JP2023051374A - Drive unit for man-power drive vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a drive unit for a man-power drive vehicle which allows easy determination of a position of a first bearing relative to a support member in an axial direction of a rotary shaft.SOLUTION: A drive unit for a man-power drive vehicle includes: a support member which is formed separately from a frame of the man-power drive vehicle; a rotary shaft which penetrates through the support member; at least one of an electric motor which is provided at the support member and is configured to provide propulsion power to the man-power drive vehicle and a transmission which is provided at the support member and is connected to the rotary shaft; a first bearing which is provided at the support member and supports the rotary shaft in a manner that the rotary shaft may rotate around an axial center of center of rotation of the rotary shaft; and a first member which is provided at the support member so as to be movable in a first direction parallel to the axial center of center of rotation and is configured to position the first bearing relative to the support member in the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present disclosure relates to drive units for human powered vehicles.

For example, in the drive unit disclosed in Patent Document 1, the position of the bearing with respect to the support member in the axial direction of the rotating shaft is determined by the step formed on the support member, but a gap is likely to occur between the bearing and the support member. .

JP 2018-202949 A

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE An object of the present disclosure is to provide a drive unit for a manpowered vehicle that facilitates positioning of the first bearing with respect to the support member in the axial direction of the rotating shaft.

A drive unit according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a drive unit for a manpowered vehicle, comprising: a support member formed separately from a frame of the manpowered vehicle; a rotating shaft passing through the support member; at least one of an electric motor provided on a member and configured to provide propulsion to the manpowered vehicle; and a transmission provided on the support member and connected to the rotating shaft; and the support member. a first bearing that rotatably supports the rotating shaft with respect to the rotation center axis of the rotating shaft; and a support member that is movably provided in a first direction parallel to the rotation center axis, and a first member configured to position the first bearing with respect to the support member in the first direction.
According to the drive unit of the first side, the first bearing can be preferably positioned with respect to the support member by the first member in the first direction parallel to the rotation center axis. Therefore, it is easy to determine the position of the first bearing with respect to the support member in the first direction parallel to the rotation center axis.

In the drive unit of the second aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the rotating shaft is arranged radially outward of and coaxial with the crankshaft, and the rotating force is input to the crankshaft. and an output rotary shaft to which is transmitted, wherein the first bearing directly supports the crankshaft or the output rotary shaft.
According to the drive unit on the second side, the crankshaft or the output rotary shaft can be favorably supported by the first bearing.

In the drive unit of the third aspect according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure, the support member includes a housing forming an accommodation space, and the first member is provided in the housing so as to be operable from the outside of the housing. .
According to the drive unit of the third aspect, the first bearing can be preferably positioned with respect to the support member in the first direction by operating the first member from the outside of the housing.

In the drive unit of the fourth aspect according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present disclosure, the first bearing contacts the inner ring coupled to the rotating shaft and the support member in the radial direction of the rotating shaft. and a plurality of rolling elements arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring, wherein the first member has a facing surface facing the first end surface of the outer ring in the first direction.
According to the drive unit on the fourth side surface, the facing surface faces the first end surface, so that the first bearing can be preferably positioned with respect to the support member in the first direction.

In the drive unit of the fifth aspect according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the inner ring is press-fitted onto the rotating shaft.
According to the drive unit of the fifth aspect, the inner ring is press-fitted onto the rotating shaft, so the first bearing is firmly attached to the rotating shaft.

The drive unit of the sixth aspect according to the fourth or fifth aspect of the present disclosure, further comprising: a second bearing provided in the support member for rotatably supporting the rotating shaft about the rotation center axis; is spaced apart from the first bearing in the first direction, and the first end face of the outer ring of the first bearing faces the opposite side of the second bearing in the first direction.
According to the drive unit of the sixth side, the rotating shaft can be favorably supported by the first bearing and the second bearing.

In the drive unit of the seventh aspect according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects of the present disclosure, the first member has a first cylindrical portion arranged substantially coaxially with the rotation center axis, The first tubular portion is formed with a first screw, the support member has a second tubular portion arranged substantially coaxially with the rotation center axis, and the second tubular portion is formed with a second thread coupled to the first thread, one of the first thread and the second thread is a male thread, and the other of the first thread and the second thread is a female thread. be.
According to the drive unit of the seventh side, by coupling the first screw of the first tubular portion and the second screw of the second tubular portion, the position of the first member with respect to the support member can be preferably adjusted.

In the drive unit of the eighth aspect according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the first member has a protruding portion that protrudes radially inward of the first tubular portion from the inner peripheral surface of the first tubular portion. and the projecting portion has the facing surface.
According to the drive unit of the eighth side surface, since the protruding portion has the facing surface, the facing surface can be formed favorably.

The drive unit of the ninth aspect according to any one of the first to eighth aspects of the present disclosure, further comprising a second member that restricts movement of the first member relative to the support member in the first direction.
According to the drive unit of the ninth aspect, the movement of the first member relative to the support member can be appropriately restricted by the second member.

The drive unit of the tenth aspect according to the seventh or eighth aspect of the present disclosure, further comprising a second member that restricts movement of the first member with respect to the support member in the first direction, wherein the second member comprises a third a cylindrical portion, the third cylindrical portion is formed with a third thread coupled to the second thread, the first thread is a female thread, and the second thread is a male thread; , the third thread is a female thread.
According to the drive unit of the tenth side, by coupling the female thread of the first screw and the female thread of the third screw to the male thread of the second screw, the position of the second member with respect to the support member can be preferably adjusted. According to the drive unit of the tenth side, the female thread of the first screw and the female thread of the third screw can be coupled to the male thread of the second screw, so the configuration of the second member can be simplified.

The drive unit of the eleventh aspect according to the seventh or eighth aspect of the present disclosure, further comprising a second member that restricts movement of the first member relative to the support member in the first direction, the second member comprising a third a cylindrical portion having a third thread coupled to the first thread; the first thread being a male thread; and the second thread being a female thread. , the third thread is a female thread.
According to the drive unit of the eleventh side, by coupling the female thread of the second screw and the female thread of the third screw to the male thread of the first screw, the position of the second member with respect to the support member can be preferably adjusted. According to the drive unit of the eleventh side, since the female thread of the second screw and the female thread of the third screw can be coupled to the male thread of the first screw, the configuration of the second member can be simplified.

The drive unit of the twelfth aspect according to any one of the ninth through eleventh aspects of the disclosure, wherein the second member includes a second tool engaging portion engageable with a tool.
According to the drive unit of the twelfth aspect, since the second member can be operated with a tool, it becomes easier to attach the second member to the support member.

In the drive unit of the thirteenth aspect according to any one of the first through twelfth aspects of the disclosure, the first member includes a first tool engaging portion engageable with a tool.
According to the drive unit of the thirteenth aspect, since the first member can be operated with a tool, it becomes easier to attach the first member to the support member.

In the drive unit of the fourteenth aspect according to any one of the first through thirteenth aspects of the disclosure, the support member has a mounting portion attached to the frame of the manpowered vehicle.
According to the drive unit of the 14th side, the drive unit can be preferably attached to the frame.

According to the drive unit for a manpowered vehicle of the present disclosure, it is easy to determine the position of the first bearing with respect to the support member in the first direction parallel to the center axis of rotation.

1 is a perspective view of a drive unit for a manpowered vehicle according to a first embodiment; FIG. Figure 2 is a side view of the drive unit for the manpowered vehicle of Figure 1; 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first bearing of FIG. 3 and its surroundings; FIG. It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first bearing of the drive unit for the manpowered vehicle of the second embodiment and its surroundings.

<First embodiment>
A drive unit 10 for a manpowered vehicle according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. Hereinafter, the drive unit 10 for the manpower-driven vehicle will be referred to as the drive unit 10 in the embodiments. A manpowered vehicle is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be driven by at least manpower. Human-powered vehicles include various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand bikes, and recumbents. The number of wheels that a manpowered vehicle has is not limited. Manpowered vehicles also include, for example, one-wheeled vehicles and vehicles having two or more wheels. Manpowered vehicles are not limited to vehicles that can be driven solely by manpower. The human-powered vehicle includes an E-bike that uses not only human-powered power but also the driving power of an electric motor 16 for propulsion. The e-bike includes an electrically assisted bicycle whose propulsion is assisted by an electric motor 16 . In the following embodiments, the human-powered vehicle will be described as an electrically assisted bicycle.

The drive unit 10 includes at least one of a support member 12 , a rotating shaft 14 , an electric motor 16 and a transmission 18 , a first bearing 20 and a first member 22 . The drive unit 10 is attached to the frame of the manpowered vehicle.

The support member 12 is formed separately from the frame of the manpowered vehicle. For example, the support member 12 includes a housing 24 that defines a receiving space 24A. The housing 24 is formed separately from the frame of the manpowered vehicle and is attached to the frame of the manpowered vehicle. Housing 24 includes a first housing 26 and a second housing 28 . The first housing 26 and the second housing 28 are arranged in the first direction X1. For example, the first direction X1 is a direction along the axial direction of the crankshaft 30 . First housing 26 and second housing 28 are attached to each other by bolts 24B. Housing 24 includes a first aperture 26A and a second aperture 28A. A first hole 26</b>A is provided in the first housing 26 . A second hole 28A is provided in the second housing 28 .

The accommodation space 24A is provided between the first housing 26 and the second housing 28. As shown in FIG. At least one of the rotating shaft 14, the electric motor 16, and the transmission 18 is accommodated in the accommodation space 24A. For example, a portion of the rotating shaft 14, the electric motor 16, and the transmission 18 are accommodated in the accommodation space 24A. The electric motor 16 may be configured such that at least a portion thereof is housed in the housing space 24A. The transmission 18 may be configured such that at least a portion thereof is housed in the housing space 24A.

For example, the support member 12 has an attachment portion 12A that attaches to the frame of a manpowered vehicle. For example, the support member 12 is removably attached to the frame of a manpowered vehicle. The attachment portion 12A is provided on at least one of the first housing 26 and the second housing 28 . For example, the support member 12 has a plurality of mounting portions 12A. The plurality of mounting portions 12A are arranged at intervals on the outer peripheral portion of the drive unit 10. As shown in FIG. The mounting portion 12A includes a female threaded portion 12B. The support member 12 is attached to the frame by screwing a bolt passing through the frame into the female threaded portion 12B. The attachment portion 12A may be attached to the frame by means other than the female threaded portion 12B.

The rotating shaft 14 passes through the support member 12 . The rotating shaft 14 passes through the first hole 26A and the second hole 28A. For example, the rotary shaft 14 includes at least one of a crankshaft 30 and an output rotary shaft 32 . In this embodiment, the rotary shaft 14 includes both the crankshaft 30 and the output rotary shaft 32 .

Crankshaft 30 passes through first housing 26 and second housing 28 . The crankshaft 30 passes through the first hole 26A and the second hole 28A. The crankshaft 30 rotates according to the human-powered driving force input to the human-powered vehicle. The crankshaft 30 is provided substantially coaxially with the rotation center axis C<b>1 of the rotary shaft 14 . The crankshaft 30 includes a first end portion 30A, a second end portion 30B, and a central portion 30C in the first direction X1. A crank arm is provided at each of the first end 30A and the second end 30B. A pedal to which a human driving force is input is attached to the crank arm. When a human power driving force is input to the pedal, the crankshaft 30 rotates.

For example, the output rotary shaft 32 is arranged coaxially with the crankshaft 30 outside the crankshaft 30 in the radial direction X2, and the torque input to the crankshaft 30 is transmitted. The output rotating shaft 32 passes through the second housing 28 . The output rotary shaft 32 passes through the second hole 28A. The output rotary shaft 32 transmits rotary power to the wheels of the manpowered vehicle via a front sprocket, a chain and a rear sprocket. The output rotary shaft 32 is press-fitted onto the crankshaft 30 . The output rotary shaft 32 rotates integrally with the crankshaft 30 . A one-way clutch may be provided between the crankshaft 30 and the output rotary shaft 32 .

For example, the output rotary shaft 32 is provided with a detector 34 that detects torque applied to the output rotary shaft 32 . The detector 34 is, for example, a magnetostrictive sensor. A magnetostrictive sensor detects information about the strain of the strain gauge. A strain gauge is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the output rotary shaft 32 .

An electric motor 16 is provided on the support member 12 and is configured to provide propulsion to the manpowered vehicle. The electric motor 16 provides propulsion force to the manpowered vehicle according to the manpowered driving force input to the manpowered vehicle. Torque of the electric motor 16 is transmitted to the output rotary shaft 32 . Electric motor 16 includes an output shaft 16A. The electric motor 16 is a so-called brushless motor. In this embodiment, the output shaft 16A of the electric motor 16 is parallel to the crankshaft 30. As shown in FIG. The electric motor 16 may have an output shaft 16A that is perpendicular to the crankshaft 30 .

For example, the transmission 18 is provided on the support member 12 and connected to the rotating shaft 14 . The transmission 18 is provided between the electric motor 16 and the output rotary shaft 32 . The transmission 18 transmits the torque of the output shaft 16A to the output rotating shaft 32 . The transmission 18 changes the ratio of the rotation speed of the output rotation shaft 32 to the rotation speed of the output shaft 16A.

The transmission 18 reduces or accelerates the rotational speed of the output shaft 16A over one or more steps. The transmission 18 of this embodiment is a speed reducer. The transmission 18 may be a gearbox. In this embodiment, the rotational speed of the output shaft 16A is reduced in two stages. The transmission 18 may be composed of pulleys.

Transmission 18 includes at least one gear and at least one gear shaft. In this embodiment, the transmission 18 includes a first gear 18A, a second gear 18B, a third gear 18C, a fourth gear 18D and a gear shaft 18E. The first gear 18A is provided on the output shaft 16A. The second gear 18B is provided on a gear shaft 18E. The second gear 18B rotates integrally with the gear shaft 18E. The third gear 18C is provided on a different portion of the gear shaft 18E from the second gear 18B. The third gear 18C rotates integrally with the gear shaft 18E. The fourth gear 18</b>D is provided on the output rotating shaft 32 coaxially with the output rotating shaft 32 .

The first gear 18A transmits the rotational force of the output shaft 16A to the second gear 18B. The number of teeth of the first gear 18A is less than the number of teeth of the second gear 18B. The rotational force of the output shaft 16A transmitted to the second gear 18B causes the gear shaft 18E to rotate. The number of teeth of the second gear 18B is greater than the number of teeth of the third gear 18C. The third gear 18C transmits the rotational force of the gear shaft 18E to the fourth gear 18D. The number of teeth of the third gear 18C is smaller than the number of teeth of the fourth gear 18D. The rotational force of the gear shaft 18E transmitted to the fourth gear 18D causes the output rotary shaft 32 to rotate.

For example, drive unit 10 includes one-way clutch 36 . A one-way clutch 36 is provided in the transmission 18 . The one-way clutch 36 is configured to suppress transmission of torque of the output rotating shaft 32 to the electric motor 16 when the output rotating shaft 32 rotates in the first rotation direction A1. When the output rotary shaft 32 rotates in the first rotation direction A1, the manpowered vehicle moves forward.

For example, one-way clutch 36 includes a roller clutch. For example, the one-way clutch 36 is provided between the outer peripheral portion of the output rotary shaft 32 and the inner peripheral portion of the fourth gear 18D. The one-way clutch 36 includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of rollers provided between the inner ring and the outer ring. For example, the inner ring is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the output rotating shaft 32 . For example, the inner ring is formed integrally with the outer peripheral portion of the output rotating shaft 32 . For example, the outer ring is provided on the inner circumference of the fourth gear 18D. For example, the outer ring is formed integrally with the inner peripheral portion of the fourth gear 18D. One-way clutch 36 may include a pawl clutch or a sprag clutch. The drive unit 10 may not include the one-way clutch 36.

The support member 12 has a second tubular portion 42 arranged substantially coaxially with the rotation center axis C1. A first hole 26A of the housing 24 is provided in the inner peripheral portion of the second tubular portion 42 . For example, the second tubular portion 42 is formed integrally with the first housing 26 .

The first bearing 20 is provided on the support member 12 and rotatably supports the rotating shaft 14 about the rotation center axis C<b>1 of the rotating shaft 14 . The first bearing 20 is provided in the first housing 26 . The first bearing 20 is provided in the first hole 26A. For example, the first bearing 20 is arranged inside the second tubular portion 42 . The first bearing 20 is, for example, a roller bearing. For example, the first bearing 20 rotatably supports the crankshaft 30 about the rotation center axis C1. For example, the first bearing 20 directly supports the crankshaft 30 or the output rotary shaft 32 . In this embodiment, the first bearing 20 directly supports the crankshaft 30 . The first bearing 20 may be configured to directly support the output rotary shaft 32 . When first bearing 20 is configured to directly support output rotary shaft 32 , first bearing 20 and first member 22 are provided in second housing 28 and second bearing 38 is provided in first housing 26 . be provided.

For example, the first bearing 20 includes an inner ring 20A, an outer ring 20B, and multiple rolling elements 20C. For example, inner ring 20A is connected to rotating shaft 14 . For example, the inner ring 20A is press-fitted onto the rotating shaft 14 . In this embodiment, the inner ring 20A is press-fitted onto the outer peripheral portion of the crankshaft 30 . The inner ring 20A rotates together with the crankshaft 30 . For example, the outer ring 20B contacts the support member 12 in the radial direction X2 of the rotating shaft 14. As shown in FIG. The outer ring 20B is loosely fitted to the support member 12 . The outer ring 20B has a first end face 20D in the first direction X1. The first end surface 20D faces the direction from the central portion 30C of the crankshaft 30 toward the first end portion 30A in the first direction X1. For example, multiple rolling elements 20C are arranged between the inner ring 20A and the outer ring 20B.

For example, drive unit 10 further includes a second bearing 38 . The second bearing 38 is provided on the support member 12 and rotatably supports the rotating shaft 14 about the rotation center axis C1. The second bearing 38 is spaced apart from the first bearing 20 in the first direction X1. For example, the first end surface 20D of the outer ring 20B of the first bearing 20 faces the side opposite to the second bearing 38 in the first direction X1. A second bearing 38 is provided in the second housing 28 . The second bearing 38 is provided in the second hole 28A. The second bearing 38 is, for example, a roller bearing. In this embodiment, the second bearing 38 rotatably supports the output rotary shaft 32 about the rotation center axis C1.

For example, the second bearing 38 includes an inner ring 38A, an outer ring 38B, and multiple rolling elements 38C. The outer ring 38B is loosely fitted to the support member 12 . The outer ring 38B has a second end face 38D in the first direction X1. 38 A of inner rings are connected with the rotating shaft 14. As shown in FIG. The inner ring 38A is press-fitted onto the rotating shaft 14 . In this embodiment, the inner ring 38A is press-fitted onto the outer peripheral portion of the output rotary shaft 32 . The inner ring 38A rotates integrally with the output rotating shaft 32 . The outer ring 38B contacts the support member 12 in the radial direction X2 of the rotating shaft 14. As shown in FIG. The second end surface 38D faces the direction from the central portion 30C of the crankshaft 30 toward the second end portion 30B in the first direction X1. A plurality of rolling elements 38C are arranged between the inner ring 38A and the outer ring 38B.

The first member 22 is provided on the support member 12 so as to be movable in a first direction X1 parallel to the rotation center axis C1, and positions the first bearing 20 with respect to the support member 12 in the first direction X1. configured as For example, the first member 22 has a first tubular portion 40 arranged substantially coaxially with the rotation center axis C1. For example, the crankshaft 30 passes through the first member 22 . The first bearing 20 is arranged inside the first tubular portion 40 . The first member 22 is provided so as to contact the first bearing 20 in the first direction X1. The first member 22 is configured to restrict movement of the first bearing 20 relative to the first member 22 in the first direction X1. The first member 22 restricts movement of the first bearing 20 in the direction from the central portion 30C of the crankshaft 30 toward the first end portion 30A in the first direction X1. The first member 22 restricts movement of the first bearing 20 so that the first bearing 20 cannot move toward the first end portion 30A of the crankshaft 30 in the first direction X1.

For example, the first member 22 has a facing surface 22A that faces the first end surface 20D of the outer ring 20B in the first direction X1. For example, the first member 22 has a protruding portion 22B that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the first tubular portion 40 toward the inner side of the first tubular portion 40 in the radial direction X2. The projecting portion 22B has a facing surface 22A.

The protruding portion 22B protrudes inward in the radial direction X2 so that the facing surface 22A is parallel to the radial direction X2. The projecting portion 22B includes a first portion 22C and a second portion 22D. The first portion 22C is continuous with the end opposite to the first tubular portion 40 . The first portion 22C extends inward in the radial direction X2. The first portion 22C includes a facing surface 22A. The second portion 22D is continuous with the inner end in the radial direction X2 of the first portion 22C. The second portion 22D includes a portion extending in the first direction X1 and a portion extending parallel to the radial direction X2. The inner diameter of the portion of the second portion 22</b>D that extends in the first direction X<b>1 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first tubular portion 40 . The first member 22 may be configured not to include the second portion 22D. A seal member 23 is arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the second portion 22D. The seal member 23 is arranged between the first member 22 and the crankshaft 30 . For example, the seal member 23 is made of an elastic material. The seal member 23 is made of synthetic rubber, for example. The seal member 23 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the second portion 22D and the outer peripheral surface of the crankshaft 30, respectively.

22 A of opposing surfaces are provided so that the 1st end surface 20D may be touched. The facing surface 22A applies force in the first direction X1 to the first end surface 20D in the direction from the first end portion 30A of the crankshaft 30 toward the central portion 30C. The facing surface 22A is configured to contact at least a portion of the first end surface 20D of the outer ring 20B. As long as the facing surface 22A is in contact with the outer ring 20B, the dimension in the radial direction X2 may be smaller than the thickness of the outer ring 20B.

The facing surface 22A is configured to restrict movement of the outer ring 20B. The facing surface 22A restricts movement of the outer ring 20B in the direction from the central portion 30C of the crankshaft 30 toward the first end portion 30A in the first direction X1. The facing surface 22A restricts movement of the outer ring 20B so that the outer ring 20B cannot move toward the first end portion 30A of the crankshaft 30 relative to the facing surface 22A in the first direction X1.

In this embodiment, the second tubular portion 42 is arranged inside the first tubular portion 40 . For example, the first cylindrical portion 40 is formed with a first screw 40A. In this embodiment, the first screw 40A is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the first tubular portion 40 . For example, the first screw 40A is formed over the entire section in the first direction X1 on the inner peripheral portion of the first tubular portion 40 . For example, the second tubular portion 42 is formed with a second screw 42A that is coupled to the first screw 40A. In this embodiment, the second screw 42A is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the second tubular portion 42 . For example, the second screw 42A is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the second tubular portion 42 over the entire section in the first direction X1.

For example, one of the first thread 40A and the second thread 42A is a male thread. The other of the first screw 40A and the second screw 42A is a female screw. In this embodiment, the first thread 40A is a female thread and the second thread 42A is a male thread.

For example, the first member 22 is provided in the housing 24 so as to be operable from outside the housing 24 . The first member 22 is formed in an annular shape. The first member 22 is provided in the housing 24 so as to be operable to rotate in the circumferential direction X3 of the first member 22 from the outside of the housing 24 . The first member 22 is provided in the housing 24 so as to be movable in the first direction X<b>1 when an operator operates the first member 22 from outside the housing 24 . The outside of the housing 24 is, for example, the outside of the accommodation space 24A.

For example, the first member 22 includes a first tool engaging portion 22E that can engage a tool. The first tool engaging portion 22E includes a flat portion. For example, the outer peripheral portion of the first tubular portion 40 is formed in a polygonal shape. A tool that engages with the first tool engaging portion 22E is, for example, a wrench. The first member 22 is manipulated by a tool such that the second screw 42A is screwed into the first screw 40A. The first member 22 is rotated in the circumferential direction X3 by a tool. The first member 22 moves in the first direction X1 by being rotated in the circumferential direction X3 by the tool. The first tool engaging portion 22E may be provided on the outer peripheral portion of the second portion 22D.

For example, drive unit 10 further includes a second member 44 . The second member 44 restricts movement of the first member 22 with respect to the support member 12 in the first direction X1. The second member 44 is arranged closer to the second end 30B than the first member 22 in the first direction X1. The second member 44 restricts movement of the first member 22 in the direction from the first end portion 30A of the crankshaft 30 toward the central portion 30C in the first direction X1. The second member 44 restricts the movement of the first member 22 so that the first member 22 cannot move toward the first end 30A of the crankshaft 30 in the first direction X1. The second member 44 is formed in an annular shape.

The second member 44 has a contact surface 44A facing the first member 22 . 44 A of contact surfaces are provided so that the edge part 22F of the 1st member 22 may be touched. The contact surface 44A applies pressure to the end portion 22F in the direction from the central portion 30C of the crankshaft 30 toward the first end portion 30A in the first direction X1.

For example, the second member 44 has a third tubular portion 46 . The third tubular portion 46 is formed with a third screw 46A that is coupled to the second screw 42A. The third screw 46A is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the third cylindrical portion 46. As shown in FIG. For example, the third screw 46A is formed over the entire section in the first direction X1 on the inner peripheral portion of the third tubular portion 46 . The third tubular portion 46 is arranged substantially coaxially with the first tubular portion 40 . The third tubular portion 46 is arranged substantially coaxially with the second tubular portion 42 . In this embodiment, for example, the first screw 40A is a female screw. The second screw 42A is a male screw. The third screw 46A is a female screw.

For example, the second member 44 is provided on the housing 24 so as to be operable from outside the housing 24 . The second member 44 is provided on the housing 24 so as to be operable to rotate in the circumferential direction X3 from the outside of the housing 24 . The second member 44 is provided on the housing 24 so as to be operable from outside the housing 24 to move in the first direction X1. For example, the second member 44 is provided on the housing 24 so as to be operable by a tool from outside the housing 24 . For example, the second member 44 is a lock nut.

For example, the second member 44 includes a second tool engaging portion 44B engageable with a tool. For example, the second tool engaging portion 44B includes a planar portion. For example, the outer peripheral portion of the second tool engaging portion 44B is formed in a polygonal shape. A tool that engages with the second tool engaging portion 44B is, for example, a wrench. The second member 44 is manipulated by a tool such that the second screw 42A is screwed into the third screw 46A. The second member 44 is rotated in the circumferential direction X3 by the tool. The second member 44 moves in the first direction X1 by being rotated in the circumferential direction X3 by the tool.

A method of attaching the rotating shaft 14 to the drive unit 10 includes a first step, a second step, a third step, and a fourth step.

The first step includes placing the rotating shaft 14 , the first bearing 20 and the second bearing 38 in the housing 24 . 20 A of inner rings of the 1st bearing 20 are press-fitted by the rotating shaft 14 before a 1st process. The inner ring 38A of the second bearing 38 is press-fitted onto the rotating shaft 14 before the first step. With the first bearing 20 and the second bearing 38 attached to the rotating shaft 14 , the rotating shaft 14 is arranged in the housing space 24</b>A of the housing 24 .

A second step includes attaching the second member 44 to the support member 12 . The second member 44 is attached to the support member 12 by screwing the second screw 42A into the third screw 46A.

A third step includes attaching the first member 22 to the support member 12 . The first member 22 is provided on the support member 12 by screwing the second screw 42A into the first screw 40A. In the third step, the first member 22 moves relative to the support member 12 in the first direction X1 so that the facing surface 22A contacts the first end surface 20D. In the third step, the first member 22 moves relative to the support member 12 in the direction from the first end portion 30A of the crankshaft 30 toward the central portion 30C in the first direction X1.

In the third step, the first member 22 moves with respect to the support member 12 until the first bearing 20 stops moving in the first direction X1 by bringing the facing surface 22A into contact with the first end surface 20D. In the third step, the second bearing 38 moves integrally with the rotating shaft 14 in the first direction X1 from the first end portion 30A of the crankshaft 30 toward the central portion 30C. When the second bearing 38 contacts the side wall of the second housing 28, the first bearing 20 does not move in the first direction X1 from the first end 30A of the crankshaft 30 toward the central portion 30C.

The fourth step includes the step of restricting movement of the first member 22 by the second member 44 . The second member 44 moves relative to the support member 12 until the contact surface 44A contacts the end 22F.

If the manpowered vehicle includes an external transmission, the shifting action of the external transmission may rattle the crankshaft 30 relative to the support member 12 . An external transmission is, for example, a front derailleur. Since the movement of the first bearing 20 in the first direction X1 is restricted by the first member 22, the crankshaft 30 is less likely to rattle. According to the drive unit 10, the rider is less likely to feel discomfort due to the shift operation of the external transmission, so the rider can comfortably use the human-powered vehicle.

Since the drive unit 10 can operate the first member 22 from the outside, the position of the first bearing 20 with respect to the support member 12 can be adjusted after the rotating shaft 14 is arranged in the housing 24 . Therefore, accuracy control of the drive unit 10 is facilitated, and productivity of the drive unit 10 is improved.

<Second embodiment>
A drive unit 10 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The drive unit 10 of the second embodiment is the same as the drive unit 10 of the first embodiment, except that the configuration of the first member 48, the configuration of the second cylindrical portion 50, and the configuration of the second member 52 are different from those of the drive unit 10 of the first embodiment. It has the same configuration as the form. Therefore, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are assigned to the configurations that are common to the first embodiment, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

In this embodiment, the first member 48 has a first tubular portion 54 arranged substantially coaxially with the rotation center axis C1. A first screw 54A is formed in the first tubular portion 54 . The first screw 54A is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the first tubular portion 54 . The first screw 54A is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the first cylindrical portion 54 over the entire section in the first direction X1. The first member 48 is formed in an annular shape.

The first member 48 has an end portion 48B in the first direction X1. The end portion 48B has a facing surface 48A. 48 A of opposing surfaces have the same structure as 22 A of opposing surfaces of 1st Embodiment. The first member 48 includes a protruding portion 48C that protrudes inward in the radial direction X2 of the first tubular portion 54 from the inner peripheral surface of the first tubular portion 54 at the end portion 48B. The projecting portion 48C is configured such that the thickness from the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 54 is the same as the thickness of the first member 48 in the radial direction X2. In this embodiment, the first member 48 has a uniform thickness in the radial direction X2. In the first member 48, the thickness of the end portion 48B may be greater than the thickness of the portion other than the end portion 48B. When the thickness of the end portion 48B is larger than the thickness of the portion other than the end portion 48B, the end portion 48B protrudes inward in the radial direction X2 so that the facing surface 48A is parallel to the radial direction X2. The end portion 48B protruding inward in the radial direction X2 constitutes a protruding portion 48C.

For example, the support member 12 has a second cylindrical portion 50 arranged substantially coaxially with the rotation center axis C1. The support member 12 of the second embodiment is configured in the same manner as the support member 12 of the first embodiment, except that the second tubular portion 42 is changed to the second tubular portion 50 . The second tubular portion 50 is formed with a second screw 50A coupled to the first screw 54A. The second tubular portion 50 is arranged substantially coaxially with the first tubular portion 54 . The second screw 50A is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the second cylindrical portion 50. As shown in FIG. The second screw 50A is formed over a portion of the inner peripheral portion of the second tubular portion 50 in the first direction X1.

The second tubular portion 50 is configured such that the inner peripheral portion of the second tubular portion 50 is in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the outer ring 20B. A first hole 26A is formed in the inner peripheral portion of the second tubular portion 50 . In this embodiment, the first tubular portion 54 is arranged on the inner peripheral portion of the second tubular portion 50 . When the first tubular portion 54 is arranged on the inner periphery of the second tubular portion 50, the first thread 54A is a male thread and the second thread 50A is a female thread.

For example, the first member 48 is provided on the housing 24 so as to be operable from outside the housing 24 . The first member 48 is provided on the housing 24 so as to be operable to rotate in the circumferential direction X3 from the outside of the housing 24 . A first member 48 is provided on the housing 24 so as to be operable to move in the first direction X1 from outside the housing 24 . The exterior of the housing 24 includes, for example, the exterior of the accommodation space 24A.

For example, the first member 48 includes a first tool engaging portion 48E engageable with a tool. For example, the first tool engaging portion 48E is provided on the inner peripheral portion of the first member 48 . The shape of the first tool engaging portion 48E is not particularly limited. For example, the first tool engaging portion 48E may be formed by a plurality of splines extending in the first direction X1 and spaced apart in the A1 direction. For example, at least a portion of the inner peripheral portion of the first member 48 may be formed in a hexagonal shape when viewed from the first direction X1. The first member 48 is manipulated by a tool such that the first screw 54A is screwed into the second screw 50A. The first member 48 is rotated in the circumferential direction X3 by the tool. The first member 48 moves in the first direction X1 by being rotated in the circumferential direction X3 by the tool.

A flange 49 that protrudes inward in the radial direction X2 may be formed on the inner peripheral portion of the first member 48 . The flange 49 is arranged so as not to contact the crankshaft 30 and is formed to cover the first bearing 20 .

In this embodiment, the drive unit 10 further includes a second member 52 . The second member 52 restricts movement of the first member 48 with respect to the support member 12 in the first direction X1. The second member 52 is arranged closer to the first end 30A than the first member 48 in the first direction X1. The second member 52 restricts movement of the first member 48 in the direction from the central portion 30C of the crankshaft 30 toward the first end portion 30A in the first direction X1. The second member 52 restricts movement of the first member 48 so that the first member 48 cannot move toward the first end portion 30A of the crankshaft 30 in the first direction X1. The second member 52 is formed in an annular shape.

For example, the second member 52 has a contact surface 52A that contacts the support member 12 . 52 A of contact surfaces are provided in the 2nd member 52 so that the 2nd cylindrical part 50 may be touched. The contact surface 52A applies pressure to the second cylindrical portion 50 in the direction from the first end portion 30A of the crankshaft 30 toward the central portion 30C in the first direction X1.

The second member 52 has a third tubular portion 58 . The third tubular portion 58 is formed with a third screw 58A that is coupled to the first screw 54A. The third screw 58A is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the third cylindrical portion 58. As shown in FIG. For example, the third screw 58A is formed over the entire section in the first direction X1 on the outer peripheral portion of the third tubular portion 58 . The third tubular portion 58 is arranged substantially coaxially with the first tubular portion 54 . The third tubular portion 58 is arranged substantially coaxially with the second tubular portion 50 . In this embodiment, for example, the first screw 54A is a male screw. The second screw 50A is a female screw. The third screw 58A is a female screw.

For example, the second member 52 is provided on the housing 24 so as to be operable from outside the housing 24 . The second member 52 is provided on the housing 24 so as to be operable to rotate in the circumferential direction X3 from the outside of the housing 24 . The second member 52 is provided on the housing 24 so as to be operable to move in the first direction X1 from outside the housing 24 .

For example, the second member 52 includes a second tool engaging portion 52B that can engage a tool. The second tool engaging portion 52B is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the second member 52 . The second tool engaging portion 52B includes a flat portion. For example, the outer peripheral portion of the second member 52 is formed in a polygonal shape. A tool that engages with the second tool engaging portion 52B is, for example, a wrench. The second member 52 is manipulated by a tool such that the third screw 58A is screwed into the second screw 50A. The second member 52 is rotated in the circumferential direction X3 by the tool. The second member 52 moves in the first direction X1 by being rotated in the circumferential direction X3 by the tool.

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

- The 1st member 22 may be provided so that the 2nd bearing 38 may be touched. When the first member 22 is provided in contact with the second bearing 38 , the first member 22 is provided around the output rotary shaft 32 . The facing surface 22A of the first member 22 faces the second end surface 38D of the outer ring 38B. The facing surface 22A is configured to restrict movement of the outer ring 38B. The facing surface 22A restricts movement of the outer ring 38B in the direction from the central portion 30C of the crankshaft 30 toward the second end portion 30B in the first direction X1. The facing surface 22A restricts movement of the outer ring 38B so that the outer ring 38B cannot move toward the second end 30B of the crankshaft 30 in the first direction X1 relative to the facing surface 22A.

- In 1st Embodiment, the inner peripheral part of the 1st cylindrical part 40 may contact|connect the outer peripheral part of the outer ring|wheel 20B. When the inner peripheral portion of the first tubular portion 40 contacts the outer peripheral portion of the outer ring 20B, the second tubular portion 42 does not contact the outer peripheral portion of the outer ring 20B. The first screw 40A is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the first tubular portion 40 . The second screw 42A is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the second tubular portion 42 . A third screw 46A is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the third tubular portion 46 .

- The facing surfaces 22A and 48A may be configured to contact the inner ring 20A. When the opposing surfaces 22A and 48A are configured to contact the inner ring 20A, for example, the dimension of the opposing surfaces 22A and 48A in the radial direction X2 can be increased, so that the first bearing 20 is moved by the first member 22. Movement in X1 can be more restricted.

- An elastic member may be provided between the facing surfaces 22A, 48A and the outer ring 20B. When an elastic member is provided between the facing surfaces 22A, 48A and the outer ring 20B, the elastic member attaches the outer ring 20B in the direction from the first end portion 30A of the crankshaft 30 toward the central portion 30C in the first direction X1. force. The elastic member is, for example, a wave washer. Since the first bearing 20 is biased by the elastic member, rattling of the crankshaft 30 with respect to the support member 12 is reduced.

- A resin member may be provided on the facing surfaces 22A and 48A. When the facing surfaces 22A and 48A are provided with resin members, the resin members come into contact with the outer ring 20B. The elastic member is, for example, rubber. The elastic member reduces the noise generated by the contact between the first member 22 and the bearing.

- The drive unit 10 may be configured as a hub motor provided on a wheel of a manpowered vehicle. If the drive unit 10 is configured as a hub motor provided on a wheel of a manpowered vehicle, the rotary shaft 14 does not include the crankshaft 30 . If the drive unit 10 is configured as a hub motor provided on a wheel of a manpowered vehicle, the rotary shaft 14 includes, for example, a hub shell.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Drive unit 12... Support member 12A... Mounting part 14... Rotating shaft 16... Electric motor 18... Transmission 20... First bearing 20A... Inner ring 20B... Outer ring 20C... Rolling element 20D... First end surface 22, 48 First member 22A, 48A Opposing surface 22B, 48C Protruding portion 22E, 48E First tool engaging portion 24 Housing 24A Accommodating space 30 Crankshaft , 32... Output rotating shaft 38... Second bearing 40, 54... First tubular portion 40A, 54A... First screw 42, 50... Second tubular portion 42A, 50A... Second screw, 44 , 52... second member, 44B, 52B... second tool engaging portion, 46, 58... third tubular portion, 46A, 58A... third screw.

Claims (14)

A drive unit for a human-powered vehicle,
a support member formed separately from the frame of the manpowered vehicle;
a rotating shaft passing through the support member;
at least one of an electric motor provided on the support member and configured to provide propulsion to the manpowered vehicle; and a transmission provided on the support member and connected to the rotating shaft;
a first bearing provided in the supporting member and rotatably supporting the rotating shaft about the center axis of rotation of the rotating shaft;
A first bearing provided on the support member movably in a first direction parallel to the rotation center axis and configured to position the first bearing with respect to the support member in the first direction A drive unit comprising: a member; The rotating shaft includes at least one of a crankshaft and an output rotating shaft arranged radially outwardly of the crankshaft and coaxial with the crankshaft, to which rotational force input to the crankshaft is transmitted. including
2. The drive unit according to claim 1, wherein said first bearing directly supports said crankshaft or said output rotary shaft. The support member includes a housing that forms an accommodation space,
3. The drive unit according to claim 1, wherein said first member is provided in said housing so as to be operable from the outside of said housing. The first bearing is
an inner ring connected to the rotating shaft;
an outer ring that contacts the support member in the radial direction of the rotating shaft;
a plurality of rolling elements arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring,
The drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first member has a facing surface facing the first end surface of the outer ring in the first direction. 5. The drive unit according to claim 4, wherein said inner ring is press-fitted onto said rotating shaft. further comprising a second bearing provided in the support member and rotatably supporting the rotating shaft about the rotation center axis;
the second bearing is spaced apart from the first bearing in the first direction;
6. The drive unit according to claim 4, wherein said first end surface of said outer ring of said first bearing faces the opposite side of said second bearing in said first direction. The first member has a first cylindrical portion arranged substantially coaxially with the rotation center axis,
A first thread is formed in the first tubular portion,
The support member has a second tubular portion arranged substantially coaxially with the rotation center axis,
A second screw coupled to the first screw is formed in the second cylindrical portion,
one of the first screw and the second screw is a male screw;
7. The drive unit according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the other of said first thread and said second thread is a female thread. The first member has a protruding portion that protrudes radially inward of the first tubular portion from the inner peripheral surface of the first tubular portion,
8. The drive unit according to claim 7, wherein said protrusion has said facing surface. 9. The drive unit according to claim 1, further comprising a second member that restricts movement of said first member relative to said support member in said first direction. further comprising a second member that restricts movement of the first member relative to the support member in the first direction;
The second member has a third cylindrical portion,
A third screw coupled to the second screw is formed in the third cylindrical portion,
the first screw is a female screw,
the second screw is a male screw,
The drive unit according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said third thread is a female thread. further comprising a second member that restricts movement of the first member relative to the support member in the first direction;
The second member has a third cylindrical portion,
a third thread coupled to the first thread is formed in the third tubular portion;
The first screw is a male screw,
the second screw is a female screw,
The drive unit according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said third thread is a female thread. 12. The drive unit according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein said second member includes a second tool engaging portion engageable with a tool. 13. The drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first member includes a first tool engaging portion engageable with a tool. 14. A drive unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member has a mounting portion for mounting to the frame of the manpowered vehicle.

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