JP6952271B2 - Electric assisted bicycle and motor drive unit - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electrically power assisted bicycle capable of traveling by adding an auxiliary driving force generated by a motor to a human power driving force generated by pedaling force from a pedal, and a motor drive unit attached to the electrically power assisted bicycle, and particularly capable of regenerative operation. It relates to an electrically power assisted bicycle and a motor drive unit.

It has a battery as a power source and a motor drive unit including a motor supplied from the battery, and adds an auxiliary drive force (assist force) of the motor drive unit to a human-power drive force due to a pedaling force applied to a pedal. Therefore, electrically power assisted bicycles (also called electric bicycles) that can easily run uphill are already widely known. Some of these types of electrically power assisted bicycles are configured to stop the motor so as not to generate an auxiliary driving force when the speed exceeds a predetermined speed (for example, 24 km / h).

In addition, in this type of electrically power assisted bicycle, the rotational force of the wheels (also called passive rotational force) is transmitted to the motor when traveling downhill, and this motor is used as a generator to generate regenerative power to charge the battery. However, there are also known ones capable of so-called regenerative operation, which increases the mileage with respect to the number of times the battery is charged. It is also known that the regenerative power is supplied to an electric device other than a battery such as a light.

As an electrically power assisted bicycle capable of such regenerative operation, a motor is built in the hub of the rear wheels, and the rotation of the rear wheels is transmitted to the motor, for example, when traveling at high speed without generating auxiliary driving force by the motor. A configuration for regenerative operation is disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the like.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-203735

However, in the electrically power assisted bicycle disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the motor is built in the hub of the rear wheel, the rear wheel becomes heavy and difficult to lift, and in some cases, when there is a step in the traveling path. There is a risk that the maneuverability of the vehicle body will deteriorate, such as making it difficult to overcome the problem.

In addition, when the passenger is pedaling the electrically assisted bicycle in a state where no auxiliary driving force is generated, such as when driving at high speed or when the battery runs out (the battery voltage drops), the force of the pedal is applied. Because the motor is also rotated by the motor, so-called drag resistance of the motor is generated, and the rotational torque for turning the pedal becomes heavy, which is a burden on the passenger and the rotational torque due to the cogging torque generated when rotating the motor. Fluctuations may be transmitted to the pedals, causing discomfort to the passengers.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and when the maneuverability of the vehicle body is good and the auxiliary driving force is not generated while the regenerative operation can be performed, the rotational torque for rotating the pedal becomes heavy or the rotational torque becomes large. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrically assisted bicycle and a motor drive unit capable of preventing fluctuations from being transmitted to the pedals.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a motor drive unit provided with the motor, which is attached to an electrically assisted bicycle capable of traveling by adding an auxiliary drive force by a motor to a human power drive force by pedaling force from a pedal. There,
It is attached to a mounting portion to be attached to an intermediate portion between the front wheel and the rear wheel of the electrically power assisted bicycle, a crankshaft insertion region through which a crankshaft to which a human-powered driving force from the pedal is transmitted is inserted, and a motor drive unit. It has a driving force output wheel and
The crankshaft and the motor are arranged at different axes in the motor drive unit.
The human-powered driving force and the auxiliary driving force are configured to be transmitted to the rear wheels via the endless driving force transmitting body applied to the driving force output wheel body.
A reduction mechanism having a plurality of pairs of gears is arranged between the driving force output wheel body and the motor.
The rotation of the rear wheels is configured to be transmittable to the motor via the endless driving force transmitter.
A regenerative control unit that regenerates the motor to regenerate it is provided.
It has a passive rotational force transmission path that transmits the passive rotational force for regeneration transmitted from the rear wheels to the driving force output wheel body to the motor via the endless driving force transmitter.
The rotational force transmission switching means for switching the passive torque transmission path to the transmission state and the non-transmission state is provided, et al is,
As the driving force output wheel body, a human-powered driving force output wheel body that outputs a human-powered driving force and an auxiliary driving force output wheel body that outputs an auxiliary driving force are provided.
These human-powered driving force output wheels and auxiliary driving force output wheels are arranged at different axes in a state of meshing with the endless driving force transmitter.
The passive rotational force is transmitted to the motor of the motor drive unit via the auxiliary driving force output wheel body .

According to this configuration, the motor drive unit with the motor is located in the middle position between the front and rear wheels, compared to the motor built into the hub of the rear (or front) wheels. Therefore, the rear wheels (or front wheels) can be easily lifted, and even if there is a step on the traveling path, the vehicle body can be easily handled and the traveling stability is also good. In addition, when the pedal is rotating or the battery runs out (that is, when there is a risk of burdening the passenger) when the auxiliary driving force is not generated, the passive rotational force transmission path is provided. By setting the non-transmission state, the force of the pedal is not transmitted to the motor, so that it is possible to prevent the rotational torque for rotating the pedal from becoming heavy and the fluctuation of the rotational torque from being transmitted to the pedal. Further, when the regenerative operation is performed, the passive rotational force can be transmitted to the motor by setting the passive rotational force transmission path in the transmission state. Therefore, the regenerative electric power is generated to generate the regenerative electric power to charge the battery. It can also supply power to electrical equipment.

Further, in the present invention, as the driving force output wheel body, a resultant force output wheel body that outputs a resultant force of a human-powered driving force and an auxiliary driving force and meshes with an endless driving force transmitter is provided, and the resultant force output is provided. The wheel body is rotatably arranged coaxially with the crank shaft, and the passive rotational force is transmitted to the motor of the motor drive unit via the resultant force output wheel body.

Further, in the present invention, as the driving force output wheel body, a human-powered driving force output wheel body that outputs a human-powered driving force and an auxiliary driving force output wheel body that outputs an auxiliary driving force are provided, and these human-powered driving bodies are provided. The force output wheel body and the auxiliary drive force output wheel body are arranged in a state of meshing with the endless driving force transmitter at different axes, and the passive rotational force is driven by the motor via the auxiliary drive force output wheel body. It is characterized by being transmitted to the motor of the unit.

Further, in the present invention, a one-way clutch for cutting the human-powered driving force that prevents the human-powered driving force from being transmitted to the motor side is provided separately from the rotational force transmission switching means, and the rotational force transmission switching means cuts the human-powered driving force. It is characterized by switching between a connectable state and a disconnected state, including the connection / disconnection point of the one-way clutch for use.

If a one-way clutch for disconnecting the human-powered driving force is provided, human power will be applied to the motor when the motor is stopped and no auxiliary driving force is generated, such as when driving at high speed or when the battery runs out (when the battery voltage drops). Since it is not transmitted, it is possible to prevent the rotational torque for turning the pedal from becoming heavy and the fluctuation of the rotational torque from being transmitted to the pedal. However, only a one-way clutch for cutting the human-powered driving force is provided, and if a rotational force transmission switching means is not provided separately from the one-way clutch for cutting the human-powered driving force, the passive rotational force is manually driven. Since it is disengaged (not transmitted) by the one-way clutch for force cutting, the motor cannot be rotated by the passive rotational force, and the regenerative operation cannot be performed. On the other hand, a rotational force transmission switching means is provided separately from the one-way clutch for cutting the human-powered driving force, and during the regenerative operation, the one-way clutch for cutting the human-powered driving force is directly connected including the connection / disconnection point. By doing so, it becomes possible to transmit the passive rotational force to the motor to perform the regenerative operation.

Here, at least a part of the rotational force transmission switching means may be provided coaxially with the axis of the crankshaft and the axis of the intermediate shaft which is different from the axis of the motor. Alternatively, at least a part of the rotational force transmission switching means may be provided coaxially with the crankshaft. Alternatively, at least a part of the rotational force transmission switching means may be provided coaxially with the rotation shaft of the motor. Further, as the rotational force transmission switching means, a passive rotational force transmission clutch having an engaging member capable of transmitting the passive rotational force and a clutch switching unit capable of switching the passive rotational force transmission clutch by contacting the engaging member from the outside. And may be provided. Further, the passive rotational force transmission clutch of the rotational force transmission switching means may be composed of a two-way clutch or a friction clutch.

Further, when the motor is not rotated but the crankshaft is rotated, or when the voltage of the power storage device that drives the motor drops, the passive rotational force transmission path is set to the non-transmission state by the rotational force transmission switching means. You may switch to. Further, when the brake is operated, the passive rotational force transmission path may be switched so as to be in the transmission state by the rotational force transmission switching means.

Further, the present invention is a motor drive unit provided with the motor, which is attached to an electrically assisted bicycle capable of traveling by adding an auxiliary driving force by a motor to a human-powered driving force by a pedaling force from a pedal. A mounting portion to be mounted at an intermediate point between the front and rear wheels of a bicycle, a crank shaft insertion region through which a crank shaft to which human-powered driving force from the pedal is transmitted is inserted, and a driving force output to be mounted on a motor drive unit. It has a wheel body, the crank shaft and the motor are arranged at different axial centers in the motor drive unit, and a human-powered driving force and an auxiliary driving force are applied to the driving force output wheel body. A reduction mechanism having a plurality of pairs of gears is arranged between the driving force output wheel body and the motor so as to be transmitted to the rear wheels via a state driving force transmitting body, and rotation of the rear wheels. Is configured to be transmittable to the motor via the endless driving force transmitter, a regeneration control unit that regenerates the motor by regenerating the motor is provided, and the driving force is output from the rear wheels via the endless driving force transmitter. It has a passive rotational force transmission path for transmitting the passive rotational force transmitted to the wheel body to the motor, and is provided with a rotational force transmission switching means for switching the passive rotational force transmission path between a transmission state and a non-transmission state. It is characterized by.

According to the present invention, by arranging the motor drive unit provided with the motor at an intermediate position between the front wheels and the rear wheels, it is possible to improve the maneuverability of the vehicle body and the running stability, and it is endless. The motor drive unit has a passive rotational force transmission path for transmitting the passive rotational force transmitted from the rear wheels to the driving force output wheel body to the motor via the driving force transmission body, and the passive rotational force transmission path is transmitted (the passive rotational force transmission path). By providing a rotational force transmission switching means for switching between the connected state) and the non-transmission state (disconnected state) and setting the passive rotational force transmission path to the transmission state, the regenerative operation can be performed and the passive rotational force transmission path is not set. By setting the transmission state, it is possible to prevent the rotational torque for rotating the pedal from becoming heavy and the fluctuation of the rotational torque from being transmitted to the pedal during high-speed driving. Further, when the regenerative operation is performed, the passive rotational force can be transmitted to the motor by setting the passive rotational force transmission path in the transmission state. Therefore, the regenerative electric power is generated to generate the regenerative electric power to charge the battery. It can also supply power to electrical equipment.

Overall side view of the electrically power assisted bicycle according to the embodiment of the present invention Partial notch side view of the electrically power assisted bicycle A diagram schematically showing the handlebar and brake device of the electrically power assisted bicycle. In the plan sectional view of the motor drive unit of the electrically power assisted bicycle according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the passive rotational force transmission clutch is not connected. In the enlarged plan sectional view of the crankshaft of the motor drive unit and its vicinity, the passive rotational force transmission clutch is not connected. In the enlarged plan sectional view of the intermediate shaft of the motor drive unit and its vicinity, the passive rotational force transmission clutch is not connected. The figure shows the intermediate shaft of the motor drive unit, the passive rotational force transmission clutch switching unit moving unit, the electric moving mechanism, etc., and the passive rotational force transmission clutch is not connected. In the side view of the passive rotational force transmission clutch of the motor drive unit, the passive rotational force transmission clutch is not connected. Side view of the clutch switching part of the motor drive unit Right side view showing the passive rotational force transmission clutch, electric movement mechanism, etc. of the motor drive unit In the plan sectional view of the motor drive unit, the passive rotational force transmission clutch can be connected. The figure shows the intermediate shaft of the motor drive unit, the passive rotational force transmission clutch switching unit moving unit, the electric moving mechanism, etc., and the passive rotational force transmission clutch can be connected. In the side view of the passive rotational force transmission clutch of the motor drive unit, the passive rotational force transmission clutch can be connected. In the plan sectional view of the motor drive unit of the electrically power assisted bicycle according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the passive rotational force transmission clutch is not connected. In the enlarged plan sectional view of the crankshaft of the motor drive unit and its vicinity, the passive rotational force transmission clutch is not connected. In the plan sectional view of the motor drive unit, the passive rotational force transmission clutch can be connected. In the enlarged plan sectional view of the crankshaft of the motor drive unit and its vicinity, the passive rotational force transmission clutch can be connected. In the enlarged plan sectional view of the crankshaft and the portion in the vicinity thereof in the motor drive unit according to the modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention, the passive rotational force transmission clutch is not connected. In the enlarged plan sectional view of the crankshaft of the motor drive unit and its vicinity, the passive rotational force transmission clutch can be connected. In the plan sectional view of the motor drive unit of the electrically power assisted bicycle according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the passive rotational force transmission clutch is not connected. In the enlarged plan sectional view of the motor rotation shaft of the motor drive unit and its vicinity, the passive rotational force transmission clutch is not connected. In the plan sectional view of the motor drive unit, the passive rotational force transmission clutch can be connected. In the enlarged plan sectional view of the motor rotation shaft of the motor drive unit and its vicinity, the passive rotational force transmission clutch can be connected. In the plan sectional view of the motor drive unit of the electrically power assisted bicycle according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the passive rotational force transmission clutch is not connected. In the enlarged plan sectional view of the intermediate shaft of the motor drive unit and its vicinity, the passive rotational force transmission clutch is not connected. In the side view of the passive rotational force transmission clutch of the motor drive unit, the passive rotational force transmission clutch is not connected. In the plan sectional view of the motor drive unit, the passive rotational force transmission clutch can be connected. Passive rotational force transmission clutch can be connected in the enlarged plan sectional view of the main part of the intermediate shaft of the motor drive unit and its vicinity. In the side view of the passive rotational force transmission clutch of the motor drive unit, the passive rotational force transmission clutch can be connected. In the plan sectional view of the motor drive unit of the electrically power assisted bicycle according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the passive rotational force transmission clutch is not connected. In the enlarged plan sectional view of the intermediate shaft of the motor drive unit and its vicinity, the passive rotational force transmission clutch is not connected. In the side view of the passive rotational force transmission clutch of the motor drive unit, the passive rotational force transmission clutch is not connected. In the plan sectional view of the motor drive unit, the passive rotational force transmission clutch can be connected. Passive rotational force transmission clutch can be connected in the enlarged plan sectional view of the main part of the intermediate shaft of the motor drive unit and its vicinity. In the side view of the passive rotational force transmission clutch of the motor drive unit, the passive rotational force transmission clutch can be connected. Partially enlarged side view of the electrically power assisted bicycle according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the plan sectional view of the motor drive unit, the passive rotational force transmission clutch is not connected. In the enlarged plan sectional view of the intermediate shaft of the motor drive unit and its vicinity, the passive rotational force transmission clutch is not connected. In the plan sectional view of the motor drive unit, the passive rotational force transmission clutch can be connected. Passive rotational force transmission clutch can be connected in the enlarged plan sectional view of the main part of the intermediate shaft of the motor drive unit and its vicinity.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the electrically power assisted bicycle and the motor drive unit according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the left-right direction and the front-rear direction refer to the direction in which the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 is mounted in the traveling direction. Further, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to the configuration described below.

1 in FIGS. 1 and 2 is an electrically assisted bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrically assisted bicycle 1 includes a metal frame 2 composed of a head pipe 2a, a front fork 2b, a main pipe 2c, a standing pipe 2d, a chain stay 2e, a seat stay 2f, and the like. , The front wheel 3 rotatably attached to the lower end of the front fork 2b, the rear wheel 4 rotatably attached to the rear end of the chain stay 2e, the handle 5 for changing the direction of the front wheel 3, and the passenger seat. A saddle 6 to be used, a crank 7 and a pedal 8 to which a human-powered driving force consisting of pedaling force is applied, an electric motor 21 (see FIG. 4 and the like) as a driving source for generating an auxiliary driving force (assisting force), and the motor 21. A motor drive unit 20 provided with a control unit 24 (see FIG. 4) that performs various electrical controls including the sprocket, a battery 12 composed of a secondary battery that supplies power for driving to the motor 21, and a crank shaft 7a. A drive sprocket as a drive force output wheel (which is also a resultant force output wheel in this embodiment) that is mounted so as to rotate integrally with the center and outputs a resultant force in which a human-powered driving force and an auxiliary driving force are combined. 13 (also called front sprocket, crank sprocket or front gear) and rear sprocket (sometimes also called rear gear) 14 as a rear wheel attached to the hub (also called rear hub) 9 of the rear wheel 4. A chain 15 as an endless driving force transmitter that is wound endlessly over the drive sprocket 13 and the rear sprocket 14 in a rotatable state, a chain cover 17 that covers the chain 15 and the like from the side, and a headlight. It is equipped with a light 18 and the like.

The crank 7 is composed of a crank arm 7b provided on each of the left and right sides and a crank shaft 7a connecting the left and right crank arms 7b to each other, and a pedal 8 is rotatably attached to an end portion of the crank arm 7b. Further, the battery 12 is an example of a capacitor, and a secondary battery is preferable, but the present invention is not limited to this, and another example of the capacitor may be a capacitor or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the electrically power assisted bicycle 1, the motor drive unit 20 is located at an intermediate position between the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 4, such as a portion near the crankshaft 7a (more specifically, the lower portion of the intermediate position). ) Is placed. With such an arrangement, the relatively heavy motor drive unit 20 is arranged at the center of the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 in the front-rear direction, so that the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 4 can be easily lifted, and the traveling path can be easily lifted. It is said that the vehicle body (frame 2, etc.) of the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 is easy to handle and the running stability is also good, such as being able to easily get over even if there is a step on the bicycle.

As shown in FIG. 3, the left and right brake levers 90A and 90B are rotatably and pivotally attached below the grips attached to the left and right ends of the handle 5. On the other hand (for example, on the right side), a front brake device 92 that mechanically applies a braking force to the front wheels 3 is connected to the brake lever 90A via a brake wire 91A so as to be physically interlocked with the brake lever 90A. A rear brake device 93 that mechanically applies a braking force to the rear wheels 4 is connected to the brake lever 90B on the other side (for example, the left side) via a brake wire 91B so as to be physically interlocked with the brake lever 90B.

Further, in this electric bicycle, the motor 21 is operated as a generator at the time of brake operation to generate regenerative power by the motor 21 to execute the regenerative operation of charging the battery 12, which is not shown, but is controlled. A regenerative control unit that regenerates the motor 21 by regenerating the motor 21 is provided in a part of the unit 24. It also has the effect of braking the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 by regenerating the motor 21. A part of the handle 5 can be operated by a passenger or the like, and in addition to switching the power supply of the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 and running mode, an additional operation of auxiliary driving force (so-called assist operation) is electrically turned on and off. A hand setting operation unit 94 provided with a switch button (not shown) or the like is attached.

Further, brake switches 95A and 95B for detecting the operating state of the brake levers 90A and 90B are arranged at the attachment points of the brake levers 90A and 90B, and the brake levers 90A and 90B are provided by these brake switches 95A and 95B. While detecting the operation state, the control unit 24 (specifically, the regenerative control unit of the control unit 24) is controlled so that the regenerative power generation function (charging function by regenerative power and power supply function) is appropriately activated.

In the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 of the present embodiment, the passive rotational force for regeneration received by the rear wheel 4 from the ground contact surface is transmitted to the chain 15 via the hub (rear hub) 9 and the rear sprocket 14. ing. Then, as will be described later, in this embodiment, the passive rotational force can be transmitted to the motor 21 via the drive sprocket 13 of the motor drive unit 20, and the motor 21 is rotated. Then, under such a situation (referred to as passive traveling), for example, when at least one of the brake levers 90A and 90B is operated and this state is detected by the brake switches 94A and 94B, the regenerative operation is executed. It is controlled by the control unit 24 (an example of a method of regenerative control). Therefore, at this time, the regenerative operation is executed by utilizing the rotation of the motor 21, and the battery 12 is charged. The headlight 18 may be supplied with power by utilizing the rotation of the motor 21.

When the pedal 8 is not depressed, the chain 15 and the drive sprocket 13 are driven (moved) with the rotation of the rear wheels 4, but as will be described later, between the drive sprocket 13 and the crankshaft 7a. Since the unidirectional clutch 30 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) for cutting the auxiliary driving force is provided in the crankshaft 7a, the crankarm 7b, and the pedal 8 do not rotate. That is, in the one-way clutch 30 for disconnecting the auxiliary driving force, the auxiliary driving force from the motor 21 is not transmitted to the pedal 8 when the pedal 8 is not depressed and the motor 21 is not stopped yet. However, even if the passive rotational force from the rear wheel 4 side is transmitted to the chain 15 and the drive sprocket 13 when the pedal 8 is not depressed, this passive rotational force is transmitted to the crank shaft 7a, the pedal 8 and the like. It also works so that it is not transmitted to.

Next, the motor drive unit 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a plan sectional view of the motor drive unit 20, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan sectional view of a main part of the motor drive unit 20.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the motor drive unit 20 includes an outer shell portion and the like formed by a unit case 22 including a right side case 22a, a central case 22b, and a left side case 22c, and is a front portion of the motor drive unit 20. , The rear part, the upper part, the lower part, etc.), and the crankshaft 7a penetrates left and right. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the motor drive unit 20 is placed in a part of the unit case 22 at an intermediate portion between the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 4 in the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 (in this embodiment). A mounting portion 22d to be attached to the rear end portion of the main pipe 2c, the lower end portion of the vertical pipe 2d, and the front end portion of the chain stay 2e) is formed. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a substantially tubular human power transmission body 28 in which the human power driving force from the crankshaft 7a is transmitted to the outer periphery of the crankshaft 7a, and a human power driving force from the human power transmission body 28. The human-powered driving force from the interlocking cylinder 23 and the interlocking cylinder 23 are transmitted via a one-way clutch (one-way clutch for cutting the auxiliary driving force) 30 and the like, and the human-powered driving force and the motor 21 are transmitted. A resultant force transmitter 29 that transmits a resultant force combined with the auxiliary driving force from the above to the driving sprocket 13 is arranged. The drive sprocket 13 is attached to the resultant force transmitter 29 in a state of being exposed to the outside of the motor drive unit 20.

Further, a reduction mechanism 25 having a plurality of pairs of reduction gears 36 to 39 and the like is arranged from a front right side portion of the unit case 22 to a central portion in the front-rear direction. Further, a motor 21 is arranged on the rear left side in the unit case 22, and a control board 24a provided with electronic components for performing various electrical controls and a storage unit for various information are provided on the rear right side in the unit case 22. The control unit 24 having the control unit 24 is arranged.

The motor drive unit 20 will be described in more detail. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the crankshaft 7a is rotatably arranged by the bearings 26 and 27 with the front portion of the motor drive unit 20 penetrating left and right. , The tubular human power transmitter 28 is fitted on the outer periphery of the left side portion of the crankshaft 7a via a serration portion (or spline portion) 7c in a state of being integrally rotated, and is fitted with a human power driving force (rotational force). ) Is transmitted. A serration portion (or spline portion) 28b is also formed at a portion corresponding to the serration portion (or spline portion) 7c of the crankshaft 7a on the inner circumference of the human power transmitter 28, and the serration portion (or spline portion) of the crankshaft 7a is formed. ) 7c is engaged, and a human-powered driving force (rotational force) is transmitted by this.

On the outer peripheral surface of the human power transmitter 28, a magnetostrictive generating portion 31b imparted with magnetic anisotropy is formed, and a coil 31a is arranged on the outer periphery thereof through a constant gap (space), and these magnetostrictions are provided. The magnetostrictive torque sensor (human power detection unit) 31 is composed of the generation unit 31b and the coil 31a. As a result, the human-powered driving force from the crankshaft 7a is transmitted to the human-powered transmission body 28, and the torque sensor 31 detects the torque corresponding to the human-powered driving force.

The interlocking cylinder 23 is arranged on the outer periphery of the crankshaft 7a adjacent to the right side of the human power transmitter 28 in a state of being rotatable with respect to the crankshaft 7a. The serration portion (or spline portion) 28a formed in the above is fitted with the serration portion (or spline portion) 23a formed on the inner circumference of the left end portion of the interlocking cylinder 23, and rotates integrally with the human power transmitter 28. do.

Further, in this embodiment, a rotation detecting body 11 for detecting the rotation state of the interlocking cylinder 23 is attached to the outer periphery of the left side portion of the interlocking cylinder 23. Further, the rotation detector 10 is attached and fixed to the unit case 22 side so as to sandwich the rotation detector 11 with a minute gap from the left and right. For example, the rotation detector 10 is configured by arranging two paired optical sensors including an emitting unit and a light receiving unit in the rotation direction of the rotation detector 11, and the rotation detector 11 has comb teeth. It has a large number of teeth (light-shielding parts) extending in the outer peripheral direction. Then, the tooth portion of the rotation detector 11 passes between the exit portion and the light receiving portion of the rotation detector 10, so that the incident state and the light blocking state of the light are electrically detected by the rotation detector 10 by the rotation detector 10. The control unit 24 that inputs this signal detects the amount of rotation and the direction of rotation of the interlocking cylinder 23. A magnetic sensor may be provided instead of the optical sensor to detect the amount of rotation and the direction of rotation of the interlocking cylinder 23. Here, the interlocking cylinder 23 rotates integrally with the human power transmission body 28, and the human power transmission body 28 rotates integrally with the crankshaft 7a. Therefore, by detecting the rotation amount and the rotation direction of the interlocking cylinder 23. , The rotation amount and rotation direction of the crankshaft 7a and the pedal 8 can also be detected.

Then, when the pedal 8 is pedaled to move forward, the human power driving force due to the pedaling force is transmitted from the crankshaft 7a to the human power transmission body 28 and the interlocking cylinder 23, and the human power transmitted to the interlocking cylinder 23 is transmitted. The driving force is configured to be transmitted to the resultant force transmission body 29 via the one-way clutch (one-way clutch for cutting the auxiliary driving force) 30. On the other hand, when the motor 21 is still rotating immediately after the pedal 8 is stopped, the rotation (auxiliary driving force) of the motor 21 is disengaged by the one-way clutch 30 and is not transmitted to the pedal 8. Has been done. Further, in this embodiment, the resultant force transmitter 29 is rotatably supported with respect to the crankshaft 7 by the rotation support members 29a and 29b provided between the resultant force transmitter 29 and the crankshaft 7.

As shown in FIG. 4, the motor 21 has a stator portion 21c fixed to the left side case 22a, a rotor portion 21b, and a motor rotating shaft 21a, and the rotating shaft 21a and the rotor portion 21b are motor bearings. It is rotatably supported by 32 and 33. The motor rotation shaft 21a of the motor 21 is projected to the right side, and the motor shaft reduction gear 40 of the reduction mechanism 25 is formed on the outer periphery of the protruding shaft portion.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the reduction gear 25 is parallel to the crank shaft 7a between the large-diameter reduction gear 36 integrally formed with the resultant force transmitter 29 and the crank shaft 7a and the motor rotation shaft 21a. An intermediate shaft 44 provided, a large-diameter first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 and a small-diameter second intermediate shaft reduction gear 38 attached to the intermediate shaft 44, a one-way clutch 47 for cutting human-powered driving force, and the like. It is composed of.

The one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force is arranged between the outer circumference of the intermediate shaft 44 and the inner circumference of the first reduction gear 37, and is for cutting the human-powered driving force from the pedal 8. Is. That is, when the motor 21 is not driven by the one-way clutch 47 and no auxiliary driving force is generated, the human-powered driving force from the pedal 8 is disengaged by the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force. Therefore, it is not necessary to rotate the rotor portion 21b of the motor 21. On the other hand, when the motor 21 is driven and rotated, the intermediate shaft 44 and the first reduction gear 37 are connected via the one-way clutch 47, and the first and second intermediate shaft reduction gears 37, 38 rotates integrally with the intermediate shaft 44.

Then, since the small-diameter motor shaft reduction gear 40 formed on the rotating shaft 21a of the motor 21 meshes with the large-diameter first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37, the motor 21 is rotated and the auxiliary driving force is output. In this case, the rotation of the motor 21 is decelerated, and the torque of the auxiliary driving force from the motor 21 is amplified and transmitted to the intermediate shaft 44 side. Further, since the second intermediate shaft reduction gear 38 having a small diameter meshes with the large diameter reduction gear 36 integrally formed with the resultant force transmission body 29, the torque of the auxiliary driving force transmitted to the intermediate shaft 44 is further amplified. Is transmitted to the reduction gear 36. Then, in the resultant force transmitter 29 in which the reduction gear 36 is integrally formed, the human-powered driving force and the auxiliary driving force from the motor 21 are combined and output from the driving sprocket 13.

However, in the above configuration alone, since the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force is provided, the pedal 8 is not rotated and the motor 21 is not rotated (that is, neither the human-powered driving force nor the auxiliary driving force is generated). When the driving force is not generated, such as during coasting, the passive rotational force received by the rear wheels 4 from the ground surface is disengaged by the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force and is not transmitted, so the motor 21 is rotated. It becomes impossible to perform the regeneration operation.

That is, when the driving force is not generated such as during coasting, the passive rotational force received by the rear wheels 4 from the ground contact surface is transmitted to the resultant force transmission body 29 via the chain 15 and the driving sprocket 13, and further via the reduction gear 36. It is transmitted to the second intermediate shaft reduction gear 38 of the intermediate shaft 44, and after that, one for cutting the human-powered driving force interposed between the intermediate shaft 44 and the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37. It is disengaged by the directional clutch 47 and is not transmitted to the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 or the motor shaft reduction gear 40. Therefore, it is not possible to rotate the motor 21 to perform the regenerative operation.

In order to deal with such a problem, in the embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the passive rotational force transmitted to the motor 21 is transmitted to the drive sprocket 13 as the driving force output wheel body. The path is provided with a rotational force transmission switching means for switching between a transmission state and a non-transmission state.

In this embodiment, when the passive rotational force is transmitted to the drive sprocket 13, the passive rotational force is the passive rotational force transmission path, the resultant force transmitter 29, the reduction gear 36, and the second intermediate shaft reduction gear 38. , The intermediate shaft 44, the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37, and the motor shaft reduction gear 40 (that is, in this embodiment, via the resultant force transmitter 29 and the reduction mechanism 25) are transmitted to the motor 21. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the tubular body 41 is fitted on the inner peripheral side of the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 so as to rotate integrally with the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37. A one-way clutch 47 for cutting a human-powered driving force is provided between the tubular body 41 and the intermediate shaft 44. Further, a passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 composed of a one-way clutch having an engaging member (engagement claw) 52 for transmitting rotational force is provided between the tubular body 41 and the intermediate shaft 44, and is passive. A clutch switching body 54 for switching the posture of the engaging member 52 of the rotational force transmission clutch 50 (switching from the outside in this embodiment) is provided so as to be movable coaxially with the intermediate shaft 44. In this embodiment, the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 and the tubular body 41 are separate bodies, but the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 and the tubular body 41 may be integrally formed. ..

In addition to the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, the motor drive unit 20 moves the switching moving body 55 for moving the clutch switching body 54 along the axial direction of the intermediate shaft 44 and the switching moving body 55. An electric moving mechanism 60, which is an example of the switching body moving mechanism, is provided. That is, in this embodiment, the rotational force transmission switching means is provided by the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the intermediate shaft 44, the clutch switching body 54, the switching moving body 55, and the electric moving mechanism 60. It is configured.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 6 to 8, and the like, the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is assembled on the outer periphery of the intermediate shaft 44 at a position adjacent to the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force, and the intermediate shaft 44 is assembled. A clutch base 51 that rotates integrally with the clutch base 51, a plurality of engaging members 52 composed of ratchet claws (engaging claws) that can stand and tilt in the radial direction from the clutch base 51, and a radial direction so that the engaging member 52 stands up. It has an urging spring 53 composed of an annular spring that urges the outside.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the tubular body 41 assembled on the inner circumference of the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 has a right side portion protruding to the right side and a tooth portion 41a on the inner circumference. The tooth portion 41a is formed so as to face the engaging member 52 of the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 and can be engaged and disengaged. 6 to 8 show a case where the engaging member 52 is switched to the tilted posture. At this time, the engaging member 52 is separated from the tooth portion 41a of the tubular body 41. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the engaging member 52 is switched to the upright posture, the engaging member 52 engages with the tooth portion 41a of the tubular body 41. The engaging member 52 of the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 can also be engaged and disengaged from the clutch switching body 54. Further, the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is in a disengaged state in which the intermediate shaft 44 and the tubular body 41 (first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37) are connected in the direction opposite to the one-way clutch 47 for disengaging the human-powered driving force. And.

As shown in FIG. 9, the clutch switching body 54 is generally an annular member, which is in sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of the clutch substrate 51 and is movable (sliding) in the axial direction of the intermediate shaft 44. It is externally fitted in the state. Then, a switching body moving portion 55a of the switching moving body 55 is assembled on the outer circumference of the clutch switching body 54. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, uneven portions 55e and 54c that mesh with each other are formed on the switching body moving portion 55a of the switching moving body 55 and the outer peripheral portion of the clutch switching body 54 facing the switching body moving portion 55a. As a result, the clutch switching body 54 is regulated so as not to rotate in the circumferential direction.

As shown in FIG. 6 and the like, an inclined surface 54a is formed on the inner circumference of the left side portion of the clutch switching body 54 so as to be inclined outward in the radial direction as it approaches the end surface. The inclined surface 54a abuts on the engaging member 52 of the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 from the right side when the clutch switching body 54 is moved to the left along the axial direction of the intermediate shaft 44, and this engaging surface 54a. Tilt the member 52.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, in this embodiment, a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction is viewed from the side so as to dent a part of the inclined surface 54a of the clutch switching body 54 into an elliptical arc shape on the outer peripheral side. A plurality of (four in this embodiment) cam surfaces 54b are also formed every 90 degrees in this embodiment. The cam surface 54b of the clutch switching body 54 is engaged by the engaging member 52 being fitted and gradually pressed toward the inner diameter side when the electrically assisted bicycle 1 is running and the intermediate shaft 44 rotates. The joint member 52 is guided so that it is more easily guided to the tilted posture (a load is applied so as to lead to the tilted posture). The cam surface 54b may be provided as needed.

As shown in FIG. 7, the switching body 55 includes a switching body moving portion 55a that fits in the clutch switching body 54, a moving fork portion 55b that supports the switching body moving portion 55a, and a guide rod portion 55c. It has a switching protrusion 55d and the like protruding from the guide rod portion 55c. and,
Both ends of the guide rod portion 55c are fitted to the support portions 58A and 58B integrally formed in the knit case 22 so as to be retractable, and the switching moving body 55 is parallel to the axial center of the intermediate shaft 44 and the like. It is movably supported in a direction (left-right direction in this embodiment). Reference numeral 59 denotes an urging spring that urges the switching mobile body 55 to the left side.

The electric transmission mechanism 60 is a mechanism for electrically moving the switching moving body 55. As shown in FIG. 7, the electric transmission mechanism 60 includes a case portion 61 that can be divided into two, a small switching motor 62 mounted on the substrate 68, and a connector 63 connected to the switching motor 62 and the like. , The reduction gears 64A to 64E (where 64C is a worm wheel) that decelerates and transmits the rotation of the switching motor 62 and the reduction gear 64E are meshed with the arcuate tooth portion 65a, and the left side of the switching moving body 55. It has a drive body 65 or the like that engages with. The drive body 65 is provided with an arm portion 65b, and the arm portion 65b of the drive body 65 can come into contact with the switching protrusion 55d of the switching moving body 55 from the left side.

Then, by driving the switching motor 62, the arm portion 65b of the drive body 65 is driven while being decelerated via the reduction gears 64A to 64E (that is, while increasing the drive torque). The switching mobile body 55 can be driven. A fan-shaped magnet 66 is attached to the drive body 65, and a position detection sensor 67 for detecting the position of the drive body 65 is attached to the substrate 68. Then, the position of the drive body 65 can be detected by the position detection sensor 68.

Further, the switching motor 62 and the position detection sensor 67 of the electric transmission mechanism 60 are connected to the control unit 24 via the wiring connected to the connector 63. Then, the control unit 24 drives the switching motor 62 according to the conditions to move the switching moving body 55 and the clutch switching body 54, and as will be described later, the engaging member 52 of the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is a cylinder. It is possible to switch between an operable state (transmissible state) capable of engaging with the body 41 and a non-operating state (non-transmission state) in which the engaging member 52 of the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 separates from the tubular body 41. It is configured in.

Although not shown, a sensor for detecting the voltage of the battery 12 or the like is provided at the place where the battery 12 is provided, and the voltage information or the like is sent to the control unit. Then, for example, when the voltage of the battery 12 drops and the battery is about to run out, the control unit 24 switches the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 to the non-operating state.

According to the above configuration, since the motor drive unit 20 including the motor 21 is arranged at an intermediate position between the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 4, the motor 21 is built in the hub of the rear wheels 4 (or the front wheels 3). Compared to the ones that are used, the rear wheels 4 (or front wheels 3) can be easily lifted, and even if there is a step on the road, it can be easily overcome. The stability is also good.

In the above configuration, when the vehicle travels with the auxiliary driving force applied, or when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed (for example, 24 km / h) and reaches the non-assisted region where the auxiliary driving force is no longer applied, the figure is shown in the figure. As shown in FIG. 7, the tip of the drive body 65 of the electric transmission mechanism 60 is positioned on the left side, and along with this, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the clutch is switched together with the switching moving body 55 and the moving fork 56. The body 54 is also set to the left side position (position A). As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the clutch switching body 54 causes the engaging member 52 of the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 to be in a tilted posture, and the engaging member 52 is as shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7. , It is separated from the tubular body 41 assembled on the inner circumference of the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 (passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is inactive (non-transmission state)).

Therefore, the cylindrical body 41 of the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 and the intermediate shaft 44 are not directly connected to each other, and the auxiliary driving force of the motor 21 is decelerated via the reduction mechanism 25 to increase the torque during assist traveling. It is transmitted to the resultant force transmitter 29 in the state of being made to move. Then, the human power driving force transmitted from the pedal 8 via the crankshaft 7a, the human power transmission body 28, the interlocking cylinder 23, and the one-way clutch 30 for cutting the auxiliary driving force is combined with the auxiliary driving force by the resultant force transmission body 29. Then, the resultant force is output from the drive sprocket 13 and transmitted to the rear wheels 4 via the chain 15. As a result, the rear wheels 4 are rotated with the auxiliary driving force applied, and the vehicle can easily travel uphill or the like.

Further, even when the passenger continues to rotate the pedal 8 and the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed (for example, 24 km / h) and reaches the non-assisted region from the assisted running state (so-called high-speed running), the passive rotational force is transmitted. The clutch 50 is maintained in a non-operating state, so that the one-way clutch 47 for disengaging the human-powered driving force can be operated. On the other hand, since the vehicle speed is in the non-assist region, the motor 21 is stopped (or is in a low rotation state close to the stopped state). At this time, the human-powered driving force transmitted to the resultant force transmission body 29 is transmitted to the intermediate shaft 44 via the reduction gear 36 integrally formed with the resultant force transmission body 29, and is transmitted to the intermediate shaft 44 together with the motor 21. Since the reduction gear 37 is stopped (or is in a low rotation state close to the stopped state), the human-powered driving force is not transmitted to the motor 21 by the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force.

As a result, the rotational torque for rotating the pedal 8 does not become heavy due to the drag resistance of the motor 21, the burden of rotating the pedal 8 for the occupant can be reduced, and the fluctuation of the rotational torque due to the motor 21 is transmitted to the pedal 8. This is prevented and the passenger can feel a good ride without any discomfort.

Further, when the voltage of the battery 12 drops and the battery is about to run out, the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is put into a non-operating state by the control unit 24, as in the case of the above-mentioned high-speed running. As a result, even when the voltage of the battery 12 drops and the battery runs out and the motor 21 is no longer driven, the human-powered driving force is not transmitted to the motor 21 by the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force. As a result, even when the battery runs out, the rotational torque for rotating the pedal 8 does not become heavy due to the drag resistance of the motor 21, the burden of rotating the pedal 8 for the occupant can be reduced, and the rotation by the motor 21 can be reduced. The fluctuation of torque is prevented from being transmitted to the pedal 8, and the passenger can feel a good ride comfort without any discomfort.

On the other hand, for example, at the time of a brake operation during traveling, this brake operation is detected by the control unit 24, and the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is put into an operable state by the control unit 24. That is, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the tip of the drive body 65 of the electric transmission mechanism 60 is set to the right side position (B position), and along with this, the clutch is switched together with the switching moving body 55 and the moving fork 56. The body 54 is also positioned on the right side. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the engaging member 52 of the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is in an upright position by the clutch switching body 54, and the engaging member 52 is inside the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37. It can be engaged with the tubular body 41 assembled around the circumference (the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is in an operable state).

Therefore, when the rear wheel 4 receives the passive rotational force during the brake operation and the passive rotational force is transmitted from the rear wheel 4 to the drive sprocket 13 as the drive force output wheel body via the chain 15, this passive rotational force is transmitted. Is transmitted to the intermediate shaft 44 via the resultant force transmitter 29, the reduction gear 36, and the second intermediate shaft reduction gear 38, which are passive rotational force transmission paths. Here, since the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is in an operable state, the engaging member 52 of the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 engages with the tubular body 41 of the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37, and the passive rotational force is engaged. Is transmitted from the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 to the motor rotation shaft 21a via the motor shaft reduction gear 40, and the motor 21 (rotor portion 21b of the motor 21 or the like) is rotated. That is, in this embodiment, the resultant force transmitter 29, the reduction gear 36, the second intermediate shaft reduction gear 38, the intermediate shaft 44, and the first intermediate shaft, which are passive rotational force transmission paths from the drive sprocket 13 to the motor 21, A reduction gear 37 and a motor shaft reduction gear 40 are provided in the motor drive unit 20, the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is in an operable state, and the engaging member 52 has a tubular shape of the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37. By engaging with the body 41, the passive rotational force transmission path is put into a transmission state, and the passive rotational force is transmitted to the motor 21 via the passive rotational force transmission path. Then, by operating the motor 21 as a generator, it is possible to generate regenerative power by the motor 21 (execute the regenerative operation) to charge the battery 12 (or supply power to an electric device such as the headlight 18). can.

In this way, by providing the rotational force transmission switching means (passive rotational force transmission clutch 50) that switches the passive rotational force transmission path between the transmission state and the non-transmission state, the passive rotational force can be transmitted to the motor 21. , Regenerative power can be generated to generate regenerative power to charge the battery 12 or supply power to an electric device such as a headlight 18.

The regenerative operation may be configured to be performed not only during braking but also in other states. For example, the pedal 8 is rotated even though the vehicle is running so that the regenerative operation is performed during coasting. When the crank shaft 7a is not rotated, the motor 21 may be operated as a generator with the passive rotational force transmission path in the transmission state (passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 in the operable state). .. Further, in this case, for example, the regenerative operation may be performed during coasting in a state of high-speed traveling to some extent.

Further, a switch button is provided on the hand setting operation unit 94 attached to the handle 5 or the like to instruct the regenerative operation, and at this time, the transmission state switching operation or the regenerative operation of the passive rotational force transmission path is executed. It may be configured, or other situations and conditions may be set so that the transmission state switching operation and the regenerative operation of the passive rotational force transmission path are executed.

When such a regenerative operation is not performed (for example, during assisted driving or so-called high-speed driving as described above), the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is set to the non-operating state and passive rotation is performed as described above. The force transmission path is set to the non-transmission state.

Further, during coasting traveling at extremely high speed, if regenerative charging is performed with the passive rotational force transmission path as the transmission state, the generated voltage of the motor 21 becomes too large, and there is a risk of damaging the charging circuit or the like. Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, a detection sensor for detecting the rotation speed of the motor 21 is provided, and when the rotation speed of the motor 21 at the time of regeneration is too large (when the rotation speed exceeds a predetermined rotation speed), The passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 may be in the non-operating state, and the passive rotational force transmission path may be in the non-transmission state. This makes it possible to protect the charging circuit and the like.

Further, by adopting a configuration in which the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 of the rotational force transmission switching means is provided coaxially with the axial center of the intermediate shaft 44, the circumference of the intermediate shaft 44 is around the crankshaft 7a. Since the number of parts to be provided is small and there is a vacant space, it is not necessary to increase the width of the motor drive unit 20 even if the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is provided. There is also the advantage that the width can be kept relatively small.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 of the rotational force transmission switching means and the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force are arranged on a shaft different from the axis of the crank shaft 7a and the axis of the motor 21. Although the case where the intermediate shaft 44, which is the core, is movably provided at the axial center and the coaxial center, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, a one-way clutch 47 for cutting the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 manpower driving force of the rotational force transmission switching means may be movably provided coaxially with the crankshaft 7a. ..

As shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, in this embodiment, the resultant force transmission body 29 is separated from the reduction gear (crankshaft side reduction gear) 36, and between these resultant force transmission body 29 and the reduction gear 36. Is provided with a passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 and a one-way clutch 47 for cutting a human-powered driving force. Similar to the above embodiment, the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 has an engaging member 52 that can stand and tilt freely, and the engaging member 52 is a tooth portion provided on the cylindrical portion 36b of the reduction gear 36. It is said that it can be freely engaged and detached from 36a. Further, a clutch switching body 54 for switching the posture of the engaging member 52 of the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is provided so as to be movable coaxially with the crankshaft 7a. In this embodiment, the clutch switching body 54 is slidably provided on the outer circumference of the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 and the outer circumference of the left end thick-diameter cylindrical portion of the resultant force transmission body 29. Further, the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force is not provided between the intermediate shaft 44 and the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37, and is directly connected to the intermediate shaft 44.

Although not shown, a switching moving body 55 having a moving fork 56 or the like for moving the clutch switching body 54 and an electric moving mechanism 60 are also provided, and the clutch switching body 54 is moved by these rotational force transmission switching means. NS.

Also in this configuration, during assisted driving, during high-speed driving in an unassisted state following assisted driving, or when the battery runs out, the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is set to the non-operating state and passive rotational force is transmitted as in the above embodiment. The route is put into a non-transmissive state (see FIGS. 14 and 15).

Further, during assist traveling, the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force provided between the resultant force transmission body 29 and the reduction gear 36 is in a connected state, and the reduction gear arranged on the outer periphery of the crankshaft 7a. The auxiliary driving force transmitted to the 36 is transmitted to the resultant force transmission body 29 via the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force and is combined with the human-powered driving force, and the combined resultant force is from the drive sprocket 13 to the rear wheel 4 side. Is output to.

Further, during high-speed running in an unassisted state following assisted running or when the battery runs out (that is, during non-assisted running and non-regenerative running), human power provided between the resultant force transmitter 29 and the reduction gear 36 is provided. The one-way clutch 47 for cutting the driving force is in the disengaged state, and the human-powered driving force is not transmitted from the reduction gear 36 to the motor 21 side. Therefore, as in the above embodiment, the burden of turning the pedal 8 of the passenger can be reduced, and the fluctuation of the rotational torque by the motor 21 is prevented from being transmitted to the pedal 8, so that the passenger does not feel uncomfortable and has a good ride comfort. Can be felt.

Further, during the regenerative operation, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the passive rotational force of the rear wheels 4 is transferred to the motor 21 by setting the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 in the operating state and the passive rotational force transmission path in the transmission state. It can be transmitted to the vehicle, and the regenerative operation can be performed well.

Further, also in this embodiment, a detection sensor for detecting the rotation speed of the motor 21 is provided, and when the rotation speed of the motor 21 at the time of regeneration is too large (when the rotation speed exceeds a predetermined rotation speed), the passive rotation is performed. The force transmission clutch 50 may be in a non-operating state (passive rotational force transmission path is in a non-transmission state), whereby a charging circuit or the like can be protected.

Further, in this embodiment, the human-powered driving force is provided between the resultant force transmitter 29 and the reduction gear 36 during non-regeneration and non-assisted running, and the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force is provided. As compared with the first embodiment, it is not necessary to rotate the reduction gear 36 and the intermediate shaft 44 by a human-powered driving force, and there is an advantage that the load on the occupant can be further reduced accordingly. be.

(Modified example of the second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the clutch switching body 54 is configured to directly contact the engaging member 52 of the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 to switch the posture, but the present invention is limited to this. It's not a thing. That is, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, a contact member 48 made of a pin or a ball capable of contacting the engaging member 52 of the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 from the outer peripheral side is attached to the tubular portion 36b of the reduction gear 36. The passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is operated from the operable state to the non-actuating state by providing the clutch switching body 54 in contact with the contact member 48 and tilting the engaging member 52. It is possible to switch to.

With this configuration as well, the same effects as those of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 can be obtained. In this way, the motor drive unit of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and the like has a configuration in which the engaging member 52 of the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is tilted upright via the contact member 48. It may be applied to 20 or the motor drive unit of the third embodiment described later.

(Third Embodiment)
Further, as shown in FIGS. 20 to 23, the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 of the rotational force transmission switching means and the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force are provided by the motor rotating shaft 21a and the rotor portion 21b of the motor 21. It may be provided between them (third embodiment). That is, in the third embodiment, the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 of the rotational force transmission switching means is provided coaxially with the motor rotation shaft 21a.

As shown in FIGS. 20 to 23, in this embodiment, the motor rotating shaft 21a and the rotor portion 21b are separated in the motor 21, and the motor rotating shaft 21a and the rotor portion 21b are passively separated from each other. A rotational force transmission clutch 50 and a one-way clutch 47 for cutting a human-powered driving force are provided. Similar to the above embodiment, the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 has an engaging member 52 (see FIG. 23) that can stand and tilt freely, and switches the posture of the engaging member 52 of the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50. The clutch switching body 54 is provided so as to be movable in a coaxial center with the motor rotation shaft 21a. In this embodiment, the clutch switching body 54 is slidably provided on the outer periphery of the motor rotating shaft 21a. Further, as in the second embodiment, the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force is not provided between the intermediate shaft 44 and the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37, and is directly connected to the intermediate shaft 44.

Further, although not shown, a switching moving body 55 having a moving fork 56 or the like for moving the clutch switching body 54 and an electric moving mechanism 60 are also provided, and the clutch switching body 54 is moved by these rotational force transmission switching means. NS.

Also in this configuration, during assisted driving, during high-speed driving in an unassisted state following assisted driving, or when the battery runs out, the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is set to the non-operating state and passive rotational force is transmitted as in the above embodiment. The route is put into a non-transmission state (see FIGS. 20 and 21).

Further, during assist traveling, the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force provided between the motor rotating shaft 21a and the rotor portion 21b is connected, and the auxiliary driving force generated in the rotor portion 21b is manually driven. It is transmitted from the motor rotating shaft 21a to the intermediate shaft 44 and the resultant force transmitter 29 via the one-way clutch 47 for force disconnection and is combined with the human-powered driving force, and the combined resultant force is output from the driving sprocket 13 to the rear wheel 4 side. NS.

Further, during high-speed running in an unassisted state following assisted running or when the battery runs out (that is, during non-assisted running and non-regenerative running), human power provided between the motor rotating shaft 21a and the rotor portion 21b is provided. The one-way clutch 47 for cutting the driving force is in the disengaged state, and the human-powered driving force is not transmitted to the rotor portion 21b of the motor 21. Therefore, as in the above embodiment, the burden of turning the pedal 8 of the passenger can be reduced, and the fluctuation of the rotational torque by the motor 21 is prevented from being transmitted to the pedal 8, so that the passenger does not feel uncomfortable and has a good ride comfort. Can be felt.

Further, during the regenerative operation, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the passive rotational force of the rear wheels 4 is transferred to the motor 21 by setting the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 in the operating state and the passive rotational force transmission path in the transmission state. It can be transmitted to the rotor portion 21b of the above, and the regenerative operation can be performed satisfactorily.

Further, also in this embodiment, a detection sensor for detecting the rotation speed of the motor 21 is provided, and when the rotation speed of the motor 21 at the time of regeneration is too large (when the rotation speed exceeds a predetermined rotation speed), the passive rotation is performed. The force transmission clutch 50 may be in a non-operating state (passive rotational force transmission path is in a non-transmission state), whereby a charging circuit or the like can be protected.

Further, by adopting a configuration in which the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 of the rotational force transmission switching means is provided coaxially with the motor rotation shaft 21a, the width of the motor drive unit 20 can be increased even if the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is provided. There is also an advantage that the width of the motor drive unit 20 can be suppressed to a relatively small size without having to do so. That is, when the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is provided in the outer peripheral region of the crankshaft 7a as in the second embodiment, many parts are provided in the outer peripheral region of the crankshaft 7a, so that the motor drive unit. There is no choice but to increase the width as 20, but this is not the case in the present embodiment.

(Fourth Embodiment)
Further, as shown in FIGS. 24 to 29, the structure may be such that the clutch switching portion 80 switches from the center side (axis center side) of the shaft such as the intermediate shaft 44. In the motor drive unit 20 of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the passive of the rotational force transmission switching means between the intermediate shaft 44 and the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 long in the width direction. A rotational force transmission clutch 85 and a one-way clutch 47 for cutting a human-powered driving force are provided. Further, the clutch switching body 81 moved by the electric moving mechanism 60 in the clutch switching unit 80 has a rod shape (shaft shape), and the clutch switching body 81 plunges into the hollow portion 44c formed in the central portion of the intermediate shaft 44. In addition, the support portion 22f formed in a part of the unit case 22 is arranged so as to be movable along the axial direction at the same axial center as the intermediate shaft 44. An adapter 81a that comes into contact with the arm portion 65b of the drive body 65 of the electric moving mechanism 60 is assembled to one end of the clutch switching body 81.

A moving member (a part of the clutch switching body 81) 82 having a small diameter portion 82a, a large diameter portion 82b, and an inclined surface 82c connecting them is mounted on the tip end portion of the clutch switching body 81. Further, a spring 86 for urging the clutch switching portion 81 and the moving member 82 to the right side is externally provided between the support portion 22f of the unit case 22 and the moving member 82 on the outer peripheral side of the clutch switching portion 81. .. Further, as shown in FIG. 26 and the like, the intermediate shaft 44 is provided with a plurality of through holes 44d penetrating in the thickness direction (diameter direction), and a ball (switching member) 83 is arranged in the through holes 44d. There is. In this embodiment, two balls 83 are arranged side by side in the radial direction in each through hole 44d, but the ball 83 penetrates the thickness of the intermediate shaft 44 and protrudes. The number of balls 83 in the through hole 44d may be one or three or more, and if the through hole 44d can be moved back and forth, both ends are pin-shaped bodies such as semicircles. May be good.

The outer ball 83 is free to move outward from the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate shaft 44, and the inner ball 83 is a portion of the moving member 82 facing the through hole 44d (that is, the small diameter portion 82a of the moving member 82). , Sliding contact with the large diameter portion 82b or the inclined surface 82c). Then, as the clutch switching body 81 is moved left and right, the contact position of the moving member 82 changes, but as shown in FIG. 28, the inner ball 83 comes into contact with the small diameter portion 82a of the moving member 82. If so, the outer ball 83 does not protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate shaft 44. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 25, when the inner ball 83 is in contact with the large diameter portion 82b of the moving member 82, the outer ball 83 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate shaft 44.

In this embodiment, the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 is formed to be long in the width direction, and the rotational force transmission switching means is provided between the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 and the intermediate shaft 44, which are long in the width direction. A passive rotational force transmission clutch 85 and a one-way clutch 47 for cutting a human-powered driving force are provided. The passive rotational force transmission clutch 85 is capable of standing and tilting in a state in which the engaging member 85a that can be engaged with the intermediate shaft 44 can project toward the inner peripheral side. Further, as shown in FIG. 26 and the like, the engaging member 85a is urged in the direction of projecting inward by the spring 86 mounted on the inner peripheral portion of the clutch base 85b. Further, at a portion of the intermediate shaft 44 facing the engaging member 85a, a tooth portion 44c capable of engaging with the tip portion of the engaging member 85a is formed so as to extend left and right from the outer peripheral surface portion corresponding to the through hole 44d. ing.

As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, when the engaging member 85a stands up inward, it engages with the intermediate shaft 44, and the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 and the intermediate shaft 44 are connected to each other. However, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, when the engaging member 85a is tilted, it separates from the intermediate shaft 44 and the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 and the intermediate shaft 44 are in a disconnected state. .. Then, the outer ball 83 can come into contact with the engaging member 85a from the inner side, and as shown in FIG. 28, the inner ball 83 comes into contact with the small diameter portion 82a of the moving member 82, and the outer ball 83 comes into contact with the small diameter portion 82a of the moving member 82. When the ball 83 does not protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate shaft 44, the engaging member 85a stands up and engages with the intermediate shaft 44, and the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 and the intermediate shaft 44 are connected. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 25, when the inner ball 83 is in contact with the large diameter portion 82b of the moving member 82 and the outer ball 83 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate shaft 44, the engaging member 85a is tilted. Then, it separates from the intermediate shaft 44, and the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 and the intermediate shaft 44 are in a disconnected state.

Also in this configuration, as shown in FIGS. 24 to 26, the passive rotational force transmission clutch 85 is similar to the above-described embodiment during the assisted running, the high-speed running in the non-assisted state following the assisted running, or the battery exhaustion. Is set to the non-operating state, and the passive rotational force transmission path is set to the non-transmitting state.

Then, at the time of assist traveling, the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force provided between the intermediate shaft 44 and the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 is connected, and the auxiliary driving force generated by the motor 21 is generated. , The first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 is transmitted from the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 to the intermediate shaft 44 and the resultant force transmitter 29 via the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force, and is combined with the human-powered driving force. It is output to the rear wheel 4 side.

Further, during high-speed running in the non-assisted state following the assisted running or when the battery runs out (that is, during non-assisted running and non-regenerative running), the one-way clutch 47 for disengaging the human-powered driving force is disengaged. The human-powered driving force is not transmitted to the motor 21 side. Therefore, as in the above embodiment, the burden of turning the pedal 8 of the passenger can be reduced, and the fluctuation of the rotational torque by the motor 21 is prevented from being transmitted to the pedal 8, so that the passenger does not feel uncomfortable and has a good ride comfort. Can be felt.

Further, during the regenerative operation, as shown in FIGS. 27 to 29, the passive rotational force of the rear wheels 4 is transferred to the motor 21 by setting the passive rotational force transmission clutch 85 in the operating state and the passive rotational force transmission path in the transmission state. It can be transmitted to the vehicle, and the regenerative operation can be performed well.

Further, also in this embodiment, a detection sensor for detecting the rotation speed of the motor 21 is provided, and when the rotation speed of the motor 21 at the time of regeneration is too large (when the rotation speed exceeds a predetermined rotation speed), the passive rotation is performed. The force transmission clutch 85 may be in a non-operating state (passive rotational force transmission path is in a non-transmission state), whereby a charging circuit or the like can be protected.

In the fourth embodiment, the passive rotational force transmission clutch 85 of the rotational force transmission switching means and the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force are provided on the outer periphery of the intermediate shaft 44, but the present invention is not limited to this. , The outer circumference of the crankshaft 7a may be provided as in the second embodiment, or may be provided on the outer circumference of the motor rotation shaft 21a as in the third embodiment. That is, at least a part of the components of the rotational force transmission switching means, such as the passive rotational force transmission clutch 85 of the rotational force transmission switching means and the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force, are removed from the resultant force transmission body 29 to the rotor portion of the motor 21. It may be provided in the passive rotational force transmission path between the 21b and the vehicle.

(Fifth Embodiment)
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 of the rotational force transmission switching means and the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force are provided is not limited thereto. Instead, as shown in FIGS. 30 to 35, a passive rotational force transmission clutch 70 including a two-way clutch for switching between a connected state (directly connected state) and a disconnected state (idling state) may be provided.

As shown in FIGS. 30 to 35, in this embodiment, a passive rotational force transmission clutch (two-way clutch) 70 is provided between the intermediate shaft 44 and the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37. Further, the outer peripheral portion of the intermediate shaft 44 provided with the passive rotational force transmission clutch 70 has a polygonal shape (showing the case of a hexagon), and is intermediate between the polygonal shaft portion 44b of the polygonal shape and the first intermediate shaft portion 44b. Cylindrical or ball-shaped rollers 71 are arranged between the inner peripheral surface (simply circular shape) of the shaft reduction gear 37, respectively. Further, an annular cage 72 that holds a plurality of rollers 71 to each other and an annular cage 72 that engages with the cage 72 at both ends to engage the cage 72 in a neutral position (the rollers 71 are the polygonal portion 44b of the intermediate shaft 44 or the first A position where there is a slight gap with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 of 1 and a force is not transmitted between the polygonal portion 44b of the intermediate shaft 44 and the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37. ) Is provided with a spring 73 or the like.

The cage 72 is formed with a hole for holding the roller 71 in a rotatable state. Further, the right end portion of the cage 72 protrudes to the right side of the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 (in this embodiment, the tubular body 41 of the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37) and in the radial direction. A gear-shaped portion 72a extending outward is formed, and the clutch switching body 54 can be brought into contact with the flange-shaped portion 72a of the cage 72 from the right side. Further, although not shown, a switching moving body 55 having a moving fork 56 or the like for moving the clutch switching body 54 and an electric moving mechanism 60 are also provided, and the clutch switching body 54 is moved by these rotational force transmission switching means. NS. Similar to the above embodiment, the clutch switching body 54 is arranged so as to be movable left and right on the same axis as the intermediate shaft 44, but does not rotate in the circumferential direction.

During the assisted running, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the clutch switching body 54 is moved to the left side and comes into contact with the cage 72. Since the clutch switching body 54 is not rotating, a force that suppresses the rotation of the cage 72 acts due to the contact friction generated by the contact with the clutch switching body 54, and as shown in FIG. 32, the intermediate shaft 44 The polygonal portion 44b, 71, and the inner peripheral surface of the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 come into contact with each other without a gap, resulting in a connected state (direct connection state) in which a force is transmitted. Then, the auxiliary driving force generated by the motor 21 is transferred from the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 to the reduction gear 36 integrally formed with the intermediate shaft 44 and the resultant force transmission body 44 via the passive rotational force transmission clutch (two-way clutch) 70. It is transmitted and combined with the human-powered driving force by the resultant force transmitter 44, and the combined resultant force is output from the driving sprocket 13 to the rear wheel 4 side.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the clutch switching body 54 is set to a position closer to the right side and is separated from the cage 72 during high-speed running in the non-assisted state following the assisted running or when the battery runs out. As a result, the rotation of the cage 72 is not suppressed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 35, the cage 72 is placed in the neutral position by the urging force of the spring 73, and the force between the intermediate shaft 44 and the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 is reached. Is not transmitted (passive rotational force transmission clutch (two-way clutch) 70 idling state). As a result, the human-powered driving force is not transmitted to the motor 21 side, the burden of turning the pedal 8 of the occupant can be reduced, and the fluctuation of the rotational torque by the motor 21 is prevented from being transmitted to the pedal 8, so that the occupant does not feel uncomfortable. , You can feel a good ride.

Further, during the regenerative operation, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the clutch switching body 54 is moved to the left side and comes into contact with the cage 72, and a force for suppressing the rotation of the cage 72 acts, which is shown in FIG. 32. As described above, the polygonal portion 44b of the intermediate shaft 44 and the inner peripheral surface of the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 are in contact with each other without a gap, resulting in a connected state (direct connection state) in which the force is transmitted. Therefore, the passive rotational force transmitted from the rear wheel 4 side to the intermediate shaft 44 via the drive sprocket 13, the resultant force transmitter 44, and the like is decelerated by the first intermediate shaft via the passive rotational force transmission clutch (two-way clutch) 70. It is transmitted from the gear 37 to the motor rotating shaft 21a and the rotor portion 21b, and the regeneration operation is performed satisfactorily.

In the fifth embodiment, the passive rotational force transmission clutch (two-way clutch) 70 is provided on the outer periphery of the intermediate shaft 44, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the crankshaft is similar to the second embodiment. It may be provided on the outer circumference of 7a or the outer circumference of the motor rotating shaft 21a as in the third embodiment. That is, at least some components of the rotational force transmission switching means such as the passive rotational force transmission clutch (two-way clutch) 70 are provided in the passive rotational force transmission path between the resultant force transmission body 29 and the rotor portion 21b of the motor 21. Just do it.

Further, the passive rotational force transmission clutch 70 is not limited to the two-way clutch having the above structure and the arrangement configuration, but one having a different arrangement configuration, another friction switching type clutch, or external electricity can be adopted. A two-way clutch provided with a clutch unit that can be specifically switched may be used. Further, as long as it has a structure capable of switching between a connected state (directly connected state) and a disconnected state (idling state), a rotational force transmission switching means having another structure may be used. For example, the passive rotational force of the rotational force transmission switching means. As the transmission clutch, a friction clutch or a switching mechanism in which the protrusion and the recess can enter and separate from each other may be provided.

(Sixth Embodiment)
Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the motor drive unit 20 has a structure called a so-called uniaxial type in which the resultant force of the human-powered driving force and the auxiliary driving force is output from the driving sprocket 13 has been described. It is not limited to. That is, as shown in FIGS. 36 to 40, the motor drive unit 100, which is also called a biaxial type, is formed by assembling the auxiliary sprocket 102 as an auxiliary drive force output wheel body for outputting the auxiliary drive force to the motor drive unit 100. A passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 or the like of the rotational force transmission switching means having the same configuration as described above may be provided.

As shown in FIGS. 36 to 40, in this embodiment, the driving force output wheel is a human-powered sprocket 101 that outputs a human-powered driving force, and an auxiliary that outputs an auxiliary driving force. Auxiliary sprocket 102 as a driving force output wheel is provided, and these human-powered sprocket 101 and auxiliary sprocket 102 are engaged with a chain 15 as an endless driving force transmitter at different axes. It is arranged so that the passive rotational force (regenerative rotational force) is transmitted to the motor 21 via the auxiliary sprocket 102.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 36 to 40, in the motor drive unit 100, the human-powered driving force transmitted from the motor 21 to the intermediate shaft 44 is transmitted to the intermediate shaft 44 via the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37. Although it is transmitted to 44, an auxiliary sprocket 102 as an auxiliary driving force output wheel is attached to one end of the intermediate shaft 44. Further, the auxiliary sprocket 102 is arranged so as to project outward from the unit case 22 of the motor drive unit 100 from a position behind the drive sprocket 101 of the motor drive unit 100. The drive sprocket 101 to which the human-powered driving force is output and the auxiliary sprocket 102 to which the auxiliary driving force is output are each meshed with the chain 15 as the endless driving force transmitter, and the human-powered driving force is provided by the chain 15. And the auxiliary driving force are combined and transmitted to the rear wheel 4 side.

At the outer peripheral portion of the crankshaft 7a, the human-powered driving force from the interlocking cylinder 23 is transmitted to the human-powered output cylinder 103 via the one-way clutch (one-way clutch for cutting the auxiliary driving force) 30, and the human-powered output cylinder A drive sprocket 101 that outputs a human-powered driving force is attached to the end of the body 103.

Further, as in the first embodiment, the tubular body 41 is fitted on the inner peripheral side of the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 so as to rotate integrally with the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37. A one-way clutch 47 for cutting a human-powered driving force is provided between the cylindrical body 41 and the intermediate shaft 44. Further, a passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 composed of a one-way clutch having an engaging member (engagement claw) 52 for transmitting rotational force is provided between the tubular body 41 and the intermediate shaft 44, and is passive. A clutch switching body 54 for switching the posture of the engaging member 52 of the rotational force transmission clutch 50 is provided so as to be movable coaxially with the intermediate shaft 44. Further, although not shown, a switching moving body 55 having a moving fork 56 or the like for moving the clutch switching body 54 and an electric moving mechanism 60 are also provided, and the clutch switching body 54 is moved by these rotational force transmission switching means. NS. Similar to the above embodiment, the clutch switching body 54 is arranged so as to be movable left and right on the same axis as the intermediate shaft 44, but does not rotate in the circumferential direction.

In this configuration, as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is used during the assisted running, the high-speed running in the non-assisted state following the assisted running, and the battery exhaustion. As a non-operating state, the passive rotational force transmission path is set to the non-transmission state.

Further, during assist traveling, the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force provided between the intermediate shaft 44 and the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 is connected, and the auxiliary driving force generated by the motor 21 is generated. , The first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37 is transmitted to the intermediate shaft 44 via the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force, and the auxiliary driving force is output to the auxiliary sprocket 102. Then, the human-powered driving force and the auxiliary driving force are combined by the chain 15 and transmitted to the rear wheel 4 side.

Further, during high-speed running in the non-assisted state following the assisted running or when the battery runs out (that is, during non-assisted running and non-regenerative running), the auxiliary sprocket 102 and the intermediate shaft 44 are manually operated via the chain 15. Although the driving force is transmitted, the one-way clutch 47 for disengaging the human-powered driving force is in the disengaged state, and the human-powered driving force is not transmitted to the motor 21 side. Therefore, as in the above embodiment, the burden of turning the pedal 8 of the passenger can be reduced, and the fluctuation of the rotational torque by the motor 21 is prevented from being transmitted to the pedal 8, so that the passenger does not feel uncomfortable and has a good ride comfort. Can be felt.

Further, during the regenerative operation, as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 is set to the operating state and the passive rotational force transmission path is set to the transmission state, so that the passive rotational force from the rear wheel 4 side is generated. , Not only transmitted to the auxiliary sprocket 102 and the intermediate shaft 44 via the chain 15, but also transmitted to the motor 21 via the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 and the first intermediate shaft reduction gear 37, and as a result, The regeneration operation can be performed well.

Also in this embodiment, the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 of the rotational force transmission switching means and the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force are provided on the outer periphery of the intermediate shaft 44, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be provided on the outer periphery of the crankshaft 7a as in the second embodiment or on the outer periphery of the motor rotating shaft 21a as in the third embodiment. That is, at least a part of the components of the rotational force transmission switching means, such as the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 of the rotational force transmission switching means and the one-way clutch 47 for cutting the human-powered driving force, are removed from the auxiliary sprocket 102 to the rotor portion 21b of the motor 21. It may be provided in the passive rotational force transmission path between and.

Further, instead of the passive rotational force transmission clutch 50 of the rotational force transmission switching means, a passive rotational force transmission clutch 85 as shown in FIG. Instead of the clutch 47, a two-way clutch type passive rotational force transmission clutch 70 as shown in FIG. 30 or the like may be provided. Further, as the passive rotational force transmission clutch of the rotational force transmission switching means, a friction clutch or a switching mechanism in which the protrusion and the recess can enter and separate from each other may be provided.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the regenerative operation is performed at the time of braking or when manually instructed by the hand setting operation unit 94 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the motor drive unit 20 is arranged so that the motor 21 or the like is behind the crankshaft 7a is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the motor 21 or the like is forward of the crankshaft 7a. (That is, the arrangement is rotated by approximately 180 degrees around the crankshaft 7a), or it is arranged so as to be above or below (that is, about the crankshaft 7a). It may be arranged so as to be rotated by about 90 degrees). Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the chain 15 is used as the endless driving force transmitter has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a toothed belt may be used as the endless driving force transmitter.

The present invention is applicable to various electrically assisted bicycles that can travel by adding an auxiliary driving force generated by a motor to a human-powered driving force generated by pedaling force from a pedal.

1 Electric Assisted Bicycle 2 Frame 3 Front Wheel 4 Rear Wheel 5 Handle 7 Crank 8 Pedal 9 Hub (Rear Hub)
10 Rotation detector 11 Rotation detector 12 Battery (capacitor)
13 Drive sprocket (driving force output wheel body, resultant force output wheel body)
14 Rear sprocket 15 Chain (endless driving force transmitter)
18 Headlight (electrical equipment)
20, 100 Motor drive unit 21 Motor 22 Unit case 23 Interlocking cylinder 24 Control unit 25 Deceleration mechanism 28 Human power transmitter 29 Interconnective force transmitter 30 One-way clutch (one-way clutch for cutting auxiliary driving force)
31 Torque sensor 36 Reduction gear 37 First intermediate shaft reduction gear 38 Second intermediate shaft reduction gear 40 Motor shaft reduction gear 41 Cylindrical body 44 Intermediate shaft 47 One-way clutch (one-way clutch for cutting human-powered driving force)
50, 70, 85 Passive rotational force transmission clutch 51 Clutch base 52 Engagement member (engagement claw)
54 Clutch switching part 56 Moving fork 55 Switching body Moving part 57 Switching moving body 60 Electric moving mechanism 81 Clutch switching part 82 Moving member 83 Ball (switching member)
90A, 90B Brake lever 92 Front brake device 93 Rear brake device 94 Hand setting operation unit 101 Human-powered sprocket (human-powered drive output wheel)
102 Auxiliary sprocket (auxiliary driving force output wheel)
103 human power output cylinder

Claims (13)

It is a motor drive unit equipped with the motor, which is attached to an electrically assisted bicycle that can run by adding an auxiliary driving force by a motor to a human-powered driving force by pedaling force from a pedal.
It is attached to a mounting portion to be attached to an intermediate portion between the front wheel and the rear wheel of the electrically power assisted bicycle, a crankshaft insertion region through which a crankshaft to which a human-powered driving force from the pedal is transmitted is inserted, and a motor drive unit. It has a driving force output wheel and
The crankshaft and the motor are arranged at different axes in the motor drive unit.
The human-powered driving force and the auxiliary driving force are configured to be transmitted to the rear wheels via the endless driving force transmitting body applied to the driving force output wheel body.
A reduction mechanism having a plurality of pairs of gears is arranged between the driving force output wheel body and the motor.
The rotation of the rear wheels is configured to be transmittable to the motor via the endless driving force transmitter.
A regenerative control unit that regenerates the motor to regenerate it is provided.
It has a passive rotational force transmission path that transmits the passive rotational force for regeneration transmitted from the rear wheels to the driving force output wheel body to the motor via the endless driving force transmitter.
A rotational force transmission switching means for switching the passive rotational force transmission path between a transmission state and a non-transmission state is provided.
As the driving force output wheel body, a human-powered driving force output wheel body that outputs a human-powered driving force and an auxiliary driving force output wheel body that outputs an auxiliary driving force are provided.
These human-powered driving force output wheels and auxiliary driving force output wheels are arranged at different axes in a state of meshing with the endless driving force transmitter.
A motor drive unit characterized in that passive rotational force is transmitted to the motor of the motor drive unit via an auxiliary drive force output wheel body . It is a motor drive unit equipped with the motor, which is attached to an electrically assisted bicycle that can run by adding an auxiliary driving force by a motor to a human-powered driving force by pedaling force from a pedal.
It is attached to a mounting portion to be attached to an intermediate portion between the front wheel and the rear wheel of the electrically power assisted bicycle, a crankshaft insertion region through which a crankshaft to which a human-powered driving force from the pedal is transmitted is inserted, and a motor drive unit. It has a driving force output wheel and
The crankshaft and the motor are arranged at different axes in the motor drive unit.
The human-powered driving force and the auxiliary driving force are configured to be transmitted to the rear wheels via the endless driving force transmitting body applied to the driving force output wheel body.
A reduction mechanism having a plurality of pairs of gears is arranged between the driving force output wheel body and the motor.
The rotation of the rear wheels is configured to be transmittable to the motor via the endless driving force transmitter.
A regenerative control unit that regenerates the motor to regenerate it is provided.
It has a passive rotational force transmission path that transmits the passive rotational force for regeneration transmitted from the rear wheels to the driving force output wheel body to the motor via the endless driving force transmitter.
A rotational force transmission switching means for switching the passive rotational force transmission path between a transmission state and a non-transmission state is provided.
A motor drive unit characterized in that at least a part of the rotational force transmission switching means is provided coaxially with the crankshaft . It is a motor drive unit equipped with the motor, which is attached to an electrically assisted bicycle that can run by adding an auxiliary driving force by a motor to a human-powered driving force by pedaling force from a pedal.
It is attached to a mounting portion to be attached to an intermediate portion between the front wheel and the rear wheel of the electrically power assisted bicycle, a crankshaft insertion region through which a crankshaft to which a human-powered driving force from the pedal is transmitted is inserted, and a motor drive unit. It has a driving force output wheel and
The crankshaft and the motor are arranged at different axes in the motor drive unit.
The human-powered driving force and the auxiliary driving force are configured to be transmitted to the rear wheels via the endless driving force transmitting body applied to the driving force output wheel body.
A reduction mechanism having a plurality of pairs of gears is arranged between the driving force output wheel body and the motor.
The rotation of the rear wheels is configured to be transmittable to the motor via the endless driving force transmitter.
A regenerative control unit that regenerates the motor to regenerate it is provided.
It has a passive rotational force transmission path that transmits the passive rotational force for regeneration transmitted from the rear wheels to the driving force output wheel body to the motor via the endless driving force transmitter.
A rotational force transmission switching means for switching the passive rotational force transmission path between a transmission state and a non-transmission state is provided.
A motor drive unit characterized in that at least a part of the rotational force transmission switching means is provided coaxially with the rotation axis of the motor . It is a motor drive unit equipped with the motor, which is attached to an electrically assisted bicycle that can run by adding an auxiliary driving force by a motor to a human-powered driving force by pedaling force from a pedal.
It is attached to a mounting portion to be attached to an intermediate portion between the front wheel and the rear wheel of the electrically power assisted bicycle, a crankshaft insertion region through which a crankshaft to which a human-powered driving force from the pedal is transmitted is inserted, and a motor drive unit. It has a driving force output wheel and
The crankshaft and the motor are arranged at different axes in the motor drive unit.
The human-powered driving force and the auxiliary driving force are configured to be transmitted to the rear wheels via the endless driving force transmitting body applied to the driving force output wheel body.
A reduction mechanism having a plurality of pairs of gears is arranged between the driving force output wheel body and the motor.
The rotation of the rear wheels is configured to be transmittable to the motor via the endless driving force transmitter.
A regenerative control unit that regenerates the motor to regenerate it is provided.
It has a passive rotational force transmission path that transmits the passive rotational force for regeneration transmitted from the rear wheels to the driving force output wheel body to the motor via the endless driving force transmitter.
A rotational force transmission switching means for switching the passive rotational force transmission path between a transmission state and a non-transmission state is provided.
As the rotational force transmission switching means, a passive rotational force transmission clutch having an engaging member capable of transmitting the passive rotational force and a clutch switching unit capable of switching the passive rotational force transmission clutch by contacting the engaging member from the outside A motor drive unit characterized by being provided . It is a motor drive unit equipped with the motor, which is attached to an electrically assisted bicycle that can run by adding an auxiliary driving force by a motor to a human-powered driving force by pedaling force from a pedal.
It is attached to a mounting portion to be attached to an intermediate portion between the front wheel and the rear wheel of the electrically power assisted bicycle, a crankshaft insertion region through which a crankshaft to which a human-powered driving force from the pedal is transmitted is inserted, and a motor drive unit. It has a driving force output wheel and
The crankshaft and the motor are arranged at different axes in the motor drive unit.
The human-powered driving force and the auxiliary driving force are configured to be transmitted to the rear wheels via the endless driving force transmitting body applied to the driving force output wheel body.
A reduction mechanism having a plurality of pairs of gears is arranged between the driving force output wheel body and the motor.
The rotation of the rear wheels is configured to be transmittable to the motor via the endless driving force transmitter.
A regenerative control unit that regenerates the motor to regenerate it is provided.
It has a passive rotational force transmission path that transmits the passive rotational force for regeneration transmitted from the rear wheels to the driving force output wheel body to the motor via the endless driving force transmitter.
A rotational force transmission switching means for switching the passive rotational force transmission path between a transmission state and a non-transmission state is provided.
A motor drive unit characterized in that a passive rotational force transmission clutch capable of transmitting a passive rotational force is provided as a rotational force transmission switching means, and the passive rotational force transmission clutch is composed of a two-way clutch or a friction clutch . It is a motor drive unit equipped with the motor, which is attached to an electrically assisted bicycle that can run by adding an auxiliary driving force by a motor to a human-powered driving force by pedaling force from a pedal.
It is attached to a mounting portion to be attached to an intermediate portion between the front wheel and the rear wheel of the electrically power assisted bicycle, a crankshaft insertion region through which a crankshaft to which a human-powered driving force from the pedal is transmitted is inserted, and a motor drive unit. It has a driving force output wheel and
The crankshaft and the motor are arranged at different axes in the motor drive unit.
The human-powered driving force and the auxiliary driving force are configured to be transmitted to the rear wheels via the endless driving force transmitting body applied to the driving force output wheel body.
A reduction mechanism having a plurality of pairs of gears is arranged between the driving force output wheel body and the motor.
The rotation of the rear wheels is configured to be transmittable to the motor via the endless driving force transmitter.
A regenerative control unit that regenerates the motor to regenerate it is provided.
It has a passive rotational force transmission path that transmits the passive rotational force for regeneration transmitted from the rear wheels to the driving force output wheel body to the motor via the endless driving force transmitter.
A rotational force transmission switching means for switching the passive rotational force transmission path between a transmission state and a non-transmission state is provided.
When the motor is not rotated, but the crankshaft is rotated, or when the voltage of the power storage that drives the motor drops, the passive rotational force transmission path is set to the non-transmission state by the rotational force transmission switching means. A motor drive unit characterized by being able to be switched to . The motor drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the driving force output wheel body is attached in a state of being exposed to the outside . As the driving force output wheel body, a resultant force output wheel body that outputs a resultant force of a human-powered driving force and an auxiliary driving force and meshes with an endless driving force transmitter is provided.
This resultant force output wheel is rotatably arranged coaxially with the crankshaft.
The motor drive unit according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the passive rotational force is transmitted to the motor via the resultant force output wheel body . A one-way clutch for cutting the human-powered driving force that prevents the human-powered driving force from being transmitted to the motor side is provided separately from the rotational force transmission switching means, and the rotational force transmission switching means is a one-way clutch for cutting the human-powered driving force. The motor drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the motor drive unit is switched between a connectable state and a disconnected state, including a connection / disconnection portion . 1. The motor drive unit according to any one of claims 4 and 6 . The rotational force transmission switching means has a passive rotational force transmission clutch.
The motor drive unit according to claim 10, wherein the passive rotational force transmission clutch is provided on the intermediate shaft . The motor drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein when the brake is operated, the passive rotational force transmission path is switched so as to be in the transmission state by the rotational force transmission switching means . An electrically assisted bicycle comprising the motor drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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