JP7285462B2 - Motor unit and electric bicycle provided with the same - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a motor unit and an electric bicycle having the same.

Patent Literature 1 describes a conventional electric bicycle. The electric bicycle described in Patent Literature 1 includes a motor drive unit (motor unit). The motor drive unit includes a unit case (housing), a motor, an interlocking body (output body), and a reduction gear for transmitting the output of the motor to the interlocking body. The output shaft of the motor is inside the unit case, and the reduction gear meshing with the output shaft is also inside the unit case. A drive sprocket is attached to the interlocking body, and can output an assist force to the rear wheels.

The electric bicycle described in Patent Literature 1 is provided with a lock such as a bar that mechanically prevents rotation of the wheel for theft prevention. The lock is attached to the frame of the electric bicycle.

WO2014/184826

However, the electric bicycle disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot prevent the electric bicycle from being stolen when the lock is removed from the frame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a motor unit and an electric bicycle including the same that can mechanically limit the operation of the motor unit to prevent the electric bicycle from being stolen.

A motor unit according to one aspect of the present invention is a motor unit for an electric bicycle that is attached to a bicycle, and includes a housing, a motor, an output body, a speed reduction mechanism accommodated in the housing, and a contact body switching mechanism. , provided. At least part of the output shaft of the motor is positioned inside the housing. The output body outputs power output from the output shaft to the outside of the housing. The deceleration mechanism decelerates the rotation speed of the output of the motor in a motor drive system transmission path from the output shaft to the output body. The contact body switching mechanism is configured to switch between a contact position in contact with a predetermined position of the output body and a moving body that moves by receiving the force output from the output body and a non-contact position away from the predetermined position. It has a contact that can be switched between, and switching said contact to said contact position exerts an impeding force on said output.

An electric bicycle according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of wheels, and the motor unit that outputs rotational power to at least one of the plurality of wheels.

The motor unit and the electric bicycle according to the above aspects of the present invention have the advantage of being able to mechanically limit the operation of the motor unit and prevent the electric bicycle from being stolen.

FIG. 1 is an overall view of an electric bicycle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the same motor unit. FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view around the crankshaft of the motor unit of the same. 4A and 4B are perspective views explaining the operation of the contact body switching mechanism of the same. FIG. 5A is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the contact body is in the contact position in the contact body switching mechanism; FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 5A. FIG. 6A is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the contact body is in the non-contact position in the contact body switching mechanism; FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 6A. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 6A. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the crankshaft periphery of the motor unit according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 9A is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the contact body is in the contact position in the contact body switching mechanism; FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 9A. FIG. 10A is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the contact body is in the non-contact position in the contact body switching mechanism; FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 10A. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a motor unit according to Modification 2. FIG. FIG. 12A is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the contact body is in the contact position in the contact body switching mechanism; FIG. 12B is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the contact body is in the non-contact position in the contact body switching mechanism; FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a contact switching mechanism in which the contact is at the contact position in the motor unit according to Modification 3. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a motor unit according to Modification 4. FIG. FIG. 15A is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the contact body is in the contact position in the contact body switching mechanism; FIG. 15B is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the contact body is in the non-contact position in the contact body switching mechanism; FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of a contact body switching mechanism in which the contact body is in the contact position in the motor unit according to Modification 5. As shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the motor unit according to Modification 6 when the contact body of the contact body switching mechanism is at the contact position. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the motor unit in which the contact body of the contact body switching mechanism is in the non-contact position.

(1) Embodiment (1.1) Outline As shown in FIG. 1, a motor unit 2 according to the present embodiment is a motor unit 2 for an electric bicycle 1 attached to a bicycle. The motor unit 2 includes a housing 21, a motor 36, an output member 33, a reduction mechanism 41, and a contact member switching mechanism 5, as shown in FIG.

At least part of the output shaft 39 of the motor 36 is located inside the housing 21 . The output body 33 outputs the power output from the output shaft 39 to the outside of the housing 21 . The reduction mechanism 41 is housed in the housing 21 and reduces the rotation speed of the output of the motor 36 in the motor drive system transmission path. Here, the motor drive system transmission path means a power transmission path from the output shaft 39 to the output body 33 .

The contact body switching mechanism 5 has a contact body 51 as shown in FIG. The contact body 51 has a contact position and a non-contact position where the contact body 51 is in contact with a predetermined position X1 of any one of the moving body, the output body 33, and the deceleration mechanism 41 that receives the force output from the output body 33, and the deceleration mechanism 41. You can switch between The contact position is, for example, the position of the contact body 51 shown in FIG. 5B. The non-contact position is, for example, the position of the contact body 51 shown in FIG. 6B. The contact body switching mechanism 5 is configured to exert a force that hinders the movement of the output body 33 when the contact body 51 is switched to the contact position.

Therefore, according to the motor unit 2 according to the present embodiment, when the contact member 51 is switched to the contact position, a force that hinders the movement is exerted on the output member 33, so that the power of the motor 36 is transferred from the housing 21. cannot output. Therefore, according to this aspect, if the contact body 51 is switched to the contact position, the motor unit 2 cannot be used normally. In short, according to the motor unit 2 according to the present embodiment, the operation of the motor unit can be mechanically restricted, and an effect of suppressing theft of the electric bicycle 1 can be expected.

(1.2) Details The electric bicycle 1 and the motor unit 2 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the running surface 100 is assumed to be a horizontal surface. However, actually, the running surface 100 does not have to be a horizontal surface, and may be inclined with respect to the horizontal surface, or may be an uneven surface. In the present disclosure, the direction in which the electric bicycle 1 travels is sometimes referred to as the "forward direction", the opposite direction to the forward direction is referred to as the "rearward direction", and the forward direction and the rearward direction are collectively referred to as the "front-rear direction". In addition, two directions perpendicular to the front-rear direction and opposite to each other along the horizontal plane are defined as “left-right directions”.

However, these directional definitions are not meant to limit the manner in which the electric bicycle 1 and the motor unit 2 are used. In addition, the arrows indicating each direction in the drawings are only shown for explanation and are not substantial.

(1.2.1) Overall Configuration The electric bicycle 1 is a bicycle capable of traveling on a running surface 100 by power output from a motor 36 (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the electric bicycle 1 is a bicycle to which a motor unit 2 is attached as shown in FIG.

A “electrically assisted bicycle” as used in the present disclosure means a bicycle having a motor unit 2 that compensates for the driver's stepping force (hereinafter referred to as “pedaling force”) with drive assistance output. Therefore, the term "power-assisted bicycle" as used in the present disclosure includes not only legally stipulated electrically power-assisted bicycles, but also bicycles having motor units 2 that do not belong to legally statutory electrically-assisted bicycles.

In this embodiment, the electric bicycle 1 is an electrically assisted bicycle as described above. However, in the present disclosure, a bicycle in which a drive system (human-powered drive system) that applies power to the wheels by pedaling force and a drive system (motor drive system) that applies power to the wheels by the motor 36 are independent of each other (a bicycle that can run only with the motor 36) possible bicycles). In short, the electric bicycle 1 according to the present disclosure may be an electrically assisted bicycle, or may be a bicycle capable of traveling only by the power output from the motor 36.

The electric bicycle 1, as shown in FIG. A transmission body 8 , a battery 9 and a motor unit 2 are provided. A "bicycle" as used in the present disclosure means a vehicle body that can run without assistance from an auxiliary drive output. A “bicycle” is composed of a front fork 6 , a handle 64 , a plurality of wheels 65 and 66 , a frame 7 , a saddle 91 , a pair of crank arms 92 , a pair of pedals 93 and a power transmission body 8 . Therefore, the electric bicycle 1 is configured by attaching at least the motor unit 2 to the bicycle, and in this embodiment, the battery 9 is also attached.

A plurality of wheels 65 and 66 are members that support the frame 7 on the running surface 100 . The electric bicycle 1 includes at least one front wheel 65 and at least one rear wheel 66 as the plurality of wheels 65 and 66 . The electric bicycle 1 according to this embodiment includes one front wheel 65 and one rear wheel 66, but the electric bicycle 1 according to the present disclosure includes one front wheel 65 and two rear wheels 66, or two It may be a tricycle with a front wheel 65 and one rear wheel 66 . Also, the electric bicycle 1 according to the present disclosure may be a four-wheeled bicycle with two front wheels 65 and two rear wheels 66 . Each of the plurality of wheels 65, 66 according to this embodiment has hubs 661, 651 at the center.

The front fork 6 supports a front wheel 65. - 特許庁The front fork 6 includes a pair of legs 61 , a crown 62 connecting upper ends of the pair of legs 61 , and a steering column 63 projecting from the crown 62 . A front wheel 65 is rotatably attached to the pair of legs 61 via a shaft passed through a hub 651 . The rotation axis of the front wheel 65 is substantially parallel to the left-right direction and coincides with the central axis of the shaft that supports the front wheel 65 . The projecting direction (longitudinal direction) of the steering column 63 extends rearward as it goes upward from the crown 62 and is inclined with respect to the running surface 100 .

A handle 64 is attached to the upper end of the steering column 63 and fixed to the front fork 6 . The steering column 63 is rotatably attached to the frame 7 through a head pipe 71 of the frame 7, which will be described later. The rotation axis of the steering column 63 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the steering column 63 . Therefore, the handle 64 can rotate the front wheel 65 with the axis along the longitudinal direction of the steering column 63 as the rotation axis.

The frame 7 is a framework to which a plurality of wheels 65, 66, front fork 6, handle 64, saddle 91, battery 9 and motor unit 2 are attached. The frame 7 is made of an aluminum alloy containing aluminum as a main component in this embodiment. However, in the present disclosure, the frame 7 is not limited to an aluminum alloy, and may be made of, for example, iron, chromium molybdenum steel, high-tensile steel, titanium, magnesium, or the like. In addition, the frame 7 according to the present disclosure is not limited to metal, and may be made of carbon, wood, bamboo, fiber reinforced synthetic resin (for example, CFRP: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics), or the like.

The frame 7 according to the present embodiment includes a head pipe 71, an upper pipe 72, a lower pipe 74, a standing pipe 75, a plurality of (here, two) seat stays 76, a plurality of (here, two) chain stays 77 and brackets. 78. As used in this disclosure, "pipe" means an elongated hollow member. The cross-sectional shape of the pipe according to the present disclosure may be, for example, circular (including perfect circles, ovals, and ellipses), rectangular (including square), hexagonal, octagonal, and the like.

The head pipe 71 is a pipe that supports the front fork 6 . The central axis of the head pipe 71 is inclined with respect to the running surface 100 so as to go rearward as it goes upward. The steering column 63 is passed through the head pipe 71 so that the central axis of the head pipe 71 and the central axis of the steering column 63 are aligned. This allows the head pipe 71 to rotatably support the steering column 63 . The rotation axis of the steering column 63 is the same as the central axis of the head pipe 71 in this embodiment.

The upper pipe 72 connects the head pipe 71 and the standing pipe 75 . A longitudinal front end of the upper pipe 72 is connected to the head pipe 71 . A longitudinal rear end of the upper pipe 72 is connected to a standing pipe 75 . In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the upper pipe 72 is inclined with respect to the running surface 100 so as to go downward as it goes rearward. However, in the present disclosure, the upper pipe 72 does not have to be tilted with respect to the running surface 100 . Also, the electric bicycle 1 according to the present disclosure may not include the upper pipe 72 .

The electric bicycle 1 according to this embodiment includes a reinforcing pipe 73 for reinforcing the connecting portion between the standing pipe 75 and the upper pipe 72 . The reinforcing pipe 73 connects the standing pipe 75 and the upper pipe 72 . In addition, in the present disclosure, the electric bicycle 1 does not have to include the reinforcing pipe 73 .

The standing pipe 75 holds the saddle 91 . A lower longitudinal end of the standing pipe 75 is connected to a bracket 78 . The central axis of the standing pipe 75 is inclined with respect to the running surface 100 so as to go rearward as it goes upward from the lower end. The longitudinal rear end of the upper pipe 72 is connected to the intermediate portion of the vertical pipe 75 . The term "intermediate portion of the standing pipe 75" used herein means a portion of the standing pipe 75 in the longitudinal direction excluding the lower end and the upper end. However, in the present disclosure, the upper pipe 72 may be connected to the upper end of the standing pipe 75 .

A seat pillar 910 is passed through the standing pipe 75 along the central axis of the standing pipe 75 . Here, seat pillar 910 is included in saddle 91 . The seat pillar 910 protrudes downward from a portion of the saddle 91 on which the driver sits. In this embodiment, the seat pillar 910 is inclined with respect to the running surface 100 so as to go forward as it goes downward. The seat pillar 910 is attached to the vertical pipe 75 so as to be movable along the central axis of the vertical pipe 75 .

A lower pipe 74 connects the bracket 78 and the head pipe 71 . A longitudinal front end of the lower pipe 74 is connected to the head pipe 71 . A longitudinal rear end of the lower pipe 74 is connected to a bracket 78 . The central axis of the lower pipe 74 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so as to go upward as it goes forward from the rear end in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the battery 9 is detachably attached to the lower pipe 74 .

A plurality of chainstays 77 support the shaft of the rear wheel 66 . A longitudinal front end of the chain stay 77 is connected to a bracket 78 . A longitudinal rear end of the chain stay 77 is connected to a rear end of the seat stay 76 . The pair of chain stays 77 are separated in the left-right direction, and the rear wheel 66 is rotatably attached to the rear ends of the pair of chain stays 77 via a shaft passed through a hub 661 . The rotation axis of the rear wheel 66 is substantially parallel to the left-right direction and coincides with the central axis of the shaft that supports the rear wheel 66 .

The rear wheel 66 according to this embodiment includes a rear sprocket 662 that is concentric with the hub 661 and integrally attached to the hub 661 . The rear sprocket 662 is connected to a drive sprocket 35 of the motor unit 2 described below via a power transmission body 8 . Therefore, the rear wheel 66 rotates around the shaft by the output from the motor unit 2 .

A plurality of seat stays 76 connect the chain stays 77 and the standing pipes 75 . In this embodiment, the longitudinal rear end of the seat stay 76 is connected to the longitudinal rear end of the chain stay 77 . A longitudinal front end of the seat stay 76 is connected to an intermediate portion of the standing pipe 75 . A pair of seat stays 76 according to the present embodiment branch from the upper pipe 72 and are integrated with the upper pipe 72 . However, the seat stay 76 and the upper pipe 72 may be separate bodies.

The bracket 78 is a portion to which the motor unit 2 is attached. In this embodiment, the bracket 78 is formed in a substantially C-shape when viewed from the side surface 443 so that the longitudinal rear end of the lower pipe 74, the longitudinal lower end of the standing pipe 75, and the longitudinal front end of the chain stay 77 are aligned with each other. It is connected. Thus, the longitudinal rear end of the lower pipe 74, the longitudinal lower end of the standing pipe 75, and the longitudinal front end of the chain stay 77 are fixed to each other.

A battery 9 supplies power to the motor unit 2 . In addition to the motor 36, the battery 9 supplies power to, for example, a headlight, an ON/OFF operation unit of the motor 36, and the like in the present embodiment. The battery 9 is detachably attached to the lower pipe 74 in this embodiment, but may be arranged along the standing pipe 75 at the rear of the standing pipe 75 in the present disclosure.

The motor unit 2 is a device capable of outputting rotational power. In this embodiment, the motor unit 2 transmits to the rear wheel 66 via the power transmission body 8 rotational power obtained by adding a driving assist output to the pedaling force, which is a human power driving force. The motor unit 2 is a uniaxial motor unit in this embodiment. However, in the present disclosure, the motor unit 2 may be a biaxial motor unit as shown in modified examples 2 to 5 described later, or may be a front hub unit type motor unit as shown in modified example 6. It may be a unit (so-called hub motor). Details of the motor unit 2 according to the present embodiment will be described later in "(1.2.2) Motor unit".

A pair of crank arms 92 are attached to the crankshaft 28 of the motor unit 2 . The longitudinal direction of the crank arm 92 crosses (here, perpendicular to) the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 . The pair of crank arms 92 are aligned in a straight line when viewed in the rotation axis direction of the crankshaft 28 .

The pedal 93 is attached to one end of each crank arm 92 in the longitudinal direction opposite to the crankshaft 28 side. The pedal 93 is rotatably attached to the crank arm 92 . The rotation axis of the pedal 93 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 .

The power transmission body 8 transmits the rotational power output from the motor unit 2 to at least one of the wheels 65 and 66 . In this embodiment, the power transmission body 8 is a chain that is installed between the drive sprocket 35 of the motor unit 2 and the rear sprocket 662 of the rear wheel 66 so that power can be transmitted. However, in the present disclosure, power transmission body 8 may be, for example, a belt, shaft, wire, gear, or the like.

(1.2.2) Motor Unit As described above, the motor unit 2 is a device capable of outputting rotational power. In the motor unit 2 , when the driver pedals the pedal 93 and a pedaling force (human power driving force) is input to the crankshaft 28 via the crank arm 92 , the crankshaft 28 rotates. In the motor unit 2 according to the present embodiment, when the crankshaft 28 rotates by receiving a pedaling force, the rotation speed of the crankshaft 28 and the torque generated in the crankshaft 28 are detected, and the motor 36 outputs a drive assist output according to the detection result. generate The motor unit 2 includes a housing 21, a crankshaft 28, a rotating body 29, an output body 33, a motor 36, a reduction mechanism 41, a control board 45, a drive sprocket 35, and a contact body switching mechanism 5, as shown in FIG. . In the motor unit 2 according to this embodiment, the pedaling force input to the crankshaft 28 is transmitted to the output body 33 . A power transmission path from the crankshaft 28 to the output body 33 is called a "human-powered drive system transmission path". Also, the auxiliary drive output of the motor 36 is transmitted to the output body 33 . A power transmission path from the output shaft 39 of the motor 36 to the output body 33 is called a "motor drive system transmission path".

(1.2.2.1) Housing The housing 21 is a hollow body that houses the rotating body 29 , the speed reduction mechanism 41 and the control board 45 . The housing 21 is made of metal in this embodiment. Examples of the metal forming the housing 21 include aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and steel. However, in the present disclosure, the housing 21 is not limited to metal, and may be made of carbon, wood, bamboo, fiber-reinforced synthetic resin (for example, CFRP), or the like. The housing 21 is formed by casting, for example, and more specifically by die casting. The housing 21 includes a first split body 22 and a second split body 23 . The first divided body 22 and the second divided body 23 are arranged in the horizontal direction.

The first split body 22 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape having an opening on the right side (on the second split body 23 side). The first divided body 22 has a first side wall 221 and a first peripheral wall 225 protruding rightward from the peripheral edge of the first side wall 221 . The first side wall 221 has a first surface 222 facing the outside (to the left) of the housing 21 and a second surface 223 facing the inside of the housing 21 . A motor 36 is attached to the first surface 222 of the first side wall 221 .

First peripheral wall 225 has a first mating surface 226 . The first mating surface 226 lies on a vertical plane in this embodiment. The first mating surface 226 faces rightward in this embodiment. In short, the first mating surface 226 faces the second split body 23 side.

The second split body 23 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape having an opening on the left side (first split body 22 side). The second divided body 23 has a second side wall 231 and a second peripheral wall 235 protruding leftward from the peripheral edge of the second side wall 231 . The second side wall 231 has a first surface 232 facing the outside (to the right) of the housing 21 and a second surface 233 facing the inside of the housing 21 .

The second peripheral wall 235 has a second mating surface 236 . The second mating surface 236 lies on a vertical plane in this embodiment. The second mating surface 236 faces leftward in this embodiment. In short, the second mating surface 236 faces the first split body 22 side.

The first split body 22 and the second split body 23 have a first mating surface 226 and a second mating surface 236 facing each other, and a seal (not shown) is provided between the first mating surface 226 and the second mating surface 236. ) are sandwiched and fixed to each other by fasteners (eg, bolts).

The "seal" referred to in the present disclosure includes, for example, gaskets, packings, labyrinth seals, and the like. Examples of gaskets include soft gaskets and metal gaskets. Examples of packing include squeeze packing (O-ring, X-ring, T-ring, etc.), squeeze packing, lip packing, oil seal, mechanical seal, gland packing, and the like. In practice, seals used on stationary surfaces and seals used on moving surfaces are appropriately used, but in the present disclosure, both seals used on stationary surfaces and seals used on moving surfaces ”.

(1.2.2.2) Crankshaft The crankshaft 28 is a shaft that rotates upon receiving a human power (pedal force), which is an external force. The rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 is substantially parallel to the left-right direction and is the same as the central axis of the crankshaft 28 . The crankshaft 28 passes through a hole 224 formed in the first side wall 221 and a hole 234 formed in the second side wall 231, and passes through the housing 21 in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, the crankshaft 28 is composed of a bearing 46a attached to the first split body 22 and a bearing 46b provided between the inner peripheral surface of the rotor 29 and the crankshaft 28. 21 is rotatably mounted.

The "bearing" referred to in the present disclosure includes, for example, rolling bearings, slide bearings, hydrodynamic bearings, and the like. Examples of rolling bearings include ball bearings and roller bearings. Bearings are appropriately used depending on the shape, application, motion characteristics, etc. of the rotating object to be supported. Both the bearings 46a and 46b that support the crankshaft 28 are rolling bearings in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3 , both ends of the crankshaft 28 in the longitudinal direction protrude from the housing 21 . A crank arm 92 is attached to each end of the crankshaft 28 . The crank arm 92 is fixed with respect to the crankshaft 28 and transmits rotational power to the crankshaft 28 when the driver pedals 93 .

(1.2.2.3) Rotating Body The rotating body 29 transmits the rotational power of the crankshaft 28 to the output body 33 . The rotor 29 is arranged concentrically with the crankshaft 28 and rotates together with the crankshaft 28, as shown in FIG. The rotation axis of the rotating body 29 is the same as the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 . The rotating body 29 includes a transmission member 30 , a one-way clutch 31 of a human power drive system, and a torque sensor 32 .

A torque sensor 32 detects the torque of the crankshaft 28 . The torque sensor 32 is a magnetostrictive torque sensor in this embodiment. The torque sensor 32 is attached along the outer circumference of the first member 301 of the transmission member 30 . The torque sensor 32 detects the torque of the crankshaft 28 by detecting the torque of the first member 301 in this embodiment. Note that the torque sensor 32 may be configured to detect the torque of the crankshaft 28 using, for example, a planetary gear mechanism and a potentiometer. In addition, the torque of the crankshaft 28 may be detected using a strain sensor.

The transmission member 30 is formed in a tubular shape, and the crankshaft 28 is passed along the central axis of the transmission member 30 . The transmission member 30 and the output body 33 are aligned in the axial direction of the crankshaft 28 , and a human-powered one-way clutch 31 is attached between the transmission member 30 and the output body 33 . The transmission member 30 is coupled to the crankshaft 28, and the rotational power of the crankshaft 28 is transmitted to the transmission member 30, the one-way clutch 31 of the manpower drive system, and the output body 33 in this order. The transmission member 30 is composed of a first member 301 and a second member 303 . The inner peripheral surface of the first member 301 and the outer peripheral surface of the crankshaft 28 are connected. The connection between the first member 301 and the crankshaft 28 is realized by, for example, spline connection, keyway-key connection, wedge connection, fitting connection, screw connection, or the like.

The term "spline connection" as used in the present disclosure includes, for example, connection by square splines, involute splines, ball splines, triangular serrations, involute serrations, and the like.

The second member 303 is aligned with the first member 301 in the axial direction of the crankshaft 28 . The second member 303 has a fitting portion 304 . The fitting portion 304 according to this embodiment is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the left end portion of the second member 303 . The first member 301 has a fitted portion 302 . The fitted portion 302 according to the present embodiment is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the right end portion of the first member 301 . The fitting portion 304 and the fitted portion 302 are coupled to each other. The connection between the fitting portion 304 and the fitted portion 302 is a spline connection. However, the first member 301 and the second member 303 are not limited to the spline connection, and may be connected by key grooves and keys, by wedges, by fitting, by screws, or the like. Thereby, the second member 303 rotates together with the first member 301 .

The human-powered one-way clutch 31 is arranged between the second member 303 and the output body 33 . Here, the left end of the output body 33 is located outside the right end of the second member 303 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the crankshaft 28 (radial direction). The manpower-driven one-way clutch 31 is arranged between the left end of the output body 33 and the right end of the second member 303 .

The human-powered one-way clutch 31 is, for example, a ratchet one-way clutch. The manpower-driven one-way clutch 31 only allows transmission of rotational power from the second member 303 to the output body 33 when the output body 33 rotates in one direction. The “one direction” here means the direction of rotation of the output body 33 when moving the electric bicycle 1 forward. The rotation axis of the output body 33 is the same as the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 in this embodiment.

Specifically, the human-powered one-way clutch 31 outputs from the second member 303 when the rotation speed of the second member 303 is faster than the rotation speed of the output body 33 when the electric bicycle 1 moves forward. Rotational power is transmitted to the body 33 . On the other hand, the human-powered one-way clutch 31 rotates from the output body 33 to the second member 303 when the rotational speed of the second member 303 is slower than the rotational speed of the output body 33 when the electric bicycle 1 moves forward. Do not transmit rotational power to

As a result, even if the driver stops pedaling the pedal 93 (see FIG. 1) when the output body 33 is rotated by the rotational power output from the motor 36 (see FIG. 2), the output body 33 does not rotate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the crankshaft 28 from continuing to rotate.

(1.2.2.4) Output body The output body 33 outputs power output from the output shaft 39 of the motor 36 (that is, drive auxiliary output) to the outside of the housing 21 . Since the motor unit 2 according to the present embodiment is a single-shaft type motor unit 2 as described above, the output body 33 receives not only the drive assist output output from the motor 36 but also the pedaling force input to the crankshaft 28. Rotational power is also transmitted. Therefore, in the motor unit 2 according to the present embodiment, the output body 33 outputs the rotational power, which is the resultant force of the driving assistance output output from the motor 36 and the rotational power input to the crankshaft 28, to the housing. Output to the outside of the body 21 .

As described above, the left end of the output body 33 is positioned radially outside of the crankshaft 28 with respect to the second member 303 . As shown in FIG. 2, the left end of the output member 33 has an output member tooth portion 331 that meshes with a gear portion 422 of the speed reduction mechanism 41, which will be described later. The right end of the output body 33 passes through the second side wall 231 of the second division 23 and protrudes rightward from the second side wall 231 of the second division 23 . A drive sprocket 35 is attached to the right end of the output body 33 . A drive sprocket 35 is fixed relative to the output body 33 .

The pedaling force (external force) input to the crankshaft 28 by the driver pedaling the pedal 93 rotates the crankshaft 28, and the first member 301, the second member 303, the one-way clutch 31 of the human power drive system, and the output body 33. It is transmitted in order and rotates the driving sprocket 35 . The axis of rotation of the drive sprocket 35 is the same as the axis of rotation of the crankshaft 28 .

(1.2.2.5) Motor The motor 36 is an electric motor capable of outputting rotational power. The motor 36 according to this embodiment is attached to the housing 21 . Although the motor 36 is attached to the first side 222 of the first side wall 221 of the first division 22 of the housing 21 in this embodiment, the motor 36 is mounted on the first side 222 of the first division 22 in the present disclosure. It may be attached to two sides 223 . In short, the motor 36 may be attached so as to fit inside the housing 21 . The motor 36 has a stator 37 , a rotor 38 and an output shaft 39 .

A central axis of the output shaft 39 extends in the left-right direction. The rotation axis of the output shaft 39 is the same as the central axis of the output shaft 39 and substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 . The output shaft 39 is rotatably attached to the housing 21 with a bearing 46 e attached to the first split body 22 and a bearing 46 f attached to the second split body 23 . The output shaft 39 is fixed so as to pass through the rotor 38 in the left-right direction.

The rotor 38 rotates along the inner peripheral surface of the stator 37 . The rotation axis of the rotor 38 is the same as that of the output shaft 39 . A stator 37 is arranged around the rotor 38 .

Stator 37 rotates rotor 38 . Stator 37 is attached to motor cup 40 and is fixed relative to motor cup 40 . Examples of the stator 37 include a distributed winding stator, a concentrated winding stator, an inductor type stator, a permanent magnet type stator, and the like.

A portion of the output shaft 39 of the motor 36 is positioned inside the housing 21 . A tooth portion 391 having a plurality of teeth is formed on a portion of the output shaft 39 located inside the housing 21 (here, a portion protruding from the rotor 38). The longitudinal direction of the tooth trace of the tooth portion 391 of the output shaft 39 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the output shaft 39 in this embodiment. However, in the present disclosure, the tooth trace of the tooth portion 391 of the output shaft 39 may be inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the output shaft 39 . Also, the motor 36 according to the present disclosure may be housed in the housing 21 , in which case the entire output shaft 39 is located inside the housing 21 .

(1.2.2.6) Reduction Mechanism The reduction mechanism 41 is housed inside the housing 21 . The deceleration mechanism 41 reduces the rotation speed of the auxiliary driving output output from the output shaft 39 of the motor 36 and transmits it to the output body 33 . The reduction mechanism 41 has a reduction gear 44, a motor drive system one-way clutch 43, and a transmission shaft 42 in this embodiment.

Reduction gear 44 reduces the rotational speed of the auxiliary drive output of motor 36 between motor drive train transmission paths. The reduction gear 44 meshes with the teeth 391 of the output shaft 39 . The reduction gear 44 is attached to the transmission shaft 42 via a motor drive system one-way clutch 43 . The transmission shaft 42 is rotatably attached to the housing 21 . Therefore, the reduction gear 44 is rotatably attached to the housing 21 . The rotation axis of the reduction gear 44 is substantially parallel to the left-right direction and is the same as the central axis of the transmission shaft 42 . The rotation axis of the reduction gear 44 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the output shaft 39 and the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 in this embodiment. The reduction gear 44 has teeth 442 . The tooth portion 442 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the reduction gear 44 . The tooth trace of the tooth portion 442 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the reduction gear 44 , and the tooth portion 442 meshes with the tooth portion 391 of the output shaft 39 . Thereby, the reduction gear 44 is rotated by the rotational power of the output shaft 39 . The number of teeth of the tooth portion 442 of the reduction gear 44 is greater than the number of teeth of the output body tooth portion 331 .

In the present embodiment, the reduction gear 44 is a spur gear, but in the reduction gear 44 according to the present disclosure, the tooth lead of the tooth portion 391 of the output shaft 39 is inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the output shaft 39. In that case, it may be a helical gear.

The transmission shaft 42 is a shaft that supports the reduction gear 44 . The transmission shaft 42 is rotatably attached to the housing 21 . The rotation axis of the transmission shaft 42 is substantially parallel to the left-right direction and is the same as the central axis of the transmission shaft 42 . The transmission shaft 42 is supported by a bearing 46 c attached to the first split body 22 and a bearing 46 d attached to the second split body 23 .

The transmission shaft 42 includes a gear attachment portion 421 and a gear portion 422 . The gear mounting portion 421 is a portion to which the reduction gear 44 is mounted on its outer circumference. Gear portion 422 has a plurality of teeth that mesh with output body tooth portion 331 . Rotational power of the transmission shaft 42 is transmitted from the gear portion 422 to the output body 33 .

Although the gear portion 422 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the transmission shaft 42 in the present embodiment, it may be formed by attaching a gear to the outer peripheral surface of the transmission shaft 42 in the present disclosure.

Gear portion 422 meshes with output body tooth portion 331 . Thereby, the rotational power of the gear portion 422 is transmitted to the output body 33 . The number of teeth of the gear portion 422 may be the same as or less than the number of teeth of the tooth portion 442 of the reduction gear.

The motor drive system one-way clutch 43 is provided between the motor 36 and the output member 33 in the motor drive system transmission path. In this embodiment, the motor drive system one-way clutch 43 is arranged between the transmission shaft 42 and the reduction gear 44 . The motor drive system one-way clutch 43 is, for example, a ratchet one-way clutch. The motor drive system one-way clutch 43 only allows transmission of rotational power from the reduction gear 44 to the transmission shaft 42 when the output body 33 rotates in one direction. The “one direction” here means the direction of rotation of the output body 33 when moving the electric bicycle 1 forward.

Specifically, the motor drive system one-way clutch 43 rotates from the reduction gear 44 to the transmission shaft 42 when the rotation speed of the reduction gear 44 is faster than the rotation speed of the transmission shaft 42 when the electric bicycle 1 moves forward. to transmit rotational power. On the other hand, the motor drive system one-way clutch 43 rotates from the reduction gear 44 to the transmission shaft 42 when the rotation speed of the reduction gear 44 is lower than the rotation speed of the transmission shaft 42 when the electric bicycle 1 moves forward. Do not transmit rotational power (cut off transmission of power).

As a result, for example, when the motor 36 stops and the driver steps the pedals 93 (see FIG. 1), no rotational power is transmitted from the crankshaft 28 to the output shaft 39 and the rotor 38 . Therefore, in the present embodiment, compared to the case where the rotational power is transmitted from the transmission shaft 42 to the rotor 38, less force is required to pedal the pedals 93, and the pedaling force required to rotate the wheels 65 and 66 is suppressed. be able to.

When the rotational power of the reduction gear 44 is transmitted to the transmission shaft 42 through the motor drive system one-way clutch 43 , the rotational power output from the output shaft 39 is transmitted through the reduction gear 44 , the motor drive system one-way clutch 43 and the transmission shaft 42 . It is transmitted to the output member 33 . Therefore, in a state in which the driver pedals the pedal 93 (see FIG. 1) and the motor 36 is operating, the rotational power of the second member 303 rotated by the pedaling force and the rotational power of the transmission shaft 42 rotated by the motor 36 The output body 33 is rotated by the combined force (resultant force). The rotational power of the output body 33 is transmitted to the wheels via the power transmission body 8 to move the electric bicycle 1, as shown in FIG.

(1.2.2.7) Control Board The control board 45 has a control section that controls the motor 36 . The control board 45 is a printed circuit board in this embodiment. The thickness direction of the control board 45 is substantially parallel to the left-right direction. The control board 45 is located on the left side of the first mating surface 226 and the second mating surface 236 of the housing 21 .

The control unit is mainly composed of a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. That is, the function of the control unit is realized by the processor of the microcontroller executing a program recorded in the memory of the microcontroller. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory, or may be provided by being recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card. A battery 9 (see FIG. 1) is electrically connected to the controller, and power is supplied from the battery 9 . A stator 37 is electrically connected to the controller.

(1.2.2.8) Drive Sprocket The drive sprocket 35 is attached to the output body 33 and is rotated by the rotational power transmitted from the output body 33 . In this embodiment, the drive sprocket 35 is connected to the rear sprocket 662 of the rear wheel 66 via the power transmission body 8 so that power can be transmitted. In this embodiment, the drive sprocket 35 is coupled to a portion of the output body 33 that protrudes from the housing 21 (the right end of the output body 33). The connection between the drive sprocket 35 and the output member 33 is achieved by, for example, spline connection, key groove and key connection, wedge connection, fitting connection, screw connection, or the like.

In this embodiment, the right end of the output body 33 protrudes from the housing 21 , and the power output from the motor 36 is output to the outside of the housing 21 by the output body 33 . However, in the present disclosure, the right end of the output body 33 in the present embodiment may be positioned inside the housing 21, and the power output from the motor 36 is transferred to the housing 21 by the drive sprocket 35. It may be output to the outside. In this case, the output body that does not protrude from the housing 21 and the drive sprocket 35 constitute the “output body” referred to in the present disclosure.

(1.2.2.9) Contact Body Switching Mechanism The contact body switching mechanism 5 is a mechanism that applies a force to the output body 33 of the electric bicycle 1 to prevent its movement. As used in the present disclosure, the term "movement-obstructing force" means a force that resists the movement of an object. Accordingly, "forces that impede movement" as used in this disclosure include forces applied to objects in motion and forces applied to objects that are stationary. In addition, "impeding movement" as used herein includes, for example, applying a braking force to the object, limiting the range of motion of the object, keeping the object stationary, and the like. Thus, in the present disclosure, "to exert a force that impedes motion" includes, for example, applying a force that impedes motion to a moving object, locking an object in a stationary state to remain in that state. including things.

The contact body switching mechanism 5 brings the contact body 51 into contact with a predetermined point X1 of any one of the deceleration mechanism 41, the output body 33, and the moving body that receives the force output from the output body 33, thereby , exert a force on the output body 33 that impedes movement. The contact body switching mechanism 5 according to the present embodiment brings the contact body 51 into contact with the predetermined location X1 of the output body 33, as shown in FIG. The “predetermined portion X1” according to the present embodiment is included in the output body 33 and, more specifically, is a plurality of ribs 332 extending along the radial direction around the rotation axis of the output body 33 . However, the “predetermined location X1” referred to in the present disclosure may be the reduction gear 44 and may be located at a location different from the teeth of the reduction gear 44 (tooth portion 442). The number of teeth and the module of the tooth portion 442 of the reduction gear 44 are determined in order to set the rotational speed and torque of the output body 33 to desired values. For this reason, when the contact body 51 is brought into contact with the tooth portion 442 of the reduction gear 44 to apply a force that hinders the movement of the output body 33, the design of the contact body 51 can be adjusted while maintaining the number of teeth and the module. It is necessary, and the strength design is restricted. On the other hand, if the contact body 51 is configured to come into contact with a portion different from the teeth of the reduction gear 44, the strength and the like of the contact body 51 can be secured without being affected by the design of the teeth of the reduction gear 44. easy to do In short, the degree of freedom in designing the contact body switching mechanism 5 can be improved.

The “predetermined location X1” referred to in the present disclosure may be either the speed reduction mechanism 41 such as the transmission shaft 42, or the rotor 38 of the motor 36. It may also be a moving body that receives the force output from the output body 33 and moves.

The contact body switching mechanism 5 includes a contact body 51 movable between a contact position and a non-contact position, a switching member 54 for switching the position of the contact body 51, a switching motor 55 for driving the switching member 54, an elastic body 56 and. Here, the “contact position” referred to in the present disclosure means, for example, the position of the contact body 51 that contacts the predetermined location X1 as shown in FIG. 5B. A "non-contact position" means a position of the contact member 51 away from the predetermined location X1, as shown in FIG. 6B, for example. Therefore, when the contact body 51 is at the non-contact position, the contact body switching mechanism 5 does not exert a force that hinders the movement of the predetermined location X1. When the contact body 51 is at the contact position, the contact body switching mechanism 5 exerts a force that prevents movement on the predetermined location X1. The "contact position" does not need to be in constant contact with the predetermined location X1, and includes a position where the contact body 51 first comes into contact after the predetermined location X1 moves.

5A and 6A show cross-sectional views of the contact body switching mechanism 5. FIG. The cross-sectional views of FIGS. 5A and 6A are assumed to be cut along a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the crankshaft 28. FIG.

A switching motor 55 drives a switching member 54 . The switching motor 55 operates when power is supplied from the battery 9 . The switching motor 55 is formed to be rotatable forward and backward. The switching motor 55 has a pinion gear 551 attached to an output shaft 553 . The pinion gear 551 meshes with outer peripheral teeth 543 formed on the outer peripheral portion of the switching member 54 . Rotational power output from the switching motor 55 drives the switching member 54 .

The switching member 54 is a member that switches the contact body 51 between the contact position and the non-contact position. The switching member 54 is rotatably attached to the housing 21 in this embodiment. The rotation axis of the switching member 54 is substantially parallel to the left-right direction and is the same as the central axis of the crankshaft 28 . The switching member 54 rotates by receiving rotational power from the switching motor 55 .

The switching member 54 according to this embodiment is formed in a ring shape. The switching member 54 includes a plurality of guide holes 541 , outer peripheral teeth 543 and a plurality (here, three) of protrusions 544 .

The plurality of guide holes 541 pass through the switching member 54 in the direction along the rotation axis (the left-right direction here). The plurality of guide holes 541 are arcuate and formed along a circle around the rotation axis of the switching member 54 . As shown in FIG. 7, a retaining member 542 is inserted into each guide hole 541 . The retaining member 542 is fixed to the inner surface of the housing 21 and allows the movement of the switching member 54 around the rotation axis, but limits the movement along the rotation axis. As a result, the switching member 54 is attached to the housing 21 such that its movement in the direction along the rotation axis is restricted and it is rotatable about the rotation axis within a certain range.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the protrusion 544 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the switching member 54 toward the center and is a portion that contacts the contact member 51 . The projection 544 overlaps the inclined portion 53 of the contact body 51 when viewed in the direction along the rotation axis. The plurality of protrusions 544 are formed at intervals along the circumferential direction around the rotation axis of the switching member 54 .

The outer tooth 543 meshes with the pinion gear 551 of the switching motor 55 . The outer peripheral teeth 543 are formed on the outer peripheral portion of the switching member 54 in this embodiment. Therefore, when the switching motor 55 operates and the pinion gear 551 rotates, the switching member 54 rotates, and the projection 544 rotates around the rotation axis as the switching member 54 rotates.

The contact body 51 is a member movable between a contact position and a non-contact position. The contact body 51 is switched between the contact position and the non-contact position by a switching member 54 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the contact member 51 is movable in a direction along the rotation axis of the output member 33 (the rotation axis of the switching member 54). Within the movement range of the output body 33 along the rotation axis, the end on the side closer to the output body 33 is the contact position, and the end on the side away from the output body 33 is the non-contact position. The contact body 51 includes a contact body body 52 having a plurality of contact portions 521 and an inclined portion 53 .

The contact body main body 52 is a main part of the contact body 51 . In this embodiment, the contact body main body 52 is formed in a ring shape when viewed along the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 . The contact body main body 52 is arranged concentrically with the boss 24 formed on the housing 21 . Here, the boss 24 has a tubular shape and protrudes from the inner surface of the housing 21 in the direction along the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 (that is, in the left-right direction). The outer diameter of boss 24 is smaller than the inner diameter of contact body 52 . A plurality of ridges 241 extending in the direction along the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the boss 24 . The ridges 241 enter guide grooves 522 formed in the contact body main body 52 . The protrusion 241 restricts the rotation of the contact body body 52 about the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 and allows the contact body body 52 to move along the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 .

The contact portion 521 is, as shown in FIG. 5B, a portion that can come into contact with the predetermined location X1. In this embodiment, the contact portion 521 at the contact position is arranged around the rotation axis of the output body 33 (here, the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28) with respect to the rib 332 of the output body 33 as the predetermined location X1. In other words, the contact portion 521 has a surface facing the rib 332 of the output body 33 as the predetermined portion X1 in the rotation direction of the output body 33 . Therefore, the movement of the rib 332 of the output member 33 is restricted within a certain range by the contact portion 521 at the contact position. In short, the contact portion 521 exerts an immovable force on the output body 33 .

As shown in FIG. 4A , the contact portion 521 protrudes further along the rotation axis direction of the crankshaft 28 than other portions of the contact body main body 52 .

The inclined portion 53 is a portion having an inclined surface 531 inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the moving direction of the contact body 52 (the direction along the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28). The inclined surface 531 faces part of the switching member 54 .

An elastic body 56 (FIG. 5B) is arranged between the contact body 51 and the housing 21 . The elastic body 56 applies force to the contact body 51 toward the inner side (here, the output body tooth portion 331 side) in the rotation axis direction (horizontal direction) of the crankshaft 28 . The elastic body 56 is a torsion coil spring in this embodiment, but may be rubber, a leaf spring, or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the switching member 54 rotates in one direction, the switching member 54 moves along the inclined surface 531 and moves the contact member 51 out of contact while resisting the elastic force of the elastic member 56 . Push toward the position to switch the contact body 51 to the non-contact position. On the other hand, when the switching member 54 rotates in the other direction, the switching member 54 moves along the inclined surface 531 . Then, the contact body 51 moves to the contact position due to the elastic force of the elastic body 56 .

Thus, the contact body switching mechanism 5 according to the present embodiment can exert a force that prevents movement (rotational movement) on the predetermined portion X1 included in the output body 33 . The predetermined point X1 is positioned closer to the output member 33 than the motor drive system one-way clutch 43 in the motor drive system transmission path. Further, the predetermined location X1 is located closer to the output body 33 than the one-way clutch 31 of the human power drive system in the transmission path of the human power drive system.

Therefore, even when the motor unit 2 is detached from the bracket 78, it is possible to mechanically exert a force that prevents the output body 33 from rotating in both directions. However, normal use as the motor unit 2 is not possible. As a result, the deterrence against theft of the electric bicycle 1 is improved. In this embodiment, the predetermined point X1 is present in both the motor drive system transmission path and the human power drive system transmission path, but the predetermined point X1 may be in only one of the transmission paths.

In the present disclosure, in both the motor drive system transmission path and the human power drive system transmission path, the predetermined point X1 may be located on the side opposite to the output body 33 side with respect to the one-way clutches 31 and 43. good. The output body 33 rotates in at least one direction, but the auxiliary driving output of the motor 36 is not transmitted, so the motor unit 2 cannot be used normally. Therefore, even in this mode, a deterrent against theft of the electric bicycle 1 can be expected.

By the way, when the motor unit 2 is attached to the electric bicycle 1, the forward movement is prevented by the contact switching mechanism 5, but the backward movement is prevented by the free wheel built into the hub 661 of the rear wheel 66. , can be moved. However, since movement in the forward direction is prevented, a sufficient deterrent effect against theft of the electric bicycle 1 can be expected.

Further, in this embodiment, the contact body 51 at the contact position is configured to rotate when a certain force is applied instead of completely stopping the rotation of the output body 33 (so-called locking). That is, in the present embodiment, a force is set by the elastic body 56 to prevent movement, but if a force exceeding the force by the elastic body 56 is applied to the contact body 51 , the rib 332 of the output body 33 climbs over the contact body 51 . , the output body 33 rotates. Therefore, even if the contact body switching mechanism 5 is operated during running and the contact body 51 is switched to the contact position, the output body 33 can be prevented from completely stopping.

(2) Modifications The embodiment described above is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment can be modified in various ways in accordance with the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Modifications described below can be applied in combination as appropriate.

(2.1) Modification 1
The contact body switching mechanism 5 according to the above embodiment is a mechanism for bringing the contact body 51 into contact with the predetermined location X1 inside the housing 21, but in this modified example, a predetermined location outside the housing 21 A contact body 51 can be brought into contact with X1. As shown in FIG. 8, in this modification, the predetermined point X1 is included in the drive sprocket 35 that receives the force output from the output body 33 and moves. In this modification, the contact body switching mechanism 5 can exert a force that prevents movement (here, rotation) on the drive sprocket 35 .

In the present disclosure, a member that receives force output from the output body 33 and moves is referred to as a "moving body." Examples of moving bodies include the drive sprocket 35, the sprocket main body 351, the mounting member 352, the power transmission body 8, and the like. In the biaxial motor unit 2a, which will be described later, moving bodies include, for example, a driving body 34 (FIG. 11), a power transmission body 8, a tensioner, and the like.

The drive sprocket 35 includes a sprocket body 351 and a mounting member 352 including a predetermined portion X1 in this modification.

The sprocket body 351 constitutes the main body of the drive sprocket 35 . A power transmission body 8 (see FIG. 1) for transmitting power to the wheels 65 and 66 is attached to the sprocket body 351 . The sprocket body 351 according to this embodiment is made of, for example, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or the like. The sprocket main body 351 includes a disk portion 351a and a cylindrical attachment portion 351b projecting in one of the left and right directions from the central portion of the disk portion 351a. The power transmission body 8 is hung on the outer peripheral portion of the disk portion 351a. The cylindrical attachment portion 351b is attached to the right end of the output body 33 .

The mounting member 352 is fixed to the sprocket body 351 . In this embodiment, the mounting member 352 is made of a material harder than the sprocket main body 351. For example, a material such as chromium steel, nickel-chromium steel, or carbon steel, or an aluminum alloy that has undergone heat treatment such as quenching. Consists of materials, etc. In this embodiment, the mounting member 352 includes a fixed portion 352a coupled to the cylindrical mounting portion 351b and an extension portion 352b extending from the fixed portion 352a on a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis of the drive sprocket 35. Prepare. A plurality of holes 352c are formed in the extending portion 352b. The plurality of holes 352c are configured to receive the contact body 51 at the contact position.

The contact body switching mechanism 5 includes a contact body 51 , a switching member 54 , a switching motor 55 and an elastic body 56 . In the contact body switching mechanism 5 according to this modification, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B, the contact body 51 at the contact position protrudes from the housing 21, and for example, as shown in FIG. Body 51 does not protrude from housing 21 . However, in the present disclosure, the contact body 51 at the non-contact position does not necessarily have to protrude from the housing 21 . Since the switching motor 55 is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

The switching member 54 is a member that can switch the contact body 51 between the contact position and the non-contact position. As shown in FIG. 9A, the switching member 54 is ring-shaped as in the above embodiment. The switching member 54 is formed with a spiral groove 544a instead of the projection 544 (see FIG. 5A) in the above embodiment. Other configurations of the switching member 54 are the same as those of the above embodiment.

The groove 544a moves the contact member 51 along the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 (the rotation axis of the output member 33). The groove 544 a is spirally formed around the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 . The flange portion 513 of the connecting pin 511 of the contact member 51 is movably inserted into the groove 544a.

The contact body 51 includes a connecting pin 511 and a contact portion 521 . The connecting pin 511 moves along the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 as the switching member 54 rotates. Specifically, the connecting pin 511 includes a pin 512 and a flange portion 513 . The flange portion 513 enters the groove 544a of the switching member 54 and is attached so as to be relatively movable with respect to the groove 544a. Therefore, when the switching member 54 rotates, the connecting pin 511 moves along the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 .

The contact portion 521 is attached to the connecting pin 511 so as to be movable along the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 . The elastic body 56 is arranged between the connecting pin 511 and the contact portion 521 . The elastic body 56 applies an outward force to the contact portion 521 in the direction along the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 . Therefore, the contact portion 521 moves toward the connecting pin 511 when a constant force directed from the outside toward the inside is applied in the direction along the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 .

When the switching motor 55 operates and the switching member 54 rotates in one direction, the contact body 51 moves along the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 and is switched to the contact position, as shown in FIG. 9B. Then, the contact portion 521 enters the hole 352c of the mounting member 352 of the drive sprocket 35 (that is, the predetermined location X1). This allows the contact body switching mechanism 5 to apply a force to the drive sprocket 35 to prevent its rotational movement. As a result, a force can be exerted that hinders movement of the output body 33 that is fixed relative to the drive sprocket 35 .

When the switching member 54 rotates in the other direction, the contact member 51 moves along the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 and is switched to the non-contact position, as shown in FIG. 10B. Then, the contact portion 521 comes out from the hole 352c (that is, the predetermined point X1) of the mounting member 352 of the drive sprocket 35. As shown in FIG. As a result, the force acting on the output member 33 to hinder the rotational movement is released.

In this modified example, the hole in the mounting member 352 is the predetermined location X1, but in the present disclosure, the hole may be omitted. That is, by pressing the contact member 51 against the main surface of the mounting member 352 facing the housing 21 , a force that hinders the movement of the output member 33 may be applied.

(2.2) Modification 2
In the above-described embodiment, the motor unit 2 is a single-shaft type, but in this modified example, it is a two-shaft type motor unit 2a.

As shown in FIG. 11, the motor unit 2a of this modification includes a housing 21, a crankshaft 28, a rotating body 29, a driving body 34, a one-way clutch 31 of a human power drive system, a driving sprocket 35, a control board 45, a motor 36, A reduction mechanism 41a, an output body 33a, and a contact body switching mechanism 5 are provided. The housing 21, the crankshaft 28, the rotating body 29, the one-way clutch 31 of the human power drive system, the drive sprocket 35, the control board 45, and the motor 36 are the same as in the above embodiment.

The driving body 34 receives an external force (pedal force) applied to the crankshaft 28 via the rotating body 29 and outputs the transmitted force to the outside of the housing 21 . A driving sprocket 35 (here, referred to as a first driving sprocket 35) is attached to the right end of the driving body 34 (the portion protruding from the housing 21). The driving body 34 is rotatably attached to the housing 21 . The axis of rotation of the driver 34 is the same as the axis of rotation of the crankshaft 28 .

The deceleration mechanism 41a slows down the rotation speed of the auxiliary driving output output from the output shaft 39 of the motor 36, and transmits it to the output body 33a. A speed reduction mechanism 41 a according to this modification includes a speed reduction gear 44 a and a motor drive system one-way clutch 43 . The reduction gear 44 a is rotatably attached to the housing 21 . The rotation axis of the reduction gear 44a is the same as the center axis of the output body 33a and extends in the left-right direction. The rotation axis of the reduction gear 44a is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 in this embodiment.

A tooth portion 442a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the reduction gear 44a. The toothed portion 442 a meshes with the toothed portion 391 of the output shaft 39 of the motor 36 . As a result, the rotational power of the output shaft 39 is transmitted to the reduction gear 44 a , and the reduction gear 44 a rotates together with the output shaft 39 . The number of teeth of the tooth portion 442 a is greater than the number of teeth of the tooth portion 391 of the output shaft 39 .

The output body 33 a is supported by a bearing 46 g attached to the first split body 22 and a bearing 46 h attached to the second split body 23 . Thus, the output member 33a is rotatably attached to the housing 21. As shown in FIG. The rotation axis of the output body 33 a extends in the left-right direction and is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the output shaft 39 . Therefore, the rotation axis of the output body 33 a is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28 . A motor drive system one-way clutch 43 is arranged between the output member 33a and the reduction gear 44a.

The motor drive system one-way clutch 43 is a ratchet one-way clutch in this modification. The motor drive system one-way clutch 43 rotates from the reduction gear 44a to the output body 33a when the rotation speed of the reduction gear 44a is faster than the rotation speed of the output body 33a while the output body 33a is rotating in one direction. It transmits rotational power. On the other hand, when the output body 33a is rotating in one direction, the motor drive system one-way clutch 43 rotates the output body from the reduction gear 44a when the rotational speed of the reduction gear 44a is lower than the rotational speed of the output body 33a. Rotational power is not transmitted to 33a. Here, "when rotating in one direction" means when the output body 33a is rotating in a direction that moves the electric bicycle 1 forward.

That is, when the electric bicycle 1 is moving forward, the motor drive system one-way clutch 43 only allows the transmission of rotational power from the reduction gear 44a to the output body 33a, and allows the transmission of rotational power from the output body 33a to the reduction gear 44a. not allow transmission of rotational power of Therefore, for example, when the motor 36 is stopped and the driver depresses the pedal 93 (see FIG. 1), the output shaft 39 and the rotor 38 are prevented from rotating.

The right end of the output body 33 a protrudes from the second side wall 231 of the second split body 23 . A second drive sprocket 35a is fixed to the right end of the output member 33a that protrudes outside the housing 21 .

When the rotational force of the reduction gear 44a is transmitted through the motor drive system one-way clutch 43 to the output body 33a, the rotational power of the output shaft 39 is transmitted through the reduction gear 44a, the motor drive system one-way clutch 43 and the output body 33a in order. and transmits it to the second drive sprocket 35a. In this modified example, an auxiliary drive output is output from the output body 33a and transmitted to the second drive sprocket 35a.

In the motor unit 2a according to this modification, the power transmission body 8 is hooked on the first drive sprocket 35, the second drive sprocket 35a, and the rear sprocket 662. As shown in FIG. The drive assist output output from the second drive sprocket 35 a and the pedaling force output from the first drive sprocket 35 are combined at the power transmission body 8 to form a resultant force, which is transmitted to the rear sprocket 662 .

As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, a plurality of position regulating recesses 341 are formed in the outer peripheral portion of the driving body 34 . The position control recesses 341 are formed at regular intervals around the rotation shaft in this modification. The plurality of position regulation recesses 341 are the "predetermined location X1" referred to in the present disclosure. In short, the driver 34 includes the predetermined location X1. Here, the human-powered drive system transmission path according to this modification includes the crankshaft 28, the rotating body 29, the one-way clutch 31 of the human-powered drive system, the drive body 34, the first drive sprocket 35, the power transmission body 8, and the second drive sprocket 35a. , and the output member 33a in that order. Therefore, the predetermined location X1 according to the present modification is located closer to the output body 33a than the one-way clutch 31 of the human-powered drive system in the human-powered drive system transmission path. Further, the driving body 34 is connected to the output body 33a through the power transmission body 8. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the driving body 34 is a moving body that receives the force output from the output body 33a.

The contact body switching mechanism 5 includes a switching motor 55, a switching member 54, an elastic body 56, and a contact body 51, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. As in the above embodiment, the contact body switching mechanism 5 exerts a force that prevents the output body 33 from moving by bringing the contact body 51 into contact with the predetermined location X1. The contact body switching mechanism 5 according to this modification moves the contact body 51 along a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the crankshaft 28, thereby bringing the contact body 51 into contact with the position regulation recess 341. . As a result, the contact body switching mechanism 5 applies force to the drive body 34 to prevent rotation. The drive body 34 is attached to the first drive sprocket 35 and connected to the second drive sprocket 35a via the power transmission body 8, as described above. Therefore, in the contact body switching mechanism 5 according to this modified example, by applying a force to the driving body 34 to prevent rotation, a force to prevent movement can be exerted on the output body 33 .

A plate cam 54 a as the switching member 54 is attached to the output shaft 553 of the switching motor 55 . The rotating shaft of the switching member 54 is the same as the rotating shaft of the output shaft 553 of the switching motor 55 . The plate cam 54a includes a major diameter portion having a first dimension L1 from the rotating shaft to the outer peripheral end, and a minor diameter portion having a second dimension L2 from the rotating shaft to the outer peripheral end. The first dimension L1 is longer than the second dimension L2. The switching member 54 switches the contact body 51 between the contact position and the non-contact position according to the rotational position.

The contact body 51 is rotatably attached to the housing 21 . The rotating shaft of the contact member 51 is substantially parallel to the rotating shaft of the crankshaft 28 and substantially parallel to the rotating shaft of the output shaft 553 of the switching motor 55 . The contact body 51 is formed in a substantially L shape when viewed along the rotation axis of the contact body 51 . The contact body 51 includes a drive arm 571 , a driven arm 572 and a contact portion 521 .

The drive arm 571 is a portion to which force is applied from the plate cam 54a. When a force is applied from the plate cam 54a to the drive arm 571, a moment around the rotation axis is generated in the contact body 51, causing the contact body 51 to rotate. The drive arm 571 is formed in a bar shape extending in one direction in this modified example.

The driven arm 572 is formed integrally with the drive arm 571 . The driven arm 572 extends in a direction crossing the drive arm 571 . In this modification, the driven arm 572 is displaced by the same amount when force is applied to the drive arm 571 from the plate cam 54a to displace it. In this modified example, the driven arm 572 extends in a direction that intersects with the drive arm 571, but may be positioned on a straight line.

The contact portion 521 can be switched between a position (contact position) where it fits into the position regulation recess 341 and a position where it exits the position regulation recess 341 (non-contact position). The contact portion 521 is provided on the driven arm 572 and, more specifically, protrudes in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the driven arm 572 . The contact portion 521 at the contact position can fit into the position regulation recess 341 and prevent the rotation of the driver 34 .

The elastic body 56 applies force to the contact body 51 toward the contact position. Therefore, when a force in the opposite direction exceeding the force applied to the contact body 51 from the elastic body 56 is applied to the contact part 521, the contact part 521 moves while resisting the force from the elastic body 56, and the driving body 34 moves. rotates.

When force is applied to the drive arm 571 from the long diameter portion of the plate cam 54a, the driven arm 572 rotates and the contact portion 521 is switched to the non-contact position, as shown in FIG. 12B. Further, when the plate cam 54a rotates so that the short diameter portion is positioned corresponding to the drive arm 571, the driven arm 572 rotates and the contact portion 521 is switched to the contact position as shown in FIG. 12A.

(2.3) Modification 3
A motor unit 2a according to the present modification has, for the most part, the same structure as the motor unit 2a according to the second modification. As shown in FIG. 13, the motor unit 2a according to this modification differs from the motor unit 2a of Modification 2 in that the structure of the position regulation recess 341 and the contact portion 521 is different. The structure other than 521 is the same. In this modified example, in FIG. 13, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to those of the modified example 2, and the description thereof is omitted.

In the motor unit 2a according to Modification 2, the movement of the driving body 34 is hindered by fitting the contact portion 521 into the position regulation recess 341. However, in the motor unit 2a according to Modification 3, the position regulation recess The movement of the driver 34 is impeded by pressing the contact portion 521 against a portion of 341 . A side surface 341b of the position regulating recess 341 according to this modification is inclined with respect to a bottom surface 341a. In addition, the contact portion 521 has a pressure contact surface 521a corresponding to the side surface.

The contact portion 521 can be switched between a position (contact position) in contact with the position regulation recess 341 and a position away from the position regulation recess 341 (non-contact position). When the contact portion 521 is switched to the contact position, the pressure contact surface 521a of the contact portion 521 is pressed against the side surface 341b. As described above, in the motor unit 2a according to the present modification, the contact portion 521 can apply a braking force to the rotation of the driving body 34, and the movement of the driving body 34 is impeded. As a result, in the motor unit 2a according to this modified example, it is possible to exert a force that hinders the movement of the output member 33a.

(2.4) Modification 4
This modification, like modification 2, is a two-axis motor unit. However, in this modified example, the "predetermined location X1" with which the contact body can contact is different from that in the second modified example. It is the same as the modified example 2 except for the arrangement position of the contact body switching mechanism 5 and the configuration related to the predetermined location X1.

As shown in FIG. 14, the predetermined location X1 according to this modified example is located on the output body 33a, specifically, the outer peripheral portion of the output body 33a. A plurality of position control recesses 341 are formed in the outer peripheral portion of the output body 33a. The position control recesses 341 are formed at regular intervals around the rotation shaft in this modification. The plurality of position regulation recesses 341 are the "predetermined location X1" referred to in the present disclosure. In short, the output body 33a includes the predetermined portion X1.

The human-powered drive system transmission path according to this modification includes a crankshaft 28, a rotating body 29, a one-way clutch 31 of the human-powered drive system, a drive body 34, a first drive sprocket 35, a power transmission body 8, a second drive sprocket 35a, and an output body. 33a is a route connected in order. Therefore, the predetermined portion according to this modified example is positioned closer to the output body 33a than the one-way clutch 31 of the manpower drive system in the manpower drive system transmission path.

The contact body switching mechanism according to this modification includes a switching motor 55 , a switching member 54 , an elastic body 56 and a contact body 51 . Since the contact body switching mechanism 5 according to this modified example has the same structure as the contact body switching mechanism 5 according to the modified example 2, the description thereof is omitted.

In this modification, the contact body switching mechanism 5 exerts a force that hinders the movement (rotational movement) of the output body 33a by bringing the contact body 51 into contact with the output body 33a, as shown in FIG. 15A. As shown in FIG. 15B, by separating the contact member 51 from the position regulation recess 341 by the switching motor 55, the force applied to the output member 33a can be released.

(2.5) Modification 5
A motor unit 2a according to the present modification has, for the most part, the same structure as the motor unit 2a according to the fourth modification. As shown in FIG. 16, the motor unit 2a according to this modification differs from the motor unit 2a according to modification 4 in the structures of the position regulation recess 341 and the contact portion 521. The structure other than the part 521 is the same. In this modified example, in FIG. 16, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the modified example 4, and the description thereof is omitted.

In the motor unit 2a according to Modification 4, the movement of the output member 33a is hindered by fitting the contact portion 521 into the position regulation recess 341. However, in the motor unit 2a according to this modification, the position regulation recess 341 The movement of the output member 33a is impeded by pressing the contact portion 521 against a part of the . A side surface 341b of the position regulating recess 341 according to this modification is inclined with respect to a bottom surface 341a. In addition, the contact portion 521 has a pressure contact surface 521a corresponding to the side surface.

The contact portion 521 can be switched between a position (contact position) in contact with the position regulation recess 341 and a position away from the position regulation recess 341 (non-contact position). When the contact portion 521 is switched to the contact position, the pressure contact surface 521a of the contact portion 521 is pressed against the side surface 341b. Thus, in the motor unit 2a according to this modification, the contact portion 521 can apply a braking force to the rotation of the output body 33a, and can exert a force that hinders the movement of the output body 33a. .

(2.6) Modification 6
The motor units 2 and 2a according to the above-described embodiment and modified examples 2 to 5 are so-called center unit type motor units attached to the bracket 78, but in this modified example, they are front hub unit type motor units. different in In this modified example, in FIG. 17, the same reference numerals are given to the configurations corresponding to those of the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 17, the motor unit 2b according to this modification is attached concentrically to the rotation shaft of the front wheel 65 (see FIG. 1). The motor unit 2b includes a pair of fixed shafts 26, a motor 36, a housing 21a, a reduction mechanism 41, and a contact body switching mechanism 5, as shown in FIG.

The fixed shaft 26 extends along the rotation axis of the front wheel 65 . The fixed shaft 26 is attached to the pair of legs 61 and fixed to the pair of legs 61 .

The motor 36 is housed in the housing 21a. That is, the entire output shaft 39 of the motor 36 is positioned inside the housing 21 . The motor 36 outputs rotational power. The motor 36 has a motor case 361 , a stator 37 and a rotor 38 . The motor case 361 is fixed to the pair of fixed shafts 26 . The stator 37 is attached to the motor case 361 and fixed to the motor case 361 . The rotor 38 is rotatably attached to the motor case 361 . The rotation axis of the rotor 38 is located on the same straight line as the central axes of the pair of fixed shafts 26 . An output shaft 39 is attached to the rotor 38 . As the rotor 38 rotates, the output shaft 39 rotates about the rotation axis of the rotor 38 . A toothed portion 391 is formed on the outer circumference of the output shaft 39 .

When the driving assistance output from the motor 36 is input, the deceleration mechanism 41 rotates the housing 21a after slowing down the rotation speed. The reduction mechanism 41 includes a plurality of reduction gears 44b. A plurality of reduction gears 44 b are arranged around the output shaft 39 and mesh with the teeth 391 . In this modified example, the plurality of reduction gears 44b do not revolve around the output shaft 39, but may be composed of planetary gears that can revolve. The deceleration mechanism 41 is arranged inside the housing 21a. The reduction gear 44 meshes with the tooth portion 391 and also meshes with the inner peripheral surface of the housing 21a.

The housing 21 a is rotatably attached to the fixed shaft 26 . The housing 21a can rotate with respect to the motor case 361 in this modified example. The rotating shaft of the housing 21 a is the same as the rotating shaft of the output shaft 39 of the motor 36 . Spokes 67 included in the wheel of the front wheel 65 are attached to the housing 21a. The housing 21a rotates together with the rotation of the front wheels 65 even if the motor 36 is not operating.

When the output shaft 39 of the motor 36 rotates, the rotational power is transmitted to the reduction mechanism 41, and the reduction mechanism 41 rotates the housing 21a. The rotated housing 21a rotates the wheels and can apply drive assist power to the front wheels 65 (see FIG. 1). In this modification, the housing 21a also serves as the output body 33a. In short, the housing 21a has a function as the output body 33b.

A contact body switching mechanism 5 according to this modification includes a switching motor 55 , a switching member 54 , an elastic body 56 , and a contact body 51 .

A switching motor 55 drives a switching member 54 . The switching motor 55 operates when power is supplied from the battery 9 . The switching motor 55 is formed to be rotatable forward and backward. The switching motor 55 comprises a bevel gear 552 mounted on an output shaft 553 . The rotation axis of the bevel gear 552 is orthogonal to the rotation axis of the housing 21a. The bevel gear 552 meshes with the switching member 54 . Rotational power output from the switching motor 55 drives the switching member 54 .

The switching member 54 is a member that can switch the contact body 51 between the contact position and the non-contact position. The switching member 54 includes a first switching portion 58 and a second switching portion 59 . The first switching portion 58 is rotatably attached to the fixed shaft 26 . The rotation axis of the first switching portion 58 is substantially parallel to the left-right direction and is the same as the rotation axis of the housing 21a. The first switching portion 58 rotates by receiving rotational power from the switching motor 55 . For example, a spiral guide groove is formed on the surface of the first switching portion 58 on the second switching portion 59 side.

The second switching portion 59 changes the position of the first switching portion 58 along the rotation axis in accordance with the rotation of the first switching portion 58 . A stop member 545 such as an E-ring is provided at the end of the second switching portion 59 opposite to the first switching portion 58 . When the first switching portion 58 rotates in one direction, the second switching portion 59 moves in one direction along the rotation axis of the first switching portion 58. When the first switching portion 58 rotates in the other direction, the second switching portion 59 moves in the second direction. The switching portion 59 moves in the other direction along the rotation axis of the first switching portion 58 .

The contact member 51 is attached to the second switching portion 59 so as to be slidable in the direction along the rotation axis of the housing 21a. The contact member 51 comes into contact with the convex portion 27 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the housing 21 and exerts a force that prevents the movement (rotational movement) of the housing 21a. Therefore, the predetermined portion X1 according to this modified example is the convex portion 27 . The elastic body 56 is arranged between the contact body 51 and the first switching portion 58, and pushes the contact body 51 toward the inner surface of the housing 21a in the direction along the rotation axis of the housing 21a.

As shown in FIG. 17, when the first switching portion 58 rotates in one direction, the contact body 51 rotates the second switching portion 59 toward the inner surface of the housing 21a in the direction along the rotation axis of the housing 21a. move toward the 18, when the first switching portion 58 rotates in the direction opposite to the one direction, the second switching portion 59 rotates in the direction along the rotation axis of the housing 21a. It moves away from the inner surface of the housing 21a. In short, in this modified example, the contact member 51 is switched between the contact position and the non-contact position by the switching member 54 .

(2.7) Other Modifications Modifications of the embodiment are listed below.

In the above-described embodiment and modification, the contact body 51 of the contact body switching mechanism 5 is configured to temporarily move when a constant force is applied to the contact body 51 at the contact position. , the contact body 51 may completely stop moving at the predetermined location X1. In short, the output body 33 may be locked.

In the above embodiments and modifications, the contact switching mechanism 5 may be interlocked with the handle lock. For example, the motor unit 2 may be provided with a mechanism for pulling a wire for operating the handle lock, and the wire may be pulled at the same time as the contact body switching mechanism 5 switches the contact body 51 to the contact position to realize the handle lock. According to this, the anti-theft effect of the electric bicycle 1 can be further expected.

In the above embodiment and modified example, the electric bicycle 1 has a control section capable of controlling the operation of the contact body switching mechanism 5 . The control section is configured to be able to communicate with a terminal device possessed by the user via a communication section provided in the electric bicycle 1 . The user can operate the contact body switching mechanism 5 by operating the terminal device. Also, when the terminal device approaches the communication unit of the electric bicycle 1 within a predetermined distance (within a predetermined range) such as a communicable range, the contact body switching mechanism 5 switches the contact body 51 to the non-contact position. good too. Furthermore, the contact body switching mechanism 5 may switch the contact body 51 to the contact position when the terminal device is positioned outside a predetermined range such as a communicable range from the communication unit of the electric bicycle 1 .

The “terminal device” here may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a PDA (Personal Data Assistant), a notebook PC, or the like, in addition to a dedicated terminal device such as a smart key.

The predetermined location X1 may be on the moving body that receives the force output from the output body 33 and moves. The predetermined portion X1 on the moving body may be teeth of the drive sprocket 35, for example. When a tensioner is attached to the motor unit 2, the tensioner may include the predetermined portion X1, and the contact body 51 may be brought into contact with the teeth of the tensioner to prevent rotation of the tensioner. Moreover, it is good also as the power transmission body 8 containing the predetermined location X1. By bringing the contact body 51 into contact with the power transmission body 8, a force that hinders the movement of the output body 33 can be exerted. In other words, the member including the predetermined portion X1 is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modifications, and may be a moving body that receives force output from the output body 33 in addition to the speed reduction mechanism 41 and the output body 33 .

Although the electric bicycle 1 according to the above embodiment is not provided with a lock such as a bar on the frame, the electric bicycle 1 according to the present disclosure may be provided with a lock such as a bar. In this case, the effect of preventing theft of the electric bicycle 1 can be further enhanced.

In the electric bicycle 1 according to the above embodiment, the hub 661 of the rear wheel 66 has a freewheel. It has a one-way clutch in its path. However, the electric bicycle 1 according to the present disclosure does not have to have a freewheel. The electric bicycle 1 according to one modification does not have a freewheel, in other words, does not have a one-way clutch in the power transmission path from the power transmission body 8 to the wheel (here, the rear wheel 66). According to the electric bicycle 1 according to the modified example, by exerting a force that hinders the movement of the output body 33, the rotation of the wheel (here, the rear wheel 66) in both directions around the rotation axis is restricted. can be done.

In the present disclosure, expressions with "substantially" such as "substantially parallel" or "substantially orthogonal" may be used. For example, "substantially parallel" means substantially "parallel", and includes not only a strictly "parallel" state but also an error of about several percent. The same applies to expressions with other "abbreviations".

Also, in the present disclosure, expressions such as "front end" and "front end" are used to distinguish between "... end" and "... end". For example, "front end" means a portion having a certain range that includes the "front end". The same applies to expressions with other "... ends".

In addition, the terms “inclination” and “inclined surface” used in the present disclosure are not limited to straight lines or planes, and include curves and curved surfaces.

(3) Aspect As described above, the motor unit (2, 2a, 2b) according to the first aspect is the motor unit (2, 2a, 2b) for the electric bicycle (1) attached to the bicycle. The motor unit (2, 2a, 2b) includes a housing (21, 21a), a motor (36), an output body (33, 33a, 33b), and a speed reduction mechanism (41) housed in the housing (21, 21a). ) and a contact switching mechanism (5). At least part of the output shaft (39) of the motor (36) is positioned inside the housing (21, 21a). The output bodies (33, 33a, 33b) output the power output from the output shaft (39) to the outside of the housing (21, 21a). A reduction mechanism (41) reduces the rotation speed of the output of the motor (36) in the motor drive system transmission path from the output shaft (39) to the output bodies (33, 33a, 33b). The contact body switching mechanism (5) has a contact body (51). The contact body (51) is a predetermined portion of any one of the reduction mechanism (41), the output bodies (33, 33a, 33b), and the moving body that receives the force output from the output bodies (33, 33a, 33b). With respect to (X1), it is possible to switch between a contact position in contact and a non-contact position away from the predetermined point (X1). The contact switching mechanism (5) is configured to exert an impeding force on the output (33, 33a, 33b) when the contact (51) is switched to the contact position.

According to this aspect, when the contact body (51) is switched to the contact position, a force that hinders movement is exerted on the output body (33, 33a, 33b). 21, 21a) cannot be output. Therefore, according to this aspect, if the contact body (51) is switched to the contact position, the motor unit (2, 2a, 2b) cannot be normally used, and the electric bicycle (1) is prevented from being stolen. expected to be effective.

In the motor unit (2, 2a) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the motor driving mechanism is provided between the output shaft (39) and the output body (33, 33a) in the motor drive system transmission path. A system one-way clutch (43) is further provided. The predetermined location (X1) is positioned closer to the output body (33, 33a) than the motor drive system one-way clutch (43) in the motor drive system transmission path.

According to this aspect, since the rotational movement of the output bodies (33, 33a) in both directions can be prevented, the contact body (51) can be found at the contact position by rotating the output bodies (33, 33a). This can be perceived as a bodily sensation, and the anti-theft effect of the motor unit (2, 2a) can be expected.

The motor unit (2, 2a) according to the third aspect further includes a crankshaft (28) and a one-way clutch (31) of the human power drive system in the first or second aspect. A crankshaft (28) penetrates the housing (21) and rotates with respect to the housing (21) by a pedaling force. A manpower drive system one-way clutch (31) is provided between a crankshaft (28) and an output body (33, 33a) in a manpower drive system transmission path from the crankshaft (28) to the output body (33, 33a). be done. The predetermined location (X1) is positioned closer to the output body (33, 33a) than the one-way clutch (31) of the manpower drive system in the manpower drive system transmission path.

According to this aspect, when the output bodies (33, 33a) are rotated, the contact body (51) is felt to be in the contact position, and anti-theft effects of the motor units (2, 2a) can be expected. .

In the motor unit (2, 2a) according to the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the speed reduction mechanism (41) includes a gear (reduction gear 44) having teeth (442). . The predetermined location (X1) is located at a location different from the tooth portion (442) on the gear.

According to this aspect, by exerting a mechanical force on the gear (reduction gear 44), the movement of the gear can be impeded, and the force impeding the movement of the output body (33, 33a, 33b) can be applied. can exert

In the motor unit (2) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the predetermined portion (X1) is located outside the housing (21).

According to this aspect, it is possible to visually confirm that the contact body (51) is at the contact position or the non-contact position.

In the motor unit (2) according to the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the predetermined portion (X1) is the drive sprocket (35) attached to the output member (33).

According to this aspect, since the contact body (51) can be brought into contact with the drive sprocket (35), the output body (33 ) to impede movement.

In the motor unit (2) according to the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the driving sprocket (35) has a sprocket body (351) and a mounting member (352). The sprocket body (351) is attached with a power transmission body (8) for transmitting power to the wheels (65) and (66). The attachment member (352) is fixed relative to the sprocket body (351). The predetermined location (X1) is included in the mounting member (352).

According to this aspect, the sprocket body (351) can be prevented from being worn or scratched by the contact body (51).

In the motor unit (2) according to the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the mounting member (352) is harder than the sprocket body (351).

According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of wear, scratches, etc., as compared with bringing the contact body (51) into contact with the sprocket body (351).

In the motor unit (2, 2b) according to the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the contact body switching mechanism (5) switches the contact body (51) to the output bodies (33, 33a ) to switch between the contact position and the non-contact position.

According to this aspect, the moving range of the contact body (51) can be minimized.

In the motor unit (2a) according to the tenth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the contact body switching mechanism (5) rotates the contact body (51) to the rotating shaft of the motor (36). Switching between the contact position and the non-contact position is performed by moving along a perpendicular virtual plane.

According to this aspect, since the movement space of the contact body (51) can be secured in the front-rear direction, the contact body switching mechanism (5) can be realized while utilizing the dead space.

An electric bicycle (1) according to an eleventh aspect comprises a plurality of wheels (65) (66) and a motor unit (2) according to any one of the first to tenth aspects. Motor units (2, 2a, 2b) output rotational power to at least one wheel (65) (66) among a plurality of wheels (65) (66).

According to this aspect, the effect of preventing theft of the motor unit (2) can be expected, and theft of the electric bicycle (1) can also be prevented.

The electric bicycle (1) according to the twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, further comprises a power transmission body (8) for transmitting the output of the motor units (2, 2a, 2b) to the wheels (65) (66). . A predetermined portion (X1) is included in the power transmission body (8).

According to this aspect, the theft of the electric bicycle (1) can be suppressed.

The electric bicycle (1) according to the thirteenth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, further comprises a power transmission body (8) for transmitting the output of the motor units (2, 2a, 2b) to the wheels (65) (66). . The moving body is configured to move in response to the movement of the power transmission body (8). A predetermined portion (X1) is included in the moving object.

According to this aspect, the theft of the electric bicycle (1) can be suppressed.

The electric bicycle (1) according to the fourteenth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, further comprises a power transmission body (8) for transmitting the output of the motor units (2, 2a, 2b) to the wheels (65) (66). . A one-way clutch is not provided in the power transmission path from the power transmission body (8) to the rear wheel (66).

According to this aspect, it is possible to restrict the rotation of the wheels (65) and (66) in both directions around the rotation axis by exerting a force that hinders the movement of the output body (33). Theft of the bicycle (1) can be further suppressed.

The configurations according to the second to tenth aspects are not essential to the motor unit (2, 2a, 2b), and the configurations according to the twelfth to fourteenth aspects are not required for the electric bicycle (1). This is not an essential configuration and can be omitted as appropriate.

Reference Signs List 1 electric bicycle 2, 2a, 2b motor unit 21 housing 28 crankshaft 31 human power drive system one-way clutch 33, 33a output body 35 drive sprocket (moving body)
351 sprocket body 352 mounting member 36 motor 39 output shaft 41 reduction mechanism 43 motor drive system one-way clutch 44 reduction gear (gear)
442 tooth portion 5 contact body switching mechanism 51 contact body 521 contact portion 65 front wheel (wheel)
66 Rear wheel (wheel)
8 power transmission body (moving body)
X1 Predetermined location

Claims (18)

a housing;
a motor in which at least part of the output shaft is located inside the housing;
an output body that outputs power output from the output shaft to the outside of the housing;
a speed reduction mechanism that is housed in the housing and reduces the rotation speed of the output of the motor in a motor drive system transmission path from the output shaft to the output body;
Switching between a contact position in contact with a predetermined portion of any one of the deceleration mechanism, the output body, and a moving body that receives force output from the output body and a non-contact position away from the predetermined portion a contact switching mechanism having a possible contact and exerting an impeding force on the output by switching the contact to the contact position;
with
The reduction mechanism includes a gear having teeth,
The predetermined location is located at a location different from the tooth portion on the gear,
motor unit. a housing;
a motor in which at least part of the output shaft is located inside the housing;
an output body that outputs power output from the output shaft to the outside of the housing;
a speed reduction mechanism that is housed in the housing and reduces the rotation speed of the output of the motor in a motor drive system transmission path from the output shaft to the output body;
Switching between a contact position in contact with a predetermined portion of any one of the deceleration mechanism, the output body, and a moving body that receives force output from the output body and a non-contact position away from the predetermined portion a contact switching mechanism having a possible contact and exerting an impeding force on the output by switching the contact to the contact position;
with
the predetermined location is located outside the housing,
motor unit. a housing;
a motor in which at least part of the output shaft is located inside the housing;
an output body that outputs power output from the output shaft to the outside of the housing;
a speed reduction mechanism that is housed in the housing and reduces the rotation speed of the output of the motor in a motor drive system transmission path from the output shaft to the output body;
Switching between a contact position in contact with a predetermined portion of any one of the deceleration mechanism, the output body, and a moving body that receives force output from the output body and a non-contact position away from the predetermined portion a contact switching mechanism having a possible contact and exerting an impeding force on the output by switching the contact to the contact position;
with
The contact body switching mechanism switches the contact body between the contact position and the non-contact position by moving the contact body along a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the motor.
motor unit. further comprising a motor drive system one-way clutch provided between the output shaft and the output body in the motor drive system transmission path;
The predetermined location is located closer to the output body than the motor drive system one-way clutch in the motor drive system transmission path.
A motor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3. a crankshaft penetrating the housing and rotating with respect to the housing by a pedaling force;
a manpower drive system one-way clutch provided between the crankshaft and the output body in a manpower drive system transmission path from the crankshaft to the output body;
further comprising
The predetermined location is positioned closer to the output body than the one-way clutch of the manpower drive system in the manpower drive system transmission path,
A motor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The predetermined location is a drive sprocket attached to the output body,
3. The motor unit according to claim 2 . The drive sprocket is
a sprocket body to which a power transmission body for transmitting power to a wheel is attached;
a mounting member fixed to the sprocket body;
has
The predetermined location is included in the mounting member,
The motor unit according to claim 6. The mounting member is harder than the sprocket body,
The motor unit according to claim 7. The contact body switching mechanism switches between the contact position and the non-contact position by moving the contact body in a direction along the rotation axis of the output body.
A motor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8. a housing;
a motor in which at least part of the output shaft is located inside the housing;
an output body that outputs power output from the output shaft to the outside of the housing;
a speed reduction mechanism that is housed in the housing and reduces the rotation speed of the output of the motor in a motor drive system transmission path from the output shaft to the output body;
Switching between a contact position in contact with a predetermined portion of any one of the deceleration mechanism, the output body, and a moving body that receives force output from the output body and a non-contact position away from the predetermined portion a contact switching mechanism having a possible contact and exerting a force on the output to prevent movement relative to the housing by switching the contact to the contact position;
with
further comprising a motor drive system one-way clutch provided between the output shaft and the output body in the motor drive system transmission path;
The predetermined location is located closer to the output body than the motor drive system one-way clutch in the motor drive system transmission path.
motor unit. a housing;
a motor in which at least part of the output shaft is located inside the housing;
an output body that outputs power output from the output shaft to the outside of the housing;
a speed reduction mechanism that is housed in the housing and reduces the rotation speed of the output of the motor in a motor drive system transmission path from the output shaft to the output body;
Switching between a contact position in contact with a predetermined portion of any one of the deceleration mechanism, the output body, and a moving body that receives force output from the output body and a non-contact position away from the predetermined portion a contact switching mechanism having a possible contact and exerting a force on the output to prevent movement relative to the housing by switching the contact to the contact position;
with
The contact body switching mechanism moves the contact body in a direction along the rotation axis of the output body.
By switching between the contact position and the non-contact position,
motor unit. a housing;
a motor in which at least part of the output shaft is located inside the housing;
an output body that outputs power output from the output shaft to the outside of the housing;
a speed reduction mechanism that is housed in the housing and reduces the rotation speed of the output of the motor in a motor drive system transmission path from the output shaft to the output body;
It has a contact body that can be switched between a contact position in contact with a predetermined position of the output body and a non-contact position away from the predetermined position, and by switching the contact body to the contact position, the housing a contact switching mechanism that exerts a force on the output so as to impede movement against;
comprising
motor unit. a housing;
a motor in which at least part of the output shaft is located inside the housing;
a crankshaft passing through the housing;
a driving body that rotates coaxially with the crankshaft and outputs an external force applied to the crankshaft to the outside of the housing;
an output body that outputs power output from the output shaft to the outside of the housing;
a speed reduction mechanism that is housed in the housing and reduces the rotation speed of the output of the motor in a motor drive system transmission path from the output shaft to the output body;
It has a contact body that can be switched between a contact position in contact with a predetermined position of the driving body and a non-contact position away from the predetermined position, and by switching the contact body to the contact position, the housing a contact switching mechanism that exerts a force on the driver so as to impede movement against;
comprising a
motor unit. The contact body switching mechanism is driven by the rotational force of a motor separate from the motor,
A motor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13. a plurality of wheels;
The motor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which outputs rotational power to at least one wheel among the plurality of wheels;
comprising a
Electric bicycle. further comprising a power transmission body that transmits the output of the motor unit to the wheel;
The predetermined portion is included in the power transmission body,
The electric bicycle according to claim 15. further comprising a power transmission body that transmits the output of the motor unit to the wheel;
a moving body configured to move in accordance with the movement of the power transmission body;
The predetermined location is included in the moving body,
The electric bicycle according to claim 15. further comprising a power transmission body that transmits the output of the motor unit to the wheel;
A power transmission path from the power transmission body to the wheels is not provided with a one-way clutch,
The electric bicycle according to claim 15.

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