with three or more wheels. The human-powered vehicle 10 is not limited to vehicles that can be propelled solely by human driving force. The human-powered vehicle 10 also 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 an electrically assisted bicycle.

The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a crank 12 to which human-powered driving force is input. The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes wheels 14 and a vehicle body 16. The wheels 14 include a rear wheel 14A and a front wheel 14B. The vehicle body 16 includes a frame 18. The crank 12 includes an input shaft 12A that is rotatable relative to the frame 18 and a pair of crank arms 12B provided at both axial ends of the input shaft 12A. In this embodiment, the input shaft 12A is a crankshaft. A pair of pedals 20 is connected to each crank arm 12B. The rear wheel 14A is driven by rotation of the crank 12. The rear wheel 14A is supported by the frame 18. The crank 12 and rear wheel 14A are connected by a drive mechanism 22. The drive mechanism 22 includes a first drive rotor 24 connected to the input shaft 12A. The first driving rotor 24 includes a sprocket, pulley, or bevel gear. The drive mechanism 22 further includes a second driving rotor 26 and a connecting member 28. The connecting member 28 transmits the rotational force of the first driving rotor 24 to the second driving rotor 26. The connecting member 28 includes, for example, a chain, belt, or shaft.

The second driving rotor 26 is connected to the rear wheel 14A. The second driving rotor 26 includes a sprocket, pulley, or bevel gear. A one-way clutch is preferably provided between the second driving rotor 26 and the rear wheel 14A. The one-way clutch is configured to rotate the rear wheel 14A forward when the second driving rotor 26 rotates forward, and to allow relative rotation between the second driving rotor 26 and the rear wheel 14A when the second driving rotor 26 rotates backward. In this embodiment, the first driving rotor 24 includes only one sprocket and the second driving rotor 26 includes multiple sprockets. However, the first driving rotor 24 may include multiple sprockets, and the second driving rotor 26 may include only one sprocket. If at least one of the first driving rotor 24 and the second driving rotor 26 includes multiple sprockets, the human-powered vehicle 10 further includes a derailleur that moves a chain between the multiple sprockets. In this embodiment, a rear derailleur 27 is provided on the frame 18.

A front wheel 14B is attached to the frame 18 via a front fork 30. A handlebar 34 is connected to the front fork 30 via a stem 32. In this embodiment, the rear wheel 14A is connected to the crank 12 by the drive mechanism 22, but at least one of the rear wheel 14A and the front wheel 14B may be connected to the crank 12 by the drive mechanism 22.

The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a human-powered vehicle battery 36. The battery 36 includes one or more battery elements. The battery elements include rechargeable batteries. The battery 36 supplies power to components 40 for the human-powered vehicle. The battery 36 is preferably communicatively connected to a control unit 78 of the component 40 via an electrical cable 38 or a wireless communication device. The battery 36 can communicate with the control unit 78 via, for example, power line communication (PLC), a controller area network (CAN), or a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART).

The component 40 includes a housing 42 and an electric motor 44. The housing 42 supports an input shaft 12A to which a manual driving force is input. The component 40 has a mounting portion 40A for mounting to the frame 18. The mounting portion 40A includes a protrusion 40B provided on the outer periphery of the housing 42. A hole 40C is formed in the protrusion 40B. The hole 40C is, for example, a threaded hole. A hole for mounting the component 40 is formed in the frame 18 at a portion corresponding to the hole 40C of the component 40. The hole formed in the frame 18 is, for example, a through hole. The component 40 is mounted to the frame 18, for example, by inserting a bolt into the hole formed in the frame 18 and connecting the bolt to the hole 40C. The hole 40C may be an unthreaded through hole. If the hole 40C is a through hole, the hole formed in the frame 18 is an unthreaded through hole or a threaded hole. If hole 40C and the hole provided in frame 18 are unthreaded through holes, component 40 is attached to frame 18 with bolts and nuts.

Preferably, the component 40 includes an input shaft 12A, an electric motor 44, an output unit 46, and a reducer 48. The output unit 46 has a first rotational axis C1 and is configured to transmit the rotational force of the input shaft 12A. Preferably, the component 40 further includes a power transmission member 51. The power transmission member 51 is configured to transmit the rotational force input to the input shaft 12A to the output unit 46. The power transmission member 51 is connected to the input shaft 12A and the output unit 46, respectively. The power transmission member 51 may be directly or indirectly connected to the input shaft 12A. In this embodiment, the power transmission member 51 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The power transmission member 51 is disposed around the axis of the input shaft 12A so as to surround the outer periphery of the input shaft 12A. In this embodiment, a first end 51A of the power transmission member 51 is directly connected to the outer periphery of the input shaft 12A in the axial direction of the input shaft 12A. The first end 51A of the power transmission member 51 and the outer periphery of the input shaft 12A are formed with intermeshing splines. In this embodiment, the second end 51B of the power transmission member 51 is connected to the output part 46 via a first one-way clutch 52 in the axial direction of the input shaft 12A.

The housing 42 rotatably supports the input shaft 12A. The housing 42 includes a first hole 42X and a second hole 42Y into which the input shaft 12A is inserted. The first hole 42X and the second hole 42Y each connect the space enclosed by the housing 42 to the space outside the housing 42. The first hole 42X is formed in the first side surface portion 43A of the housing 42 in the axial direction of the input shaft 12A. The second hole 42Y is formed in the second side surface portion 43B of the housing 42 in the axial direction of the input shaft 12A. The first axial end portion 12C of the input shaft 12A protrudes from the first hole 42X into the space outside the housing 42. The second axial end portion 12D of the input shaft 12A protrudes from the second hole 42Y into the space outside the housing 42. A first bearing 42A is disposed in the first hole 42X. The input shaft 12A is supported in the housing 42 by a first bearing 42A so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 42. The first bearing 42A may be a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a plain bearing. A first rotational axis C1 of the output portion 46 is coincident with the rotational axis of the input shaft 12A. The output portion 46 is provided on the outer periphery of the input shaft 12A around the first rotational axis C1. A second bearing 42B is disposed in the second hole 42Y. The output portion 46 is provided in the housing 42 by the second bearing 42B so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 42. The output portion 46 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The second bearing 42B is provided on the outer periphery of the output portion 46. A third bearing 42C is preferably provided between the inner periphery of the output portion 46 and the outer periphery of the input shaft. The output portion 46 rotatably supports the input shaft 12A via the third bearing 42C. The second bearing 42B may be a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a plain bearing. The third bearing 42C may be, for example, a needle bearing or a sleeve. In a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis C1, at least a portion of the second bearing 42B is positioned to overlap the third bearing 42C. A connecting portion that connects the first drive rotor 24 is provided on the outer periphery of the second axial end 46A of the output portion 46. The connecting portion has one or more splines that extend axially of the input shaft 12A.

The electric motor 44 is mounted in the housing 42 and configured to provide propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle 10. The electric motor 44 includes one or more electric motors. The electric motor 44 is, for example, a brushless motor. In this embodiment, the electric motor 44 is an inner rotor type motor. In this embodiment, the electric motor 44 is configured to transmit rotation to the first drive rotor 24. The electric motor 44 includes a rotor 44A having an output shaft 44B and a stator 50 having a coil 50A electrically connected to the inverter circuit 74A. Preferably, the input shaft 12A and the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 are arranged substantially parallel. The rotor 44A includes a rotor core 44C that rotates integrally with the output shaft 44B and a plurality of magnets held by the rotor core 44C. The stator 50 is fixed to the housing 42. In this embodiment, the housing 42 functions as a case for the electric motor 44. The electric motor 44 may include a case formed separately from the housing 42. When the case of the electric motor 44 is included, the case of the electric motor 44 may be fixed to the housing 42. The case of the electric motor 44 may be fixed to the outer periphery of the housing 42. When the case of the electric motor 44 is fixed to the outer periphery of the housing 42, a portion of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 is disposed in the accommodation space SA of the housing 42 through a through hole formed in the housing 42. In the present embodiment, the housing 42 includes a first housing 41A, a second housing 41B, and a cover member 41C. The first housing 41A includes a first side surface portion 43A. The second housing 41B includes a second side surface portion 43B. The accommodation space SA is formed by the first housing 41A and the second housing 41B. The first housing 41A and the second housing 41B are fixed to each other by, for example, bolts. The housing 42 accommodates a portion of the input shaft 12A, a portion of the output portion 46, the first one-way clutch 52, the power transmission member 51, the electric motor 44, the reducer 48, the first, second, third, and fourth circuit boards 76, 80, 84, and 86, the control unit 78, the first electronic component 74, and the second electronic component 78A. In this embodiment, the first housing 41A functions as a case for the electric motor 44. The outer periphery of the stator 50 is fixed to the side wall of a recess 41D formed in the first housing 41A. The cover member 41C is provided on the first housing 41A and, together with the first housing 41A, forms a motor arrangement space. The cover member 41C is fixed to the first housing 41A with bolts, for example. The cover member 41C is positioned to cover the opening of the recess 41D. The cover member 41C includes a through-hole 41E through which the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 is inserted. The cover member 41C includes a through-hole through which a terminal or cable is inserted to connect the coil of the electric motor 44 to the inverter circuit 74A.

Preferably, the reducer 48 has a first one-way clutch 52 provided in the first power transmission path between the electric motor 44 and the output unit 46. The reducer 48 includes a first rotating body 54, a first rotating shaft 56, and a second rotating body 58. The diameter of the first rotating body 54 is larger than the diameter of the second rotating body 58. The first rotating body 54 is provided on the output unit 46 so as to rotate integrally with the output unit 46. The first rotating body 54 and the output unit 46 may be integrally formed as a single member, for example. The first rotating body 54 and the output unit 46 may be formed, for example, from metal. The first rotating body 54 and the output unit 46 may also be formed separately and fixed so as to be non-rotatable relative to each other. The first rotating body 54 may be formed, for example, from resin. The first rotating shaft 56 has a second rotational axis C2 different from the first rotational axis C1. The second rotational axis C2 is substantially parallel to the first rotational axis C1.

The second rotating body 58 is mounted on the first rotating shaft 56 and is connected to the first rotating body 54 directly or via a ring member. In this embodiment, the second rotating body 58 is a gear with teeth provided on its outer periphery, and the first rotating body 54 is a gear with teeth provided on its outer periphery. The second rotating body 58 and the first rotating body 54 are directly connected by meshing the teeth of the second rotating body 58 with the teeth of the first rotating body 54. The first rotating body 54 and the second rotating body 58 may be indirectly connected by a ring member. The ring member may include, for example, a belt or pulley. For example, the first rotating body 54 and the second rotating body 58 may be pulleys, and the ring member may be a belt. For example, the first rotating body 54 and the second rotating body 58 may be sprockets, and the ring member may be a chain. The first rotating shaft 56 is supported by the housing 42 via a pair of fourth bearings 42D so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 42.

The pair of fourth bearings 42D support both axial ends of the first rotating shaft 56. One of the pair of fourth bearings 42D is supported in a recess provided on the inner periphery of the first housing 41A. The other of the pair of fourth bearings 42D is supported in a recess provided on the inner periphery of the second housing. The pair of fourth bearings 42D may be ball bearings, roller bearings, or plain bearings. The first rotating shaft 56 supports the second rotating body 58. The first rotating shaft 56 is arranged coaxially with the second rotating body 58. The second rotating body 58 is formed in an annular shape and is arranged radially outward of the first rotating shaft 56.

Preferably, the reducer 48 includes a first reduction-speed portion 48A and a second reduction-speed portion 48B. The first reduction-speed portion 48A includes a first rotating body 54, a first rotating shaft 56, and a second rotating body 58. The second reduction-speed portion 48B is provided in the first power transmission path between the electric motor 44 and the first reduction-speed portion 48A. Preferably, the second reduction-speed portion 48B includes a third rotating body 60, a second rotating shaft 62, and a fourth rotating body 64. The diameter of the third rotating body 60 is larger than the diameter of the fourth rotating body 64. The third rotating body 60 is configured to rotate integrally with the first rotating shaft 56 and has a smaller diameter than the second rotating body 58. The third rotating body 60 and the first rotating shaft 56 are formed separately and fixed so as to be non-rotatable relative to each other. The first rotating shaft 56 is formed, for example, from metal. The third rotating body 60 is formed, for example, from resin or metal. The third rotating body 60 and the first rotating shaft 56 may be integrally formed as a single member. The second rotating body 58 and the third rotating body 60 are disposed between the pair of fourth bearings 42D in the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 56. The second rotating body 58 and the third rotating body 60 are disposed adjacent to the pair of fourth bearings 42D, respectively. The fourth rotating body 64 is configured to rotate integrally with the second rotating shaft 62 and is connected to the third rotating body 60 directly or via a ring member. The fourth rotating body 64 is formed, for example, integrally with the second rotating shaft 62 as a single member. The fourth rotating body 64 and the second rotating shaft 62 are formed, for example, from metal. The fourth rotating body 64 and the second rotating shaft 62 may be formed separately and fixed so as not to rotate relative to each other. The fourth rotating body 64 may be formed, for example, from resin. In this embodiment, the fourth rotating body 64 is a gear having teeth on its outer periphery, and the third rotating body 60 is a gear having teeth on its outer periphery. The teeth of the fourth rotating body 64 mesh with the teeth of the third rotating body 60, thereby directly connecting the fourth rotating body 64 and the third rotating body 60. The second rotating shaft 62 has a third rotational axis C3 that is different from the first rotational axis C1 and the second rotational axis C2. The third rotational axis C3 is substantially parallel to the first rotational axis C1 and the second rotational axis C2. The third rotating body 60 and the fourth rotating body 64 may be indirectly connected by a ring member. For example, the third rotating body 60 and the fourth rotating body 64 may be pulleys, and the ring member may be a belt. For example, the third rotating body 60 and the fourth rotating body 64 may be sprockets, and the ring member may be a chain. The second rotating shaft 62 is supported by the housing 42 via a pair of fifth bearings 42E so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 42. The pair of fifth bearings 42E respectively support both axial ends of the second rotating shaft 62. The fifth bearings 42E may be ball bearings, roller bearings, or plain bearings. One of the pair of fifth bearings 42E is supported by a first recess 41F provided in the cover member 41C. In the axial direction of the electric motor 44, the first recess 41F is provided on one surface of the cover member 41C. In the axial direction of the electric motor 44, a second recess 41G is provided on the other surface of the cover member 41C. The second recess 41G accommodates a sixth bearing 42F that supports the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. One of the pair of fifth bearings 42E is supported by a recess 41D provided in the second housing 41B.

In this embodiment, the reducer 48 further includes a third reduction portion 48C. The third reduction portion 48C includes a fifth rotor 66 and a sixth rotor 68. The diameter of the fifth rotor 66 is larger than the diameter of the sixth rotor 68. The fifth rotor 66 is disposed on the first housing side relative to the fourth rotor in the axial direction of the input shaft. The fifth rotor 66 is provided on the second rotor shaft 62 so as to rotate integrally with the second rotor shaft 62. The fifth rotor 66 may be formed integrally with the second rotor shaft 62 as a single member, or may be formed separately from the second rotor shaft 62 and connected to the second rotor shaft 62. The fifth rotor 66 is formed, for example, from metal or resin. The sixth rotor 68 is provided on the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 so as to rotate integrally with the output shaft 44B. The fourth rotor 64 and the fifth rotor 66 are disposed between a pair of fifth bearings 42E in the axial direction of the second rotor shaft 62. The fourth rotating body 64 and the fifth rotating body 66 are disposed adjacent to a pair of fifth bearings 42E, respectively. The sixth rotating body 68 may be formed integrally with the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 as a single member, or may be formed separately from the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 and coupled to the output shaft 44B. The sixth rotating body 68 is formed, for example, from metal or resin. The output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 is formed, for example, from metal. The sixth rotating body 68 is connected to the fifth rotating body 66 directly or via a ring member. In this embodiment, the sixth rotating body 68 is a gear having teeth on its outer periphery, and the fifth rotating body 66 is a gear having teeth on its outer periphery. The teeth of the sixth rotating body 68 mesh with the teeth of the fifth rotating body 66, thereby directly connecting the sixth rotating body 68 and the fifth rotating body 66. The fifth rotating body 66 and the sixth rotating body 68 may also be indirectly connected via a ring member. For example, the fifth rotating body 66 and the sixth rotating body 68 may be pulleys, and the ring member may be a belt. For example, the fifth rotating body 66 and the sixth rotating body 68 may be sprockets, and the ring member may be a chain.

The output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 has a fourth rotational axis C4. The fourth rotational axis C4 is different from the first rotational axis C1, the second rotational axis C2, and the third rotational axis C3. In this embodiment, the fourth rotational axis C4 is substantially parallel to the first rotational axis C1, the second rotational axis C2, and the third rotational axis C3. The output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 is supported in the housing 42 via a pair of sixth bearings 42F so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 42. The sixth bearings 42F may be ball bearings, roller bearings, or plain bearings. One of the pair of sixth bearings 42F supports a first end 44D of the output shaft 44B in the axial direction M1. A rotor core 44C is disposed between the pair of sixth bearings 42F in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B. The other of the pair of sixth bearings 42F supports an intermediate portion between the first end 44D and the second end 44E in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B. The sixth rotor 68 is disposed closer to the second end 44E than the rotor core 44C in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B. In the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B, the end face 68A of the sixth rotor 68 farther from the rotor core 44C may be disposed in the same position as the end face 44F of the second end 44E, or may be disposed closer to the rotor core 44C than the end face 44F of the second end 44E. In the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B, the end face 68A of the sixth rotor 68 is disposed closer to the second end 44E than the rotor core 44C in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B. The other of the pair of sixth bearings 42F is disposed between the sixth rotor 68 and the rotor core 44C of the rotor 44A in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B. The other of the pair of sixth bearings 42F is supported by the cover member 41C. A second recess 41G that supports the outer periphery of the sixth bearing 42F is formed in the inner periphery that defines the through hole 41E of the cover member 41C. The second recess 41G prevents the other of the pair of sixth bearings 42F from moving in a direction away from one of the pair of sixth bearings 42F.

When viewed from a direction parallel to the first rotational axis C1, the second rotational axis C2 is closer to the first rotational axis C1 than the third rotational axis C3 and the fourth rotational axis C4. When viewed from a direction parallel to the first rotational axis C1, the third rotational axis C3 is closer to the fourth rotational axis C4 than the first rotational axis C1 and the second rotational axis C2. When viewed from the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the second rotational axis C2 and the third rotational axis C3 are not located on, for example, a line LA passing through the first rotational axis C1 and the fourth rotational axis C4. When viewed from the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the second rotational axis C2 and the third rotational axis C3 are located, for example, on one side of the line LA. The positional relationships between the first rotational axis C1, the second rotational axis C2, the third rotational axis C3, and the fourth rotational axis C4 are determined, for example, according to the reduction ratio required by the reducer 48, and are not limited to this embodiment. For example, when viewed from the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, at least one of the second rotational axis C2 and the third rotational axis C3 may be positioned on a straight line LA. When viewed from the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, a straight line LA may be positioned between the second rotational axis C2 and the third rotational axis C3.

When the input shaft 12A rotates in a predetermined rotational direction, the first one-way clutch 52 prevents the rotational force of the input shaft 12A from being transmitted to the electric motor 44. Preferably, the first one-way clutch 52 is provided between the first rotating shaft 56 and the second rotating body 58. Preferably, the first one-way clutch 52 includes a roller clutch, a sprag clutch, or a ratchet clutch. Preferably, at least a portion of the first one-way clutch 52 is disposed radially inward of the second rotating body 58. The first one-way clutch 52 includes an inner ring 52A and an outer ring 52B surrounding the inner ring 52A. The inner ring 52A is provided on the outer periphery of the first rotating shaft 56. Preferably, the inner ring 52A is formed integrally with the first rotating shaft 56 as a single member. The inner ring 52A may be formed separately from the first rotating shaft 56 and fixed to the first rotating shaft 56 so as to be non-rotatable relative to the first rotating shaft 56. The inner race 52A is made of, for example, metal. At least a portion of the outer race 52B is provided on the inner periphery of the second rotating body 58. Preferably, the outer race 52B is formed integrally with the second rotating body 58 as a single member. The outer race 52B may also be formed separately from the second rotating body 58 and fixed to the second rotating body 58 so as not to rotate relative to it. The outer race is made of, for example, metal. Rollers, sprags, or pawls are arranged between the inner races 52A and 52B.

The predetermined rotational direction corresponds to the rotational direction of the input shaft 12A when the input shaft 12A is rotated to move the human-powered vehicle 10 forward. When the input shaft 12A rotates in the predetermined rotational direction and the rotational force of the input shaft 12A is transmitted to the output unit 46, the output unit 46 also rotates in the predetermined rotational direction. When the rotational force of the electric motor 44 is transmitted to the output unit 46 via the reducer 48 and the output unit 46 rotates in the predetermined rotational direction, the first rotating shaft 56 and the first rotating body 54 rotate in the first rotational direction. When the rotational speed of the first rotating shaft 56 in the first rotational direction exceeds the rotational speed of the second rotating body 58 in the first rotational direction, the first one-way clutch 52 transmits the rotational force in the first rotational direction from the first rotating shaft 56 to the second rotating body 58.

When the rotational speed of the second rotor 58 in the first rotational direction exceeds the rotational speed of the first rotor shaft 56 in the first rotational direction, the second rotor 58 and the first rotor shaft 56 rotate relative to each other, and the first one-way clutch 52 does not transmit rotational force in the first rotational direction from the second rotor 58 to the first rotor shaft 56. When the input shaft 12A is rotated in a predetermined rotational direction and the output unit 46 and the first rotor 54 rotate in the predetermined rotational direction, even if the rotational force of the input shaft 12A is transmitted from the first rotor 54 to the second rotor 58, if the rotational speed of the second rotor 58 in the first rotational direction exceeds the rotational speed of the first rotor shaft 56 in the first rotational direction, transmission of the rotational force of the input shaft 12A to the electric motor 44 is suppressed. Preferably, only one first one-way clutch is provided in the first power transmission path from the electric motor 44 to the output unit 46.

Preferably, the component 40 further includes a second one-way clutch 70 provided in the second power transmission path between the output portion 46 and the input shaft 12A. Preferably, the second one-way clutch 70 includes a roller clutch, a sprag clutch, or a ratchet clutch. Preferably, at least a portion of the second one-way clutch 70 is disposed radially inward of the first rotor 54. The second one-way clutch 70 includes an inner ring 70A and an outer ring 70B surrounding the inner ring 70A. The inner ring 70A is provided on the outer periphery of the input shaft 12A. Preferably, the inner ring 70A is formed integrally with the power transmission member 51 as a single member. The inner ring 52A may be formed separately from the power transmission member 51 and fixed to the input shaft or to the power transmission member 51 connected to the input shaft so as to be non-rotatable relative to the input shaft. The inner ring 52A is formed, for example, from metal. At least a portion of the outer race body 70B is provided on the inner periphery of the first rotating body 54. Preferably, the outer race body 70B is formed integrally with the first rotating body 54 as a single member. The outer race body 70B may also be formed separately from the first rotating body 54 and fixed to the first rotating body 54 so that it cannot rotate relative to the first rotating body 54. The outer race body 70B is formed from, for example, metal. Rollers, sprags, or pawls are arranged between the inner race body 70A and the outer race body 70B.

Preferably, the component 40 includes an electronic circuit board 72. The electronic circuit board 72 is provided within the housing 42. The electronic circuit board 72 includes at least one first electronic component 74, a first circuit board 76, a control unit 78, and a second circuit board 80. The at least one first electronic component 74 constitutes at least a portion of an inverter circuit 74A configured to supply power to the electric motor 44. The first circuit board 76 is provided with the at least one first electronic component 74. The control unit 78 includes at least one second electronic component 78A and is electrically connected to the inverter circuit 74A and configured to control the inverter circuit 74A. The second circuit board 80 is formed separately from the first circuit board 76 and is provided with the at least one second electronic component 78A of the control unit 78. The at least one first electronic component 74 may be provided on only one mounting surface of the first circuit board 76, or on both surfaces. The at least one first electronic component 74 includes, for example, at least one of a semiconductor element, a capacitor, a resistor, and an inductor. The at least one second electronic component 78A of the control unit 78 may be provided on only one mounting surface of the second circuit board 80, or on both surfaces. Preferably, most of the multiple electronic components that make up the inverter circuit 74A are provided on the second circuit board 80. More preferably, all of the multiple electronic components that make up the inverter circuit 74A are provided on the second circuit board 80.

Preferably, at least one second electronic component 78A includes a processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The processing unit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). At least one second electronic component 78A may include multiple processing units. The multiple processing units may be located in multiple locations that are separate from one another. At least one second electronic component 78A may include one or more microcomputers. Preferably, at least one second electronic component 78A further includes a memory unit. The memory unit stores various control programs and information used for various control processes. The memory unit includes, for example, non-volatile memory and volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one of ROM (Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). Preferably, most of the multiple second electronic components 78A included in the control unit 78 are provided on the first circuit board 76. Even more preferably, all of the multiple second electronic components 78A included in the control unit 78 are provided on the first circuit board 76.

The first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 are printed wiring boards. The printed wiring boards may be single-layer or multi-layer printed wiring boards. Preferably, the first circuit board 76 is positioned closer to the stator 50 of the electric motor 44 than the second circuit board 80 in the predetermined first direction A1. Preferably, the predetermined first direction A1 is the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. Preferably, at least a portion of the first circuit board 76 is positioned between the second circuit board 80 and the stator in the predetermined first direction A1. Preferably, the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. In this embodiment, the first circuit board 76 is positioned closer to the stator 50 in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 than the end face 44F of the second end 44E in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. In the present embodiment, the first circuit board 76 is disposed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, at a position between an end face 44F of the second end 44E of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 in the axial direction M1 and a sixth bearing 42F supporting an intermediate portion of the output shaft 44B. In the present embodiment, the first circuit board 76 is disposed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, at a position between an end face 44F of the second end 44E of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 in the axial direction M1 and the cover member 41C. When viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the second circuit board 80 is preferably disposed so as not to overlap the sixth rotor 68. When viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, at least a portion of the first circuit board 76 and at least a portion of the second circuit board 80 are preferably disposed so as to overlap the stator 50 of the electric motor 44. Preferably, one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 is disposed to face an end of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. In the present embodiment, the end of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 is the second end 44E of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 in the axial direction M1. Preferably, one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 faces an end face 44F of the second end 44E of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 in the axial direction M1. In the present embodiment, the second circuit board 80 faces the end face 44F of the second end 44E of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 in the axial direction M1. The end of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 may be the first end 44D of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 in the axial direction M1. In this case, one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 faces the end face 44F of the second end 44E of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 in the axial direction M1. Preferably, when viewed in the axial direction of the input shaft 12A, the portion 76A of the first circuit board 76 farthest from the input shaft 12A is positioned farther from the input shaft 12A than the portion 80A of the second circuit board 80 farthest from the input shaft 12A. The portion 76A of the first circuit board 76 farthest from the input shaft 12A is positioned on the opposite side of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 from the input shaft 12A. In this embodiment, the first circuit board 76 has a recess 76B in which the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 is disposed. The first circuit board 76 is disposed so as to surround the outer periphery of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The first circuit board and the second circuit board are electrically connected via at least one of a connector and an electrical cable.

Preferably, the component 40 further includes a rotation detection sensor 82 configured to detect the rotation state of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The rotation detection sensor 82 is provided on one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80. In this embodiment, the rotation detection sensor 82 is provided on the first circuit board 76. The rotation detection sensor 82 is configured to detect information corresponding to the rotation speed of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The rotation detection sensor 82 may include, for example, a magnetic sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the strength of a magnetic field. The magnet is provided at the second end 44E of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The magnet may be formed in a cylindrical shape or annular shape. The shape and material of the magnet are not particularly limited as long as the strength of the magnetic field around the second end 44E changes as the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 rotates. In this embodiment, the magnet is formed in a cylindrical shape. The second end 44E of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 has a recess 44G with an opening in the end face 44F. The recess 44G is preferably provided in a center portion of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, including the fourth rotation axis C4, in the radial direction of the output shaft 44B. A magnet is fixed to the recess 44G. The magnet may be arranged so that a portion of the magnet protrudes from the recess 44G, or may be arranged so that the magnet does not protrude from the recess 44G. When the magnet is formed in an annular shape, for example, an annular recess 44G in which the magnet is disposed may be formed on the outer periphery of the second end 44E. The rotation detection sensor 82 is provided, for example, on one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80, in a portion facing the magnet in the axial direction of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The rotation detection sensor 82 may be provided, for example, on one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80, offset from the portion facing the magnet in the axial direction of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. In the axial direction of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the magnet may be provided, for example, on the outer periphery of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 between the sixth rotor 68 and the cover member 41C. In this case, the rotation detection sensor 82 may be provided on the second circuit board 80, for example, near a portion of the second circuit board 80 facing the output shaft 44B. The rotation detection sensor 82 may be provided on a circuit board different from the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80, and the rotation detection sensor 82 may detect the magnetic field of the magnet in the rotor core 44C. The magnet may be provided on a member that rotates in conjunction with the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The member that rotates in conjunction with the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 may include a rotor included in the reducer 48. The rotation detection sensor 82 may include an optical sensor instead of a magnetic sensor. When the rotation detection sensor 82 is provided on the first circuit board 76, it is electrically connected to the control unit 78 via printed wiring formed on the first circuit board 76. If the rotation detection sensor 82 is provided on the second circuit board 80 or another circuit board, it is electrically connected to the control unit 78 via at least an electrical cable or an electrical connector.

Preferably, the electronic circuit board 72 further includes a third circuit board 84 formed separately from the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80. The third circuit board 84 has a wireless transmitter 84A configured to transmit information related to the manual driving force transmitted to the input shaft 12A. When viewed from the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, at least a portion of the third circuit board 84 and at least one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 are arranged to overlap.

Preferably, the electronic circuit board 72 further includes a fourth circuit board 86 formed separately from the first circuit board 76, the second circuit board 80, and the third circuit board 84. The fourth circuit board 86 has a wireless receiving unit 86A configured to receive information related to the manual driving force, is positioned so that at least a portion thereof faces the third circuit board 84, and is electrically connected to at least one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80. Preferably, when viewed from the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, at least a portion of the fourth circuit board 86 and at least one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 are positioned so as to overlap.

Preferably, the component 40 further includes a manual driving force detection unit 88. The manual driving force detection unit 88 includes a torque sensor 83. The torque sensor 83 is configured to output a signal corresponding to the torque applied to the crank 12 by the manual driving force. For example, if a second one-way clutch 70 is provided in the power transmission path, the torque sensor is preferably provided upstream of the second one-way clutch 70 in the power transmission path. In this embodiment, the torque sensor 83 is provided in the power transmission member 51. The torque sensor 83 may also be provided in the input shaft 12A. The torque sensor 83 includes a strain sensor or a pressure sensor. The strain sensor includes a strain gauge. In this embodiment, the torque sensor 83 is attached to the outer periphery of the power transmission member 51 and is electrically connected to the third circuit board 84, for example, via a flexible printed wiring board. The wireless transmitter 84A includes a first signal processing circuit and a first antenna. The signal processing circuit processes the signal output from the torque sensor 83 and transmits information related to the manual driving force from the first antenna. The torque sensor 83 may be disposed near a component included in the power transmission path, rather than being provided on the power transmission member 51. In this case, the torque sensor 83 may be, for example, a magnetostrictive sensor. If the torque sensor 83 is a magnetostrictive sensor, for example, a magnetostrictive element may be provided on the outer periphery of the power transmission member 51, and the magnetostrictive sensor may be disposed on the outer periphery of the power transmission member 51. If the torque sensor 83 is a magnetostrictive sensor, the third circuit board 84 and the fourth circuit board 86 can be omitted. The wireless receiving unit 86A includes a second signal processing circuit and a second antenna. The second antenna is disposed opposite the first antenna. The first antenna and the second antenna each include, for example, a coil antenna. The second signal processing circuit transmits information related to the manual driving force received by the second antenna to the control unit 78. The fourth circuit board 86 is electrically connected to the first circuit board 76. The fourth circuit board 86 is electrically connected to the first circuit board 76, for example, via a connector or an electrical cable.

For example, when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the first circuit board 76 has a U-shape. The output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 is disposed in the area surrounded by the U-shaped recess. For example, when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the first circuit board 76 overlaps with more than half of the stator 50 of the electric motor 44. Preferably, when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the first circuit board 76 does not overlap with the fifth rotating body 66 or the sixth rotating body 68. Preferably, when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the first circuit board 76 does not overlap with the third rotating body 60 or the fourth rotating body 64. For example, when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the first circuit board 76 does not overlap with the first rotating body 54 and the output section 46. For example, when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the first circuit board 76 does not overlap the third circuit board 84, but overlaps a portion of the fourth circuit board 86. Preferably, a connector directly connecting the first circuit board 76 and the fourth circuit board 86 is disposed in the portion where the first circuit board 76 and the fourth circuit board 86 overlap when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. For example, when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the first circuit board 76 is disposed on both sides of a line LA passing through the first rotation axis C1 and the fourth rotation axis C4. The first circuit board 76 can have various shapes as needed, and is not particularly limited in shape.

For example, when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the second circuit board 80 has an L-shape. The second rotating shaft 62 is disposed in the recess of the L-shape. Preferably, when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the second circuit board 80 overlaps with the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. For example, when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the second circuit board 80 does not overlap with the fourth rotating body 64, but overlaps with a portion of the fifth rotating body 66. For example, when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the second circuit board 80 does not overlap with the second rotating body 58 or the third rotating body 60. For example, when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the second circuit board 80 overlaps with a portion of the first rotating body 54, but does not overlap with the output section 46. For example, when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the second circuit board 80 overlaps a portion of the third circuit board 84 and a portion of the fourth circuit board 86. For example, when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, more than half of the second circuit board 80 is disposed on the side opposite the side on which the second rotational axis C2 and the third rotational axis C3 are disposed, with respect to a line LA passing through the first rotational axis C1 and the fourth rotational axis C4. The second circuit board 80 can have various shapes as needed, and is not particularly limited in shape.

Preferably, the third circuit board 84 has an annular shape when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The input shaft 12A and the power transmission member 51 are disposed in the space enclosed by the inner periphery of the third circuit board 84. Preferably, the fourth circuit board 86 has an annular shape when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The input shaft 12A and the power transmission member 51 are disposed in the space enclosed by the inner periphery of the fourth circuit board 86. For example, the outer diameter of the fourth circuit board 86 is larger than the outer diameter of the third circuit board 84. When viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the outer periphery of the third circuit board 84 overlaps the fourth circuit board 86 over the entire circumference. The third circuit board 84 is provided on the power transmission member 51. The third circuit board 84 rotates integrally with the power transmission member 51. The third circuit board 84 is fixed to the power transmission member 51, for example, via a holder member. The third circuit board 84 and the fourth circuit board 86 extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B. The fourth circuit board 86 is supported, for example, by the housing 42. The third circuit board 84 and the fourth circuit board 86 are disposed, for example, in a position closer to the output section 46 than the first circuit board 76 in the axial direction of the input shaft 12A. The third circuit board 84 and the fourth circuit board 86 may be disposed, for example, between the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 in the axial direction of the input shaft 12A.

Preferably, the component 40 includes an electrical connector 90. The electrical connector 90 is detachably connected to the electrical cable 38, is provided in the housing 42, and is electrically connected to at least one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80. The electrical connector 90 may be connected to the first circuit board 76 or the second circuit board 80 directly or via an electrical cable. In this embodiment, the electrical cable 38 is connected to the battery 36 and configured to transmit power from the battery 36, and the electrical connector 90 is connected to the second circuit board 80 directly or via an electrical cable. Preferably, the mounting surface of one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 has a first region R1 that overlaps with the other of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 in the predetermined second direction A2, and a second region R2 that does not overlap with the other of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80. Preferably, at least a portion of the electrical connector 90 overlaps the second region R2 in the predetermined second direction A2 and is disposed between the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 in the predetermined second direction A2. Preferably, the predetermined second direction A2 is the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. In the present embodiment, the second region R2 overlaps with the first circuit board 76 but does not overlap with the second circuit board 80 in the predetermined second direction. Terminals of the electrical connector 90, to which an electrical cable is connected, are exposed to the outside of the housing 42. The housing 42 has a through hole through which a portion of the electrical connector or an electrical cable connecting the electrical connector 90 and the second circuit board 80 is inserted. The housing 42 has a recess 43C on its outer periphery. At least a portion of the recess 43C of the housing 42 is disposed in the second region R2. At least a portion of the electrical connector 90 is disposed in the recess. By locating at least a portion of the recess 43C in which the electrical connector 90 is disposed in the second region R2, the housing 42 can be made smaller. The bottom or side of the recess 43C of the housing 42 extends along the second circuit board 80. A heat transfer sheet that contacts both the housing 42 and the second circuit board 80 may be provided between the bottom or side of the recess 43C of the housing 42 and the second circuit board 80, or thermally conductive grease that contacts both the housing 42 and the second circuit board 80 may be provided.

As shown schematically in FIG. 8 , the component 40 is for a human-powered vehicle and includes a housing 42 and internal components. The housing 42 has an interior space 100. The internal components are at least partially disposed in the interior space 100 and include at least one of a heat-generating component that generates heat during operation and a mechanical component that generates at least one of sound and vibration during operation. The heat-generating component includes, for example, an electric motor 44. The heat-generating component may include at least one of the electric motor 44, an electronic circuit board 72, and an inverter circuit 74A. The mechanical component includes, for example, at least an output section 46 and a reducer 48. The mechanical component may include, for example, the electric motor 44.

The housing 42 includes at least one first portion 92 and at least one second portion 94. The at least one first portion 92 has a porous structure. The at least one second portion 94 has a solid structure and is formed integrally with the at least one first portion 92. The housing 42 is formed from a metallic material. The metallic material includes, for example, at least one of iron, aluminum, and magnesium. The housing 42 is formed by additive manufacturing. The housing 42 may also be formed from, for example, a resin material other than a metallic material.

The housing 42 includes an outer surface 98 and an inner surface 102 that defines an interior space 100. The at least one first portion 92 includes at least a portion of the inner surface 102. The interior component includes a mechanical component. At least a portion of the inner surface 102 faces at least a portion of the mechanical component. For example, the at least one first portion 92 may include 10% or more of the inner surface 102. For example, the at least one first portion 92 may include the entire inner surface 102.

The mechanical component includes a rotating shaft and a bearing portion that supports the rotating shaft. At least a portion of the inner surface 102 contacts the bearing portion. The rotating shaft includes, for example, the first rotating shaft 56 and the second rotating shaft 62 shown in FIG. 9. The bearing portion includes, for example, the fourth bearing 42D and the fifth bearing 42E shown in FIG. 9. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, at least a portion of the first portion 92 is configured to face at least a portion of the first rotating shaft 56, the second rotating shaft 62, the fourth bearing 42D, and the fifth bearing 42E.

The porous structure of the first portion 92 forms a reduced pressure space. The reduced pressure space accounts for 1% to 50% of the total volume of the first portion 92. The first portion 92 is configured so that the reduced pressure space of the porous structure attenuates sound generated by mechanical components. The reduced pressure space may be a vacuum space.

Second Embodiment
Components 40a, 40b, and 30c for a human-powered vehicle according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 . As schematically shown in FIG. 10 , the component 40a according to the second embodiment is a component 40a for a human-powered vehicle and includes a housing 42a and internal components. The housing 42a has an internal space 100. The internal components are at least partially disposed in the internal space 100 and include at least one of a heat-generating component that generates heat during operation and a mechanical component that generates at least one of sound and vibration during operation. The heat-generating component includes, for example, an electric motor 44. The heat-generating component may include at least one of the electric motor 44, an electronic circuit board 72, and an inverter circuit 74A. The mechanical component includes, for example, at least an output unit 46 and a reducer 48. The mechanical component may include, for example, the electric motor 44.

The housing 42a includes at least one first portion 92A and at least one second portion 94A. The at least one first portion 92A has a porous structure. The at least one second portion 94A has a solid structure and is formed integrally with the at least one first portion 92A. The housing 42a is formed from a metal material. The metal material includes, for example, at least one of iron, aluminum, and magnesium. The housing 42a is formed by additive manufacturing. The housing 42a may also be formed from a material other than a metal material, such as a resin material.

The housing 42a includes an outer surface 98 and an inner surface 102 that defines an interior space 100. At least one first portion 92A includes at least a portion of the outer surface 98. The interior component includes a heat-generating component. At least one second portion 94A includes at least a portion of the inner surface 102. At least a portion of the inner surface 102 faces at least a portion of the heat-generating component. For example, the at least one first portion 92A may include 10% or more of the outer surface 98. For example, the at least one first portion 92A may include the entire outer surface 98.

The porous structure of the first portion 92A forms a reduced-pressure space. The reduced-pressure space accounts for 1% to 50% of the total volume of the first portion 92A. The first portion 92A is configured to release heat generated by heat-generating components to the outside of the housing 42a through its porous structure, which has a larger heat dissipation area than a solid structure.

As shown in FIG. 11 , a component 40b according to a first variant of the second embodiment includes a housing 42b. The housing 42b has an internal space 100. The internal components are at least partially disposed in the internal space 100 and include at least one of a heat-generating component that generates heat during operation and a mechanical component that generates at least one of sound and vibration during operation. The heat-generating component includes, for example, an electric motor 44. The heat-generating component may include at least one of the electric motor 44, an electronic circuit board 72, and an inverter circuit 74A. The mechanical component includes, for example, at least an output section 46 and a reducer 48. The mechanical component may include, for example, the electric motor 44.

The housing 42b includes at least one first portion 92B and at least one second portion 94A. The at least one first portion 92B has a porous structure. The at least one second portion 94A has a solid structure and is formed integrally with the at least one first portion 92B. The housing 42b is formed from a metal material. The metal material includes, for example, at least one of iron, aluminum, and magnesium. The housing 42b is formed by additive manufacturing. The housing 42b may also be formed from, for example, a resin material other than a metal material.

At least one first portion 92B forms at least one fin. The fin is formed on the outer surface 104 of the second portion 94A. The fin is configured to face, for example, the electric motor 44, which is an example of a heat-generating component. The fin is configured to dissipate heat generated by the electric motor 44 to the outside of the housing 42b using a porous structure that has a larger heat dissipation area than a solid structure.

The second portion 94A may have fins formed on the outer surface 104 at a position facing the electric motor 44. For example, at least one second portion 94A includes at least one fin. At least one first portion 92B is configured to cover at least one fin.

As shown in FIG. 12 , a component 40c according to a second variant of the second embodiment includes a housing 42c. The housing 42c has an internal space 100. The internal components are at least partially disposed in the internal space 100 and include at least one of a heat-generating component that generates heat during operation and a mechanical component that generates at least one of sound and vibration during operation. The heat-generating component includes, for example, an electric motor 44. The heat-generating component may include at least one of the electric motor 44, an electronic circuit board 72, and an inverter circuit 74A. The mechanical component includes, for example, at least an output section 46 and a reducer 48. The mechanical component may include, for example, the electric motor 44.

The housing 42c includes at least one first portion 92C and at least one second portion 94C. The at least one first portion 92C has a porous structure. The at least one second portion 94C has a solid structure and is formed integrally with the at least one first portion 92C. The housing 42c is formed from a metal material. The metal material includes, for example, at least one of iron, aluminum, and magnesium. The housing 42c is formed by additive manufacturing. The housing 42c may also be formed from a material other than a metal material, such as a resin material.

The housing 42c includes an outer surface 104 and an inner surface 102 that defines an interior space 100. At least one first portion 92C includes a portion of the outer surface 104 and a portion of the inner surface 102 that is connected to the portion of the outer surface 104 without at least one second portion 94C. As indicated by the open double-headed arrow in FIG. 12 , the at least one first portion 92C is configured to allow gas to pass between the portion of the outer surface 104 and the portion of the inner surface 102.

The at least one first portion 92C includes at least two first portions 92C. For example, at least one of the at least two first portions 92C is formed at a first end 106 on the forward direction side of the human-powered vehicle 10. At least another of the at least two first portions 92C is formed at a second end 108 on the opposite side of the forward direction of the human-powered vehicle 10.

When the human-powered vehicle 10 moves forward, outside air is drawn into the interior space 100 from the outside through the first portion 92C formed at the first end 106, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 12. The outside air drawn into the interior space 100 is then released to the outside from the interior space 100 through the first portion 92C formed at the second end 108.

In each embodiment, the component 40 may further include a transmission disposed in the driving force transmission path between the input shaft 12A and the output unit 46. In each embodiment, the component 40 may include a transmission disposed in the driving force transmission path between the input shaft 12A and the output unit 46, instead of the electric motor 44 and the reducer 48. The transmission is configured to change the gear ratio. The transmission includes, for example, a planetary gear mechanism or a continuously variable transmission mechanism.

In each embodiment, at least one of the first rotating shaft 56 and the second rotating shaft 62 may have a solid structure or a porous structure. If at least one of the first rotating shaft 56 and the second rotating shaft 62 has a porous structure, the noise of the reducer 48 can be reduced and the vibration of the reducer 48 can be limited. If the second rotating shaft 62 is formed from a metal having a porous structure, the fourth rotating body 64 may be formed from a metal having a solid structure and formed integrally with the second rotating shaft 62 as a single member.

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

12A...input shaft, 38...electrical cable, 40, 40a, 40b, 40c...components, 42, 42a, 42b, 42c...housing, 44...electric motor, 44A...rotor, 44B...output shaft, 50...stator, 50A...coil, 46...output section, 48...reduction gear, 48A...first reduction gear part, 48B...second reduction gear part, 52...first one-way clutch, 54...first rotating body, 56...first rotating shaft, 58...second rotating body, 60...third rotating body, 70...second one-way clutch, 72...electronic circuit board, 7 4...first electronic component, 74A...inverter circuit, 76...first circuit board, 78...control unit, 78A...second electronic component, 80...second circuit board, 82...rotation detection sensor, 84...third circuit board, 84A...wireless transmitter, 86...fourth circuit board, 86A...wireless receiver, 88...manual driving force detection unit, 90...electrical connector, 92, 92A, 92B, 92C...first portion, 94, 94A, 94C...second portion, 98, 104...outer surface, 100...internal space, 102...inner surface, 106...first end, 108...second end.

Claims (17)

A component for a human-powered vehicle,
a housing having an interior space;
an internal component, at least a portion of which is disposed in the internal space, including at least one of a heat-generating component that generates heat during operation and a mechanical component that generates at least one of sound and vibration during operation;
The housing includes:
At least one first portion having a porous structure;
at least one second portion having a solid construction and integrally formed with said at least one first portion ;
The porous structure of the first portion forms a reduced pressure space . the housing includes an outer surface and an inner surface defining the interior space;
The component of claim 1 , wherein the at least one first portion comprises at least a portion of the inner surface. the internal components include the mechanical components;
The component of claim 2 , wherein the at least a portion of the inner surface faces at least a portion of the machine part. the mechanical component includes a rotating shaft and a bearing portion that supports the rotating shaft,
The component of claim 3 , wherein the at least a portion of the inner surface contacts the bearing portion. The component according to claim 4 , wherein the proportion of the reduced pressure space in the first portion relative to the total volume is 1% or more and 50% or less. the housing includes an outer surface and an inner surface defining the interior space;
The component of claim 1 , wherein the at least one first portion comprises at least a portion of the outer surface. the internal components include the heat-generating component,
the at least one second portion includes at least a portion of the inner surface;
The component of claim 6 , wherein the at least a portion of the inner surface faces at least a portion of the heat-generating component. the at least one second portion comprises at least one fin;
The component of claim 6 or 7 , wherein the at least one first portion is configured to cover the at least one fin. the housing includes an outer surface and an inner surface defining the interior space;
The component of claim 1 , wherein the at least one first portion includes a portion of the outer surface and a portion of the inner surface that is connected to the portion of the outer surface without the at least one second portion. The component of claim 9 , wherein the at least one first portion is configured to pass gas between a portion of the outer surface and a portion of the inner surface. Component according to claim 9 or 10 , wherein the at least one first portion comprises at least two first portions. The component of claim 1 , wherein the heat-generating component comprises an electric motor. The component of claim 12 , wherein the electric motor is configured to provide propulsion to a human-powered vehicle. The component of claim 1 , wherein the housing is formed from a metallic material. The component of claim 14 , wherein the metallic material comprises at least one of iron, aluminum, and magnesium. The component of claim 1 , wherein the housing is formed by additive manufacturing. A component for a human-powered vehicle,
a housing having an interior space;
an internal component, at least a portion of which is disposed in the internal space, including at least one of a heat-generating component that generates heat during operation and a mechanical component that generates at least one of sound and vibration during operation;
The housing includes:
At least one first portion having a porous structure;
at least one second portion having a solid construction and integrally formed with said at least one first portion;
the housing includes an outer surface and an inner surface defining the interior space;
the at least one first portion includes at least a portion of the outer surface;
The component, wherein the at least one first portion forms at least one fin.