CN114684317B - Electrical assembly for a human powered vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to electrical assemblies for human powered vehicles. An electrical assembly is provided to a human powered vehicle. The electrical assembly includes an electrical component and an electrical cable. The electrical cable has a first cable end electrically connected to the electrical component and a second cable end spaced apart from the first cable end by a middle section of the electrical cable. A cable intersection is formed in the intermediate section of the electrical cable to limit movement of the electrical cable relative to the electrical component.

Description

Electrical assembly for a human powered vehicle

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to an electrical assembly for a human powered vehicle.

Background

Recently, human powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles) include various electrical components. For example, the power generator is mounted on a human powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) as a power source for electrical equipment. Such a power generator generates power according to rotation of wheels of a human powered vehicle. In some cases, these power generators have a magnet and coil assembly. One of the magnet and the coil assembly rotates according to rotation of the wheel, while the other of the magnet and the coil assembly is stationary. Sometimes, the power generator is provided to the hub of a human powered vehicle.

Disclosure of Invention

In general, the present disclosure is directed to various features of a hub assembly for a human powered vehicle. The term "human powered vehicle" as used herein refers to a vehicle that can be driven by at least human powered driving force, but does not include a vehicle that uses only driving force other than human power. In particular, a vehicle using only an internal combustion engine as a driving force is not included in a human powered vehicle. It is often assumed that human powered vehicles are compact, light weight vehicles, sometimes without the need for a license for driving on public roads. The number of wheels on a human powered vehicle is not limited. Human powered vehicles include, for example, wheelbarrows and vehicles having three or more wheels. Human powered vehicles include, for example, various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, freight bikes, and recumbent bikes, as well as electric assist bikes (E-bike).

In view of the state of the known technology and according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical assembly for a human powered vehicle is provided. The electrical assembly includes an electrical component and an electrical cable. The electrical cable has a first cable end electrically connected to the electrical component and a second cable end spaced apart from the first cable end by a middle section of the electrical cable. A cable intersection is formed in the intermediate section of the electrical cable to limit movement of the electrical cable relative to the electrical component.

With the electrical assembly according to the first aspect, movement of the electrical cable relative to the electrical component is restricted to reduce the likelihood of the electrical cable being disconnected from the electrical component.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical assembly according to the first aspect further comprises a guide portion, and the intermediate section of the electrical cable is wound around the guide portion at least once to hold the intermediate section of the electrical cable against the guide portion.

With the electrical assembly according to the second aspect, the electrical cable can be easily wound on the guide portion to form a cable intersection that restricts movement of the electrical cable relative to the electrical component.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical assembly according to the second aspect is configured such that the intermediate section of the electrical cable includes a winding portion wound around the guide portion, a first intersecting portion, and a second intersecting portion, the first intersecting portion extending beyond the second intersecting portion at an intersection of the intermediate section of the electrical cable.

With the electrical assembly according to the third aspect, the movement of the electrical cable relative to the electrical component is further restricted.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical assembly according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured such that a portion of the intermediate section of the electrical cable extends at least partially in a direction away from the electrical component.

With the electrical assembly according to the fourth aspect, movement of the electrical cable relative to the electrical component will be more easily restricted.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical assembly according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is configured such that the electrical component comprises a housing having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface being located on an opposite side of the electrical component with respect to the first surface.

With the electrical assembly according to the fifth aspect, the housing may be used to more reliably protect portions of the electrical component.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical assembly according to the fifth aspect is configured such that the first cable end of the electrical cable enters the first surface of the housing. The intermediate section of the electrical cable extends partially from the second surface in a direction away from the electrical component. The intermediate section of the electrical cable extends beyond itself to form the cable intersection on the first surface of the housing.

With the electrical assembly according to the sixth aspect, movement of the electrical cable relative to the electrical component will be more easily restricted.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical assembly according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is configured such that the electrical component includes a circuit board, and the first cable end of the electrical cable is electrically connected to the circuit board.

With the electrical component according to the seventh aspect, various information from the electrical component can be received remotely from the circuit board through the cable line.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a hub assembly comprising an electrical assembly according to any one of the first to seventh aspects. The hub assembly includes a hub axle and a hub main body. The hub axle has a first axial end and a second axial end. The hub body is rotatably mounted on the hub axle for rotation about a central axis of rotation of the hub assembly. The electrical component is non-rotatably disposed on the hub axle.

With the hub assembly according to the eighth aspect, the electrical assembly may be provided to a hub of a human powered vehicle.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to the eighth aspect further comprises a guiding portion, and the guiding portion is included in the hub axle.

With the hub assembly according to the ninth aspect, the electric cable wire can be directly wound on the hub axle to form a cable intersection that restricts movement of the electric cable wire relative to the electric component.

According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to the eighth aspect further comprises a guide portion, a spacer disposed between the hub axle and the electrical component in a radial direction with respect to the rotational center axis. The guide portion is included in the spacer.

With the hub assembly according to the tenth aspect, by using the spacer on which the electric cable is wound, the frictional resistance of the cable crossing portion can be reliably set.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to the eighth aspect further comprises a guiding portion, and the guiding portion is included in the electrical component.

With the hub assembly according to the eleventh aspect, the electric cable can be wound on the guide portion before the electric component is mounted to the hub axle.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to the eleventh aspect is configured such that the electrical component includes a housing, and the guide portion is included in the housing.

With the hub assembly according to the twelfth aspect, the electric cable can be wound around the housing before the housing is mounted to the hub axle.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to any one of the eighth to twelfth aspects is configured such that the electrical component includes a housing having a first surface facing the first axial end of the hub axle, a second surface facing the second axial end of the hub axle, and an opening extending from the first surface to the second surface, and the hub axle extends through the opening of the electrical component.

With the hub assembly according to the thirteenth aspect, the electrical components can be easily provided to the hub axle using the housing.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to any one of the eighth to thirteenth aspects is configured such that the hub axle comprises a cable-receiving passage extending axially between the electrical component and the second axial end of the hub axle, and the intermediate section of the electrical cable is at least partially arranged in the cable-receiving passage.

With the hub assembly according to the fourteenth aspect, the hub assembly can be reduced in size in the radial direction and the electric cables can be protected.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to any one of the eighth to fourteenth aspects is configured such that the electrical component includes a circuit board, and the circuit board is arranged perpendicular to the rotational center axis.

With the hub assembly according to the fifteenth aspect, various information about the hub assembly can be obtained using the circuit board, and also the degree of freedom in arranging the components can be increased and compact arrangement of the circuit board is facilitated.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to the fifteenth aspect further comprises at least one capacitor electrically connected to the circuit board.

With the hub assembly according to the sixteenth aspect, power can be supplied to the circuit board when the manual vehicle is stopped.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to any one of the eighth to sixteenth aspects further comprises a power generator provided to the hub main body and configured to generate power by rotation of the hub main body.

With the hub assembly according to the seventeenth aspect, electric power can be generated when the hub main body rotates.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to any one of the eighth to seventeenth aspects further comprises a sprocket support structure rotatably arranged about the rotational central axis to transmit a driving force to the hub body upon rotation about the rotational central axis in a driving rotational direction.

With the hub assembly according to the eighteenth aspect, the sprocket support structure functions as a freewheel to allow the sprocket support structure to stop rotating during coasting.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the hub assembly according to the eighteenth aspect further comprises a detected member arranged on the sprocket support structure and a rotation detection sensor configured to detect the detected member to detect rotation of the sprocket support structure about the rotational center axis.

With the hub assembly according to the nineteenth aspect, rotation of the sprocket support structure can be reliably detected.

Further, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed hub assembly will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the disclosed hub assembly.

Drawings

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a human powered vehicle (i.e., bicycle) equipped with a hub assembly (i.e., bicycle hub assembly) in accordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal elevational view of the hub assembly shown in FIG. 1 attached to the vehicle body of the human powered vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hub assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the hub assembly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, but with selective portions removed to show the bearing spacers;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the hub assembly illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 as seen along section line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first portion of the hub assembly illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a second portion of the hub assembly illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hub assembly illustrated in FIGS. 2-5 with portions of the hub broken away;

FIG. 9 is a first perspective view of an electrical assembly for the hub assembly illustrated in FIGS. 2-5;

FIG. 10 is a second perspective view of the electrical assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a partially exploded perspective view of the electrical assembly shown in FIGS. 9 and 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of selected components of the electrical assembly shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 with the power generator removed;

FIG. 13 is a first end elevational view of selected parts of the electrical assembly of FIG. 12 with the power generator removed;

FIG. 14 is a first end elevational view of selected parts of the electrical assembly illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 15 is a partially exploded perspective view of the electrical components and bearing spacers of the hub assembly illustrated in FIGS. 2-5;

FIG. 16 is an end elevational view of the hub assembly illustrated in FIGS. 2-5 with selected parts;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the electrical component shown in fig. 13-16, with an electrical cord wrapped around the spacer and electrically connected to the electrical component;

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical component illustrated in fig. 13-17 as seen along section line 18-18 in fig. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an electrical component with a modified housing;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical component illustrated in FIG. 19 as seen along section line 20-20 in FIG. 19;

fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical component shown in fig. 19 and 20, similar to fig. 20, with the electrical cable wrapped around a guide portion integrally formed on the housing body of the housing of the electrical component; and

Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical component shown in fig. 13-17, similar to fig. 18, but with the electrical cable directly wound around a pilot portion formed on the hub axle.

Detailed Description

Selected embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. From this disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art of human powered vehicles (e.g., in the bicycle field) that the following description of the embodiments is provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a hub assembly 10 is provided to a human powered vehicle V. In other words, a human powered vehicle V (i.e., bicycle) is illustrated that is equipped with the hub assembly 10 in accordance with the illustrated embodiment. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the hub assembly 10 is a bicycle hub. More specifically, the hub assembly 10 is a bicycle rear hub. Also, here, in the illustrated embodiment, the hub assembly 10 is a hub dynamo (hub dynamo) for providing electrical power to one or more components of the bicycle V. However, the hub assembly 10 is not limited to a hub dynamo. In particular, certain aspects of the hub assembly 10 that do not generate electricity may be provided. Moreover, although the hub assembly 10 is illustrated as a rear hub, certain aspects of the hub assembly 10 may be provided to a front hub. Thus, the hub assembly 10 is not limited to a rear hub.

Here, the bicycle V is an electric assist bicycle (E-bike). Alternatively, the bicycle V may be a road bicycle, an urban bicycle, a cargo bicycle and a recumbent bicycle, or another type of off-road bicycle such as a road off-road bicycle. As shown in fig. 1, the bicycle V includes a vehicle body VB supported by rear wheels RW and front wheels FW. The vehicle body VB basically includes a front frame body FB and a rear frame body RB (swing arm). The vehicle body VB is further provided with a handle bar H and a front fork FF for steering the front wheels FW. The rear frame body RB is swingably mounted to the rear portion of the front frame body FB such that the rear frame body RB can pivot with respect to the front frame body FB. The rear wheel RW is mounted to the rear end of the rear frame body RB. The rear shock absorber RS is operatively disposed between the front frame body FB and the rear frame body RB. The rear shock absorber RS is disposed between the front frame body FB and the rear frame body RB to control movement of the rear frame body RB relative to the front frame body FB. That is, the rear shock absorber RS absorbs shock transmitted from the rear wheel RW. The rear wheel RW is rotatably mounted to the rear frame body RB. The front wheel FW is mounted to the front frame body FB via a front fork FF. That is, the front wheels FW are mounted to the lower ends of the front forks FF. The height adjustable seat post ASP is mounted to the seat tube of the front frame body FB in a conventional manner and supports the bicycle saddle or saddle S in any suitable manner. The front fork FF is pivotally mounted to the head pipe of the front frame body FB. The handlebar H is mounted to the upper end of a steering column or tube of the front fork FF. The front fork FF absorbs shock transmitted from the front wheels FW. Preferably, the rear shock absorber RS and the front fork FF are electrically adjustable suspensions. For example, the stiffness and/or stroke length of the rear shock absorber RS and the front fork FF may be adjusted.

The bicycle V further includes a drive train DT and an electric drive unit DU operatively coupled to the drive train DT. Here, for example, the drive train DT is a chain drive type, which includes a crank C, a front sprocket FS, a plurality of rear sprockets CS, and a chain CN. The crank C includes a crank axle CA1 and a pair of crank arms CA2. The crank axle CA1 is rotatably supported to the front frame body FB via an electric drive unit DU. Crank arms CA2 are disposed on opposite ends of the crank axle CA 1. A pedal PD is rotatably coupled to the distal end of each crank arm CA2. The drive train DT may be selected from any type and may be of the belt drive type or of the shaft drive type.

The electric drive unit DU has an electric motor that supplies a drive assist force to the front sprocket FS. The electric drive unit DU can be actuated to assist in the propulsion of the bicycle V in a conventional manner. The electric drive unit DU is actuated, for example, according to a driving force applied to a person of the pedal PD. The electric drive unit DU is actuated by electric power supplied from a main battery pack BP mounted on the lower tube of the bicycle V. The main battery pack BP may provide power to other vehicle components, such as the rear derailleur RD, the height adjustable seatpost ASP, the rear shock absorber RS, the front fork FF, and any other vehicle component that uses power.

The bicycle V also includes a cycle computer SC. Here, the cycle computer SC is mounted to the front frame body FB. Alternatively, the cycle computer SC may be provided on the handlebar H. The cycle computer SC alerts the rider to various driving and/or operating conditions of the bicycle V. The cycle computer SC can also include various control programs for automatically controlling one or more vehicle components. For example, the cycle computer SC can be provided with an automatic shifting program for changing the gear of the rear derailleur RD based on one or more driving and/or operating conditions of the bicycle V.

Here, the bicycle V further includes a rear derailleur RD attached to the rear frame body RB for moving the chain CN between the rear sprockets CS. Rear derailleur RD is one type of shifting device. Here, the rear derailleur RD is an electric derailleur (i.e., an electric shifting device or an electric transmission device). Here, the rear derailleur RD is disposed on a rear side of the rear frame body RB, adjacent to the hub assembly 10. The rear derailleur RD can be operated when a rider of the bicycle V manually operates the shift operating device or shifter SL. The rear derailleur RD can also be automatically operated based on the driving condition and/or the operating condition of the bicycle V. The bicycle V may also include a plurality of electronic components. Some or all of the electronic components may be supplied with power generated by the hub assembly 10 during the power generation state as discussed herein.

The structure of the hub assembly 10 will now be described with particular reference to fig. 2-8. The hub assembly includes a hub axle 12 and a hub main body 14. The hub axle 12 is configured to be non-rotatably attached to the vehicle body VB. In this embodiment, the hub axle 12 is configured to be non-rotatably attached to the rear frame body RB. The hub main body 14 is rotatably mounted on the hub axle 12 for rotation about a rotational center axis A1 of the hub assembly 10. The hub axle 12 has a central axis coaxial with the rotational central axis A1. The hub main body 14 is rotatably arranged about a rotation center axis A1. In other words, the hub main body 14 is rotatably mounted about the hub axle 12.

As shown in fig. 5 to 7, the hub axle 12 is a rigid member made of a suitable material such as a metallic material. The hub axle 12 has a first axial end 12a and a second axial end 12b. Here, the hub axle 12 is a tubular member. Accordingly, the hub axle 12 has an axial bore 12c extending between the first and second axial ends 12a and 12b. The hub axle 12 may be a one-piece member or made of several pieces. Here, the hub axle 12 is provided with a first end piece or end cover 16 and a second end piece or end cover 18. The first end cap 16 is mounted to a first axial end 12a (left side in fig. 2 to 8) of the hub axle 12, and the second end cap 18 is mounted to a second axial end 12b (right side in fig. 2 to 8) of the hub axle 12. For example, the first end cap 16 is threaded onto the first axial end 12a of the hub axle 12, and the second end cap 18 is secured to the second axial end 12b of the hub axle 12 by a securing bolt 20 that is threaded into the axial bore 12c of the hub axle 12. In this way, the first end cover 16 and the fixing bolt 20 are received in the mounting opening of the rear frame body RB, as shown in fig. 2. Here, the second end cover 18 includes a rotation restricting portion 18a that is also received in one of the mounting openings of the rear frame body RB. The rotation restricting portion 18a is engaged with the rear frame body RB to restrict rotation of the hub axle 12 relative to the rear frame body RB.

Here, as seen in fig. 2 and 5, the hub assembly 10 further includes a wheel retaining mechanism 22 for securing the hub axle 12 of the hub assembly 10 to the rear frame body RB. The wheel retaining mechanism 22 basically includes a shaft or skewer 22a, a cam body 22b, a cam lever 22c and an adjustment nut 22d. The cam lever 22c is attached to one end of the skewer 22a via the cam body 22b, and the adjustment nut 22d is threaded on the other end of the skewer 22a. The lever 22c is attached to the cam main body 22b. The cam body 22b is coupled between the skewer 22a and the cam lever 22c to move the skewer 22a relative to the cam body 22b. Thus, the lever 22c is operated to move the skewer 22a relative to the cam body 22b in the axial direction of the rotational center axis A1, thereby changing the distance between the cam body 22b and the adjustment nut 22d. Preferably, compression springs are provided at each end of the skewer 22a. Alternatively, the hub axle 12 may be non-rotatably attached to the rear frame body RB with other attachment structures as needed and/or desired.

As shown in fig. 1,3 and 4, the hub main body 14 is rotatably mounted around the hub axle 12 to rotate in the driving rotational direction D1. The driving rotation direction D1 corresponds to the forward driving direction of the rear wheels RW. The hub main body 14 is configured to support the rear wheel RW in a conventional manner. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the hub body 14 includes a first outer flange 14a and a second outer flange 14b. The first and second outer flanges 14a, 14b extend radially outwardly from the outer peripheral surface of the hub body 14 relative to the rotational center axis A1, the first and second outer flanges 14a, 14b being configured to receive a plurality of spokes (fig. 1) for attaching a rim (fig. 1) of the rear wheel RW to the hub body 14. In this way, the hub main body 14 and the rear wheel RW are coupled to rotate together.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the hub assembly 10 further includes a first hub body bearing 24. The first hub body bearing 24 rotatably supports the hub body 14. Preferably, the hub assembly 10 further includes a second hub body bearing 26 rotatably supporting one end of the hub body 14. The first hub main body bearing 24 rotatably supports the other end of the hub main body 14 with respect to the rotational center axis A1. The first hub body bearing 24 includes a first inner race 24a, a first outer race 24b and a plurality of first roller elements 24c. The first roller elements 24c are disposed between the first inner race 24a and the first outer race 24 b. The second hub body bearing 26 includes a second inner race 26a, a second outer race 26b and a plurality of second roller elements 26c. The second roller elements 26c are disposed between the second inner race 26a and the second outer race 26 b. The first hub body bearing 24 and the second hub body bearing 26 are radial ball bearings. The radial ball bearing supports forces in a direction perpendicular to the axis. Furthermore, radial roller bearings may be employed instead of radial ball bearings. Radial roller bearings include cylindrical roller bearings and needle roller bearings.

Here, the hub assembly 10 further includes a bearing spacer 28. The bearing spacer 28 is disposed on the hub axle 12 and supports the hub body 14 via the second hub body bearing 26. The bearing spacer 28 supports the second hub body bearing 26. The bearing spacer 28 has an inner peripheral end 28a that is provided to the hub axle 12 and an outer peripheral end 28b that is spaced radially outwardly from the inner peripheral end 28 in a radial direction relative to the rotational center axis A1. The second hub body bearing 26 is disposed at an outer peripheral end 28b of the bearing spacer 28 and rotatably supports the hub body 14. The bearing spacer 28 is non-rotatable relative to the hub axle 12. In particular, as seen in FIG. 4, the inner peripheral end 28a defines a non-circular opening 28a1, with the non-circular opening 28a1 cooperating with a non-circular portion of the hub axle 12 to non-rotatably couple the bearing spacer 28 relative to the hub axle 12. The axial position of the bearing spacer 28 relative to the hub axle 12 can be determined by being sandwiched between a step provided on the hub axle 12 and a nut screwed onto the hub axle 12. Here, the bearing spacer 28 includes an axial opening 28c.

Here, the hub assembly 10 further includes a sprocket support structure 30. In the illustrated embodiment, sprocket support structure 30 supports rear sprocket CS as shown in FIG. 2. The sprocket support structure 30 is rotatably arranged about the rotational center axis A1 to transmit a driving force to the hub main body 14 when rotated about the rotational center axis A1 in a driving rotational direction. As described below, the sprocket support structure 30 does not transmit a driving force to the hub main body 14 when rotated about the rotational center axis A1 in the non-driving rotational direction D2. The non-driving rotation direction D2 is opposite to the driving rotation direction D1 with respect to the rotation center axis A1. The center axis of rotation of the sprocket support structure 30 is arranged concentric with the center axis of rotation A1 of the hub assembly 10.

Although sprocket support structure 30 is configured to non-rotatably support rear sprocket CS, sprocket support structure 30 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, one or more of the rear sprockets CS can be integrally formed with the sprocket support structure 30. In any event, sprocket support structure 30 and rear sprocket CS are coupled together to rotate together in a driven rotational direction D1 and a non-driven rotational direction D2.

The hub assembly 10 further includes a first sprocket support bearing 32 and a second sprocket support bearing 34. The first sprocket support bearing 32 rotatably supports the first end 30a of the sprocket support structure 30. The second sprocket support bearing 34 rotatably supports the second end 30b of the sprocket support structure 30. The outer diameters of the first sprocket support bearing 32 and the second sprocket support bearing 34 are smaller than the outer peripheral end 28b of the bearing spacer 28. The inner diameter of the first sprocket support bearing 32 is greater than the inner diameter of the second sprocket support bearing 34. Accordingly, the first and second sprocket support bearings 32 and 34 can be mounted on the hub axle 12 from the second axial end 12b of the hub axle 12. The first sprocket support bearing 32 includes a first inner race 32a, a first outer race 32b, and a plurality of first roller elements 32c. The first roller elements 32c are disposed between the first inner race 32a and the first outer race 32 b. The second sprocket support bearing 34 includes a second inner race 34a, a second outer race 34b and a plurality of second roller elements 34c. The second roller elements 34c are disposed between the second inner race 34a and the second outer race 34 b. Here, the first sprocket support bearing 32 and the second sprocket support bearing 34 are radial ball bearings. The radial ball bearing supports forces in a direction perpendicular to the axis. Furthermore, radial roller bearings may be employed instead of radial ball bearings. Radial roller bearings include cylindrical roller bearings and needle roller bearings. A tubular spacer element 35 is arranged between the first sprocket support bearing 32 and the second sprocket support bearing 34.

As shown in fig. 5-7, the hub assembly 10 further includes an electrical assembly 36. Thus, the electrical component 36 is provided to the human powered vehicle V. The electrical assembly 36 includes an electrical component 38 and an electrical cable 40. While the electrical component 38 is part of the hub assembly 10, the electrical component 38 may be used with other components of a human powered vehicle. The electrical component 38 has an opening 38a for receiving the hub axle 12 therethrough. Thus, the electrical component 38 is supported on the hub axle 12. As explained later, the electrical component 38 is non-rotatably disposed on the hub axle 12.

Here, the electrical component 38 includes a housing 42. The housing 42 is configured to define an opening 38a of the electrical component 38, the opening 38a receiving the hub axle 12. The housing 42 has a first surface 42a, a second surface 42b, and an opening 38a. The opening 38a extends from the first surface 42a to the second surface 42b. Second surface 42b is located on an opposite side of electrical component 38 relative to first surface 42 a. In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface 42a faces the first axial end 12a of the hub axle 12, while the second surface 42b faces the second axial end 12b of the hub axle 12. Here, the hub axle 12 extends through an opening 38a of the electrical component 38.

Here, the electrical component 38 further includes a spacer 43, the spacer 43 being disposed between the hub axle 12 and the electrical component 38 in a radial direction with respect to the rotational center axis A1. In other words, the hub assembly 10 also includes a spacer 43 that is disposed between the hub axle 12 and the electrical component 38 in a radial direction relative to the rotational center axis A1. The spacer 43 is a tubular support having a cylindrical guide portion 43a and an annular abutment portion 43b. The guide portion 43a is included in the spacer 43. Thus, the electrical assembly 36 also includes a guide portion 43a. Since the hub assembly 10 includes the electrical assembly 36, the hub assembly 10 also includes the pilot portion 43a.

Moreover, the electrical component 38 includes a circuit board 44. Thus, the electrical component 38 also includes a circuit board 44. The electrical component 38 is disposed in the hub body 14. Thus, the circuit board 44 is disposed in the housing 42. Here, the first cable end 40a of the electrical cable 40 is electrically connected to the circuit board 44.

In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 42 includes a housing body 45 and a cover 46. A cover 46 is attached to the housing body 45 for enclosing the circuit board 44 in the housing 42. Here, the cover 46 is bonded to the case body 45 by an adhesive or welding. However, the cover 46 may be attached to the housing body 45 by threaded fasteners, rivets, or the like. Preferably, the housing body 45 and the cover 46 are rigid members made of a suitable material. For example, the case body 45 and the cover 46 are made of a resin material. For example, the housing body 45 and the cover 46 may each be an injection molded member. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing spacer 28 is fixedly attached to the housing 42 by a plurality of threaded fasteners 47. Threaded fasteners 47 are threadedly coupled into the cover 46 of the housing 42.

The housing 42 is non-rotatable relative to the hub axle 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit board 44 is disposed in the housing 42, with the housing 42 being non-rotatable relative to the hub axle 12. The housing 42 is configured to house a circuit board 44 and other types of components. In particular, the housing 42 has an outer peripheral surface defining an interior space 42c, and the circuit board 44 is disposed in the interior space 42 c. The first surface 42a of the housing 42 includes a plurality of key projections (keying protrusion) 42d. As will be described later, the key projection 42d may be provided to engage with a non-rotatable member provided to the hub axle 12 in order to non-rotatably couple the housing 42 to the hub axle 12.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, a cover 46 is coupled to the housing body 45 to protect the circuit board 44 and other components housed in the housing 42. The cover 46 covers the inner space 42c of the housing main body 45. Thus, at least the housing 42, the circuit board 44 and the capacitor 54 may be considered to constitute an electrical unit disposed in the hub body 14. The inner space 42c has a doughnut shape because the hub axle 12 passes through the center region of the housing 42. Thus, the circuit board 44 is non-rotatable relative to the hub axle 12. The circuit board 44 is arranged perpendicular to the rotation center axis A1. The circuit board 44 is part of the electrical component 38.

As shown in fig. 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the circuit board 44 has an arcuate shape. Here, the circuit board 44 has a first circumferential end 44a and a second circumferential end 44b. The circuit board 44 also has at least one arcuate edge that extends at least partially from the first circumferential end 44a to the second circumferential end 44b. Here, the at least one arcuate edge includes at least one of an inner arcuate edge 44c and an outer arcuate edge 44d with respect to the rotational center axis A1. The circuit board 44 also includes an electronic controller 48 disposed on the circuit board 44, the electronic controller 48 being configured to receive a detection signal from a rotation detection sensor 52. The electronic controller 48 includes at least one processor that executes a predetermined control program. The at least one processor may be, for example, a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a Micro Processing Unit (MPU). The term "electronic controller" as used herein refers to hardware executing a software program and excludes humans. Preferably, the circuit board 44 also includes a data storage device (memory) disposed on the circuit board 44. The data storage device (memory) stores various control programs and information for various control processes including power generation control, power storage control, hub rotation detection control, and the like. The data storage device includes any computer storage device or any non-transitory computer readable medium, with the sole exception of a transitory propagating signal. For example, data storage devices include non-volatile memory and volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one of Read Only Memory (ROM), erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), and flash memory. Volatile memory includes, for example, random Access Memory (RAM).

As shown in fig. 8, the hub assembly 10 further includes a detected component 50 coupled to the sprocket support structure 30. In particular, the detected member 50 is fixed to the sprocket support structure 30 such that the detected member 50 and the sprocket support structure 30 rotate together about the hub axle 12. The hub assembly 10 further includes a rotation detection sensor 52 configured to detect the detected member 50 to detect rotation of the sprocket support structure 30 about the rotational central axis A1. The rotation detection sensor 52 is disposed in the hub main body 14. In other words, the rotation detection sensor 52 is configured to detect the detected part 50 provided to the sprocket support structure 30. In particular, the rotation detection sensor 52 is disposed in the inner space 42c of the housing 42. In this way, the rotation detection sensor 52 is non-rotatably mounted to the hub axle 12. Therefore, the rotation detection sensor 52 does not rotate with the hub main body 14. The rotation detection sensor 52 is also part of the electrical component 38. The rotation detection sensor 52 is electrically connected to the circuit board 44. As shown in fig. 7, the rotation detection sensor 52 is disposed in the hub main body 14 at a position spaced radially outwardly from the hub axle 12.

As shown in fig. 4, 8 and 16, the rotation detection sensor 52 is disposed at a position axially aligned in the axial opening 28c of the bearing spacer 28. In this way, the bearing spacer 28 does not interfere with the rotation detection sensor 52 that detects the detected member 50 provided to the sprocket support structure 30. As shown in fig. 8 and 16, the rotation detection sensor 52 is disposed at a position separate from the circuit board 44. In particular, the rotation detection sensor 52 is disposed at a position separated from the circuit board 44 in a direction parallel to the rotation central axis A1. The rotation detection sensor 52 is electrically connected to the circuit board 44.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation detection sensor 52 includes a magnetic sensor, and the detected component 50 includes a magnet. Thus, the magnetic sensor detects the movement of the magnet that rotates with the sprocket support structure 30. In other words, with this arrangement, the rotation detection sensor 52 is configured to detect the detected member 50 to detect the rotation of the sprocket support structure 30 about the rotational center axis A1. The electronic controller 48 is configured to receive a detection signal from the rotation detection sensor 52.

Here, the magnet of the detected part 50 is a ring-shaped member having alternating S-pole sections and N-pole sections. In this way, the rotation detection sensor 52 can detect the rotation amount and the rotation direction of the sprocket support structure 30. However, the detected part 50 is not limited to the illustrated annular member. For example, the detected member 50 may be formed of a single non-annular magnet, or may be formed of two or more magnets circumferentially spaced around the rotation center axis A1. In the case where two or more circumferentially spaced magnets are used, a back yoke may be provided, and the circumferentially spaced magnets may be provided to the back yoke. In this way, circumferentially spaced magnets can be easily installed in the hub 10. The term "sensor" as used herein refers to a hardware device or instrument designed to detect the presence or absence of a particular event, object, substance, or to detect a change in its environment and to signal in response. The term "sensor" as used herein does not include a person.

The hub assembly 10 further includes at least one capacitor 54 electrically connected to the circuit board 44. The at least one capacitor is electrically connected to the at least one conductor. Here, the electrical component 38 includes two capacitors 54. Capacitor 54 is an example of an electrical energy storage for electrical component 38. In other words, the capacitor 54 is also part of the electrical component 38. The capacitor 54 is preferably disposed in the housing 42 of the hub assembly 10. Thus, the capacitor 54 is non-rotatably supported on the hub axle 12 through the housing 42.

Additional conductors electrically connect the rotation detection sensor 52 and the circuit board 44 as described below. Also, here, the electrical component 38 includes a first conductor 56A and a pair of second conductors 56B. The rotation detection sensor 52 is electrically connected to the circuit board 44 through a first conductor 56A. Here, the first conductor 56A is a flexible strip conductor. The first conductor 56A may be a conductive lead. On the other hand, the circuit board 44 is electrically connected to the capacitor 54 through the second conductor 56B. A second conductor 56B extends from one of the first and second circumferential ends 44a, 44B. Here, one of the second conductors 56B extends from the first circumferential end 44a to electrically connect one of the capacitors 54 to the circuit board 44. Another one of the second conductors 56B extends from the second circumferential end 44B to electrically connect the other one of the capacitors 54 to the circuit board 44. Here, the second conductor 56B is a flexible strip conductor. The second conductor 56B may be a conductive lead. The capacitor 54 is provided in the inner space of the housing 42 at a position other than the position on the circuit board 44. The capacitor 54 may be held in the housing 42 with an adhesive or the like. The cover 46 is coupled to the housing body 45 to protect the capacitor 54 disposed within the housing 42.

The circuit board 44 is electrically connected to the rotation detection sensor 52 and the capacitor 54. In this way, the capacitor 54 provides power to the circuit board 44 as well as other electrical components electrically connected to the circuit board 44. For example, the capacitor 54 supplies power to the rotation detection sensor 52. Also, the electronic controller 48 of the circuit board 44 is configured to control the input and output of power from the capacitor 54.

As shown in fig. 5-8, the hub assembly 10 further includes a one-way clutch 58 formed between the hub body 14 and the sprocket support structure 30. The one-way clutch 58 includes a plurality of pawls 58A disposed between the hub main body 14 and the sprocket support structure 30. The one-way clutch 58 also includes a biasing element 58B that couples the pawl 58A to the sprocket support structure 30. The one-way clutch 58 also includes a plurality of ratchet teeth 58C. The ratchet teeth 58C are provided to a fixing ring 58D, the fixing ring 58D being fixed to the hub main body 14. Ratchet teeth 58C are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the fixing ring 58D. The retaining ring 58D is screwed to the hub body 14. The fixing ring 58D is made of a hard material such as metal. The fixing ring 58D abuts against the outer race 26b of the second hub main body bearing 26 in the axial direction with respect to the rotational center axis A1. Opposite sides in the axial direction of the outer race 26b of the second hub body bearing 26 abut against steps formed in the hub body 14. Axial movement of the outer race 26b of the second hub body bearing 26 is limited by the retaining ring 58D and steps formed on the hub body 14. The biasing element 58B biases the pawl 58A into engagement with the ratchet teeth 58C of the retaining ring 58D. The biasing element 58B presses the pawl 54 against the sprocket support structure 30 such that the pawl 54 pivots toward engagement with the ratchet teeth 58C of the retaining ring 58D. The sealing member 58E is provided on the fixing ring 58D. The sealing member 58E is formed in a ring shape. The tongue of the sealing member 58E contacts the outer peripheral surface of the sprocket support 30.

In this way, the sprocket support structure 30 is coupled to the hub main body 14 to rotate together in the driving rotational direction D1 about the rotational center axis A1. Moreover, with the sprocket support structure 30 rotated in the non-driven rotational direction D2, the ratchet teeth 58C of the sprocket support structure 18 push the pawl 58A and pivot the pawl 58A to a retracted position against the sprocket support structure 30. Thus, the sprocket support structure 30 is configured to rotate in a non-driven rotational direction D2 about the rotational center axis A1 relative to the hub body 14. In this way, the sprocket support structure 30 and the one-way clutch 58 form a freewheel commonly used with bicycles. Since the basic operation of the flywheel is relatively conventional, the flywheel will not be discussed or illustrated in further detail.

As shown in fig. 5-8 and 10-12, the hub assembly 10 includes a power generator 60. Thus, the power generator 60 is provided to the human powered vehicle V. The power generator 60 is considered herein to be part of the electrical assembly 36. In other words, the electrical assembly 36 includes the electrical power generator 60.

The power generator 60 is provided to the hub main body 14, and is configured to generate electric power by rotation of the hub main body 14. More specifically, the power generator 60 is disposed to the hub body 14 between the hub axle 12 and a central portion of the hub body 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the hub body 14 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 12 for rotation about a central axis of rotation A1 of the power generator 60. The power generator 60 is configured to generate electrical power through rotation of the hub main body 14 relative to the hub axle 12. The electronic controller 48 of the circuit board 44 is electrically connected to the power generator 60 to control the power output of the power generator 60. Thus, the electrical power generated by the power generator 60 can be stored and/or directly supplied to other components, such as the rotation detection sensor 52, the rear derailleur RD, and the like.

Although the power generator 60 is shown and described as being part of the hub assembly 10, the power generator 60 may be applied to different components of a human powered vehicle V. Generally, the power generator 60 includes a shaft, a stator, and a rotor. Accordingly, the following description of the power generator 60 is not limited to use as a component of a hub assembly. Rather, the following description of the power generator 60 may be applicable to other components of the human powered vehicle V for generating electricity.

In the illustrated embodiment, the power generator 60 further includes a stator 62 and a rotor 64. The stator 62 is non-rotatable relative to the hub axle 12. On the other hand, the rotor 64 is rotatably mounted on the hub axle 12 to rotate about the rotational center axis A1 of the power generator 60. In particular, the rotor 64 is provided to the hub main body 14 so as to rotate together with the hub main body 14. Accordingly, when the hub main body 14 rotates relative to the hub axle 12, the rotor 64 rotates relative to the stator 62 to generate electricity. That is, induced electromotive force is generated on the stator 62 by the rotation of the rotor 64, and current flows out of the stator 62 of the power generator 60. As shown in fig. 6 and 9 to 12, the current from the stator 62 is supplied to the electric component 38 via a pair of electric wires W1 and W2. The wires W1 and W2 are electrically connected to the circuit board 44. Here, the wires W1 and W2 extend through openings in the end wall portion of the housing 42 and then pass through the power generator 60. As shown in fig. 9, the wires W1 and W2 are electrically connected to the circuit board 44. As shown in fig. 11 and 12, the stator 62 has a pair of electric wires W3 and W4. The wire W3 is electrically connected to the wire W1, and the wire W4 is electrically connected to the wire W2.

As shown in fig. 6, 7 and 10 and fig. 11, the stator 62 has a first axial stator end 68A facing the first axial end 12a of the shaft 12 with respect to the rotation center axis A1 and a second axial stator end 68B facing the second axial end 12B of the shaft 12 with respect to the rotation center axis A1. Here, the stator 62 includes an armature disposed on the shaft 12. The armature of the stator 62 includes a winding coil 62A and a bobbin 62B.

The winding coil 62A is wound on a bobbin 62B for supporting the winding coil 62A. The winding coil 62A is made of a conductive metal wire, such as a copper wire or an aluminum alloy wire. The wires W3 and W4 are electrically connected to both ends of the winding coil 62A. The electric wire W3 is electrically connected to the electric wire W1 through the first electrical connector EC 1. The electric wire W4 is electrically connected to the electric wire W2 through the second electrical connector EC 2. In this way, the electric power generated in the winding coil 62A is transmitted to the circuit board 44 of the electric component 38 via the electric wires W1, W2, W3, and W4. The circuit board 44 then conditions the power received from the winding coil 62A to selectively store the power in the capacitor 54 and/or to selectively transmit the power to the exterior of the hub assembly 10 via the electrical cable 40, as described below.

The spool 62B is non-rotatably coupled to the hub axle 12. The bobbin 62B has a cylindrical trunk portion, a first flange portion, and a second flange portion. The cylindrical torso portion has an outer periphery around which the winding coil 62A is wound. The first flange portion and the second flange portion are formed on both axial ends of the cylindrical trunk portion.

In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 42 is disposed between the sprocket support structure 30 and the stator 62. The first surface 42a faces the second axial stator end 68B of the stator 62. The first surface 42a is formed by the outer surface of the end wall portion of the housing 42. Preferably, the housing 42 is disposed adjacent the stator 62 at the second axial stator end 68B of the stator 62 in an axial direction relative to the rotational central axis A1.

Here, the circuit board 44 is disposed adjacent to the stator 62 in the axial direction with respect to the rotation center axis A1 at the second axial stator end 68B of the stator 62. The wires W1 and W2 are connected to the circuit board 44. In particular, the circuit board 44 has a first axially facing surface 44e facing the stator 62 and a second axially facing surface 44f facing away from the stator 62. Here, the wires W1 and W2 are electrically connected to the second axial facing surface 44f of the circuit board 44.

The armature of the stator 62 further includes a plurality of first yokes 62C and a plurality of second yokes 62D. The first yoke 62C is arranged in the circumferential direction of the hub axle 12. Similarly, the second yokes 62D are arranged in the circumferential direction of the hub axle 12, and alternate with the first yokes 62C. The winding coil 62A is located between the first yoke 62C and the second yoke 62D in the axial direction of the hub axle 12. Here, the first and second yokes 62C and 62D are fitted to the grooves of the bobbin 62B such that the first and second yokes 62C and 62D alternate in the circumferential direction about the rotation center axis A1. The first and second yokes 62C and 62D may be attached to the bobbin 62B by, for example, an adhesive.

Each of the first yokes 62C may be a laminated yoke composed of a plurality of laminated members or may be a single piece. In the case of laminated yokes, the laminated pieces of the first yoke 62C are laminated together in the circumferential direction about the rotation center axis A1. The laminated member of the first yoke 62C is made of, for example, a silicon steel sheet (more specifically, a non-oriented silicon steel sheet) having an oxide film formed on the surface. The laminated piece of the first yoke 62C is an example of a plate-like member.

Similarly, the second yoke 62D may be a laminated yoke composed of a plurality of laminated pieces or may be a single piece. In the case of laminated yokes, the laminated pieces of the second yoke 62D are laminated together in the circumferential direction about the rotation center axis A1. The laminate of the second yoke 62D is made of, for example, a silicon steel sheet (more specifically, a non-oriented silicon steel sheet) having an oxide film formed on the surface. The laminated piece of the second yoke 62D is an example of a plate-like member.

The rotor 64 includes at least one magnet. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotor 64 includes a plurality of first magnet members 64A and a plurality of second magnet members 64B disposed within a tubular support 64C. The tubular support 64C is fixedly coupled to the interior of the hub body 14 such that the magnet 64 and the hub body 14 rotate together about the hub axle 12. The tubular support 64C has a function of a back yoke. The back yoke is a member having a high magnetic permeability, which is arranged on the opposite side of the magnetized surface. By using a back yoke, a high magnetic field generation can be obtained. The tubular support 64C may be omitted. Alternatively, the hub body 14 may have magnets 64 such that the hub body 14 partially forms the power generator 60. The first and second magnet members 64A and 64B are arranged such that the S-poles and N-poles of the first and second magnet members 64A and 64B are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the hub axle 12. Accordingly, in the axial direction of the hub axle 12, the S-pole of the first magnet part 64A is not aligned with the S-pole of the second magnet part 64B, and the N-pole of the first magnet part 64A is not aligned with the N-pole of the second magnet part 64B.

As described above, the winding coil 62A is shown fixed relative to the hub axle 12, and the magnet 64 is shown fixed relative to the hub main body 14. Alternatively, the winding coil 62A may be fixed relative to the hub main body 14, and the magnet 64 may be fixed relative to the hub axle 12.

As shown in fig. 6 and 10-12, the wires W1 and W2 are electrically connected to the stator 62 on the first axial stator end 68A of the stator 62. Wires W1 and W2 extend axially through the armature of stator 62. More specifically, the electric wires W1 and W2 extend axially between the first yoke 62C and the second yoke 62D of the stator 62. Thus, the wires W1 and W2 extend axially through the armature 62 at points radially outward of the winding coil 62A.

The cable 40 is electrically connected to the circuit board 44 and extends from the hub body 14. In this way, the cable 40 is electrically connected to the power generator 60 via the circuit board 44. The other end of the cable 40 is electrically connected to another electrical component of the human powered vehicle V, such as the rear derailleur RD, the battery pack BP, or an electrical connector. As such, cable 40 may provide power generated by hub assembly 10 to rear derailleur RD, battery pack BP, or another electrical component. Cable 40 can also be used to transmit signals from electronic controller 48 of circuit board 44 to rear derailleur RD or another electrical component using Power Line Communication (PLC).

As shown in fig. 5, the cable 40 enters the hub assembly 10 through the opening 18b of the end cap 18. The cable 40 then extends axially along the hub axle 12 and through the bearing spacer 28. Cable 40 enters housing 42 of electrical component 38 through cover 46. Within a housing 42 of the electrical component 38, the electrical cable 40 is electrically connected to a circuit board 44. Preferably, as in the illustrated embodiment, the electrical cable 40 is disposed in an axially extending recess or groove 12d of the hub axle 12. Thus, the groove 12d constitutes a cable receiving channel. The axially extending recess or groove 12d extends at least from the second axial end 12b into the housing 42 of the electrical component 38. As such, the hub axle 12 includes a cable-receiving channel that extends axially between the electrical component 38 and the second axial end 12b of the hub axle 12. Here, the recess 12d extends from the second axial end 12b past the power generator 60.

Referring now to fig. 14, 15, 17 and 18, the electrical cable 40 has a first cable end 40a and a second cable end 40b. The first cable end 40a is electrically connected to the electrical component 38. Here, the first cable end 40a of the electrical cable 40 enters the first surface 42a of the housing 42. The second cable end 40b is spaced apart from the first cable end 40a by a middle section 40c of the electrical cable 40.

The intermediate section 40c of the cable 40 is wound at least once around the guide portion 43a to hold the intermediate section 40c of the cable 40 against the guide portion 43a. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate section 40c is wrapped around the guide portion 43a only once, the intermediate section 40c may be wrapped around the guide portion 43a two or more times as needed and/or desired. A cable crossover 70 is formed in the intermediate section 40c of the cable 40 to limit movement of the cable 40 relative to the electrical component 38. That is, here, the intermediate section 40c of the cable 40 extends beyond itself to form a cable intersection 70 on the first surface 42a of the housing 42. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the intermediate section 40c of the cable 40 extends at least partially in a direction away from the electrical component 38. That is, the intermediate section 40c of the cable 40 extends partially from the second surface 42b in a direction away from the electrical component 38. Since the groove 12d (cable receiving channel) extends from the second axial end 12b to the interior of the housing 42 of the electrical component 38, the intermediate section 40c of the electrical cable 40 may be at least partially disposed in the groove 12 d. In other words, the intermediate section 40c of the electrical cable 40 is at least partially disposed in the cable-receiving channel.

Preferably, as shown in fig. 17, the intermediate section 40c of the cable 40 includes a winding portion 40c1 wound around the guide portion 43a, a first intersecting portion 40c2, and a second intersecting portion 40c3. The first intersection portion 40c2 extends beyond the second intersection portion 40c3 at the intersection point PT of the intermediate section 40c of the cable 40.

The hub assembly 10 further includes two fixed plates 76 and 78, the fixed plates 76 and 78 being disposed on the hub axle 12 for non-rotatably coupling the stator 62 of the power generator 60 to the hub axle 12. The mounting plates 76 and 78 are disposed on opposite axial ends of the power generator 60. The fixing plates 76 and 78 have plate shapes. The fixing plate 76 includes a plurality of protrusions 76a, and the fixing plate 78 includes a plurality of protrusions 78a. One of the protrusions 76a of the fixing plate 76 is disposed in the recess 12d of the hub axle 12. Similarly, one of the protrusions 78a of the fixing plate 78 is disposed in the recess 12d of the hub axle 12. The other ones of the projections 76a and 78a are disposed in the other two axially extending grooves 12e of the hub axle 12. By inserting the protrusions 76a and 78a into these grooves 12d and 12e of the hub axle 12, the fixing plates 76 and 78 do not rotate relative to the hub axle 12. The stator 62 of the power generator 60 does not rotate relative to the hub axle 12 by the engagement of the stator 62 with the protrusions 76b protruding from the axially facing surfaces of the fixed plate 76 and the protrusions 78b protruding from the axially facing surfaces of the fixed plate 78. The fixing plates 76 and 78 are arranged to sandwich the stator cutout 62 of the power generator 60 from both sides in the axial direction of the stator 62 of the power generator 60. Alternatively, the rotation of the fixing plates 76 and 78 relative to the hub axle 12 can also be inhibited by providing D-shaped cutouts that mate with corresponding outer surfaces of the hub axle 12. Optionally, one of the pair of securing plates 76 and 78 may be omitted.

Also, the housing 42 may be non-rotatably coupled to one of the fixing plates 78 to inhibit rotation of the housing 42 relative to the hub axle 12. For example, the key protrusion 42d of the housing 42 is configured to engage the opening 78c of the fixing plate 78, and the fixing plate 78 is keyed to the recess 12d of the hub axle 12. The fixing plate 78 includes a plurality of openings 78c corresponding to the key projections 42 d. In this way, the housing 42 is prevented from rotating relative to the hub axle 12. Alternatively, the housing 42 may be attached to the bearing spacer 28 with the bearing spacer 28 non-rotatably coupled to the hub axle 12. The nut 80 is threaded onto the hub axle 12 for retaining the stator 64 and the housing 42 on the hub axle 12.

Referring now to fig. 19-21, an electrical component 138 that may be used in the hub assembly 10 is illustrated. In particular, the electrical components 38 of the hub assembly 10 may be replaced with the electrical components 138. Here, the electrical component 138 includes a modified housing 142 having a housing body 145 and a cover 146. The electrical component 138 is identical to the electrical component 38, except that the leading portion 43a of the spacer 43 has been integrated into the electrical component 138. More specifically, the guide portion 145a is included in the electrical component 38. Here, the guide portion 145a is included in the housing 42. The guide portion 145a is manufactured as a separate component and may be attached to the housing 142 as part of the housing 142. The guide portion 145a may be integrally manufactured with the housing body 145 or the cover 146. The housing body 145 and the guide portion 145a may be formed as an integral one-piece member. However, the guide portion 145a may be integrally formed as a part of the cover 146. The cover 146 and the guide portion 145a may be formed as an integral, one-piece member. In any event, the guide portion 145a is configured such that the intermediate section 40c of the cable 40 is wrapped around the guide portion 145a at least once to hold the intermediate section 40c of the cable 40 against the guide portion 145a. The guide portion 145a forms an opening 138a for receiving the hub axle 12. Accordingly, the guide portion 145a is also configured to receive the hub axle 12 therethrough. Since the electrical component 138 differs from the electrical component 38 only in having a guide portion 145a integral therewith, the electrical component 138 will not be discussed in more detail. In addition, other parts of the electrical component 138 that are identical to those of the electrical component 38 will be given the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 22, a hub axle 212 that can be used with the hub assembly 10 is illustrated in place of the hub axle 12 and the spacer 43. As a result, the electric cable 40 is directly wound on the outer peripheral surface of the hub axle 212 without using the spacer 43 or the guide portion 145a. In particular, here, the hub axle 212 is identical to the hub axle 12, except that the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the hub axle 212 has been increased to directly support the electrical components 38 without using the spacers 43. In other words, here, the guide portion 243 is included in the hub axle 212. The guide portion 243 is configured such that the intermediate section 40c of the cable 40 is wound around the guide portion 243 at least once to hold the intermediate section 40c of the cable 40 against the guide portion 243. In this way, the electric cable 40 is directly wound around the guide portion 243 formed on the hub axle 212.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, "including", "having" and their derivatives. Moreover, unless otherwise indicated, the terms "component," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single component or a plurality of components.

As used herein, the following directional terms "frame-facing side", "non-frame-facing side", "forward", "rearward", "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical" and "transverse" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a human powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) in an upright riding position and equipped with a hub assembly. Accordingly, these directional terms used to describe the hub should be interpreted relative to a human powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and equipped with the hub assembly. The terms "left" and "right" are used to refer to "right" that is referenced from the right side when viewed from the rear of a human powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle), and "left" that is referenced from the left side when viewed from the rear of a human powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle).

The phrase "at least one of … …" as used in this disclosure refers to "one or more" of the desired choices. As one example, the phrase "at least one of … …" as used in this disclosure refers to "only one single choice" or "two of two choices" if the number of choices is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one of … …" as used in the present invention refers to "only one single choice" or "any combination of two or more choices" if the number of choices is equal to or greater than three. Also, the term "and/or" as used in this disclosure refers to either or both of "… ….

Moreover, it will be understood that, although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, for example, a first element discussed above could be termed a second element, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

The term "attached" or "attached" as used herein encompasses the following configurations: directly securing an element to another element by attaching the element directly to the other element; indirectly securing an element to another element by attaching the element to intermediate member(s), which in turn is attached to the other element; and one element being integral with another element, i.e. one element being essentially part of the other element. The definition also applies to words of similar import, such as "connected," "coupled," "mounted," "joined," "secured," and derivatives thereof. Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a degree of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components may be changed as needed and/or desired, provided that such changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, components shown directly connected or contacting each other may have intermediate structures disposed between them, so long as such changes do not substantially affect their intended function. The functions of one element may be performed by two, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified. The structures and functions of one embodiment may be employed in another embodiment. All advantages do not have to be present in one particular embodiment at the same time. Each feature, alone or in combination with other features, which is unique from the prior art, should also be considered a separate description of further inventions by applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Accordingly, the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present invention is provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (17)

1. A hub assembly for a human powered vehicle, the hub assembly comprising:

an electrical assembly, the electrical assembly comprising:

An electrical component; and

An electrical cable having a first cable end electrically connected to the electrical component and a second cable end spaced from the first cable end by a mid-section of the electrical cable,

A cable crossover formed in the intermediate section of the electrical cable to limit movement of the electrical cable relative to the electrical component;

A hub axle having a first axial end and a second axial end;

a hub body rotatably mounted on the hub axle for rotation about a central axis of rotation of the hub assembly; and

A guide portion, wherein,

The intermediate section of the cable wire is wound at least once around the guide portion to hold the intermediate section of the cable wire against the guide portion, and

The electrical component is non-rotatably disposed on the hub axle.

2. The hub assembly of claim 1, wherein,

The intermediate section of the cable line includes a winding portion wound around the guide portion, a first intersecting portion and a second intersecting portion, the first intersecting portion extending beyond the second intersecting portion at an intersection of the intermediate section of the cable line.

3. The hub assembly of claim 1, wherein,

A portion of the intermediate section of the electrical cable extends at least partially in a direction away from the electrical component.

4. The hub assembly of claim 1, wherein,

The electrical component includes a housing having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface being located on an opposite side of the electrical component relative to the first surface.

5. The hub assembly of claim 4, wherein,

The first cable end of the electrical cable enters the first surface of the housing,

The intermediate section of the electrical cable extends partially from the second surface in a direction away from the electrical component, and the intermediate section of the electrical cable extends beyond itself to form the cable intersection on the first surface of the housing.

6. The hub assembly of claim 1, wherein,

The electrical component includes a circuit board, and

The first cable end of the electrical cable is electrically connected to the circuit board.

7. The hub assembly of claim 1, wherein

The guide portion is included in the hub axle.

8. The hub assembly of claim 1, further comprising

A spacer disposed between the hub shaft and the electrical component in a radial direction with respect to the rotational center axis, wherein,

The guide portion is included in the spacer.

9. The hub assembly of claim 1, wherein

The guide portion is included in the electrical component.

10. The hub assembly of claim 9, wherein,

The electrical component includes a housing, and

The guide portion is included in the housing.

11. The hub assembly of claim 1, wherein,

The electrical component includes a housing having a first surface facing the first axial end of the hub axle, a second surface facing the second axial end of the hub axle, and an opening extending from the first surface to the second surface, and

The hub axle extends through the opening of the electrical component.

12. The hub assembly of claim 1, wherein,

The hub axle includes a cable-receiving channel extending axially between the electrical component and the second axial end of the hub axle, and

The intermediate section of the electrical cable is at least partially disposed in the cable-receiving channel.

13. The hub assembly of claim 1, wherein,

The electrical component includes a circuit board, and

The circuit board is arranged perpendicular to the rotational center axis.

14. The hub assembly of claim 13, further comprising

At least one capacitor electrically connected to the circuit board.

15. The hub assembly of claim 1, further comprising

A power generator provided to the hub main body and configured to generate power by rotation of the hub main body.

16. The hub assembly of claim 1, further comprising

A sprocket support structure rotatably arranged about the rotational center axis to transmit a driving force to the hub main body when rotated about the rotational center axis in a driving rotational direction.

17. The hub assembly of claim 16, further comprising

A detected part arranged on the sprocket support structure, and

A rotation detection sensor configured to detect the detected member to detect rotation of the sprocket support structure about the rotational center axis.