JP7734036B2 - Components for human-powered vehicles - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to components for human-powered vehicles.

For example, the component for a human-powered vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a first substrate on which a first coil is provided, and a second substrate on which a second coil is provided. The first substrate and the second substrate are provided around the entire circumference of the rotating body in the circumferential direction of the rotating body.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-211819

One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a component for a human-powered vehicle that can reduce design constraints on at least one of the first and second boards.

A component according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a component for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a first substrate attached to a first member; a second substrate attached to a second member that is rotatable relative to the first member; a first coil provided on the first substrate; and a second coil provided on the second substrate and configured to be magnetically coupled to the first coil, wherein the first substrate extends in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to a first direction that is parallel to a central axis of rotation of the second member; the second substrate extends in the second direction; at least a portion of the first coil is arranged to face at least a portion of the second coil in the first direction; and at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate is arranged to face only a portion of an outer periphery around the central axis of rotation of the second member when viewed from the first direction.
According to the component of the first aspect, at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate is disposed so as to face only a portion of the outer periphery around the rotational center axis of the second member when viewed from the first direction, and therefore at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate can be configured without providing a through-hole through which the second member passes in at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate. Thus, the component can reduce design constraints on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate.

In the component of the second aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the second member is provided on the first member so as to be rotatable around the central rotation axis.
According to the component of the second side, at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate can be arranged to face only a portion of the outer periphery of the second member that rotates around the central axis of rotation relative to the first member.

In the component of a third aspect according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure, the first substrate is provided so as to face only the portion of the outer periphery when viewed from the first direction.
According to the component on the third side surface, the first substrate can be provided so as to face only a part of the outer periphery when viewed from the first direction.

In the component of the fourth aspect according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the first substrate has a first end facing the second member, and the first coil is provided in a portion of the first substrate that includes the first end.
According to the component of the fourth aspect, the first coil is provided in a portion of the first substrate that includes the first end, so that the first coil can be disposed in a position close to the second member.

In the component of the fifth aspect according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the first end faces a portion of the outer periphery that is 180 degrees or less around the central axis of rotation when viewed from the first direction.
According to the component of the fifth aspect, the first substrate partially faces the second member, so that the shape of the first substrate can be simplified.

In a component of a sixth aspect according to any one of the third to fifth aspects of the present disclosure, the second substrate is positioned opposite the entire circumference of the outer periphery when viewed from the first direction, and the second coil surrounds the outer periphery when viewed from the first direction.
According to the component of the sixth aspect, the second substrate is disposed opposite the entire periphery of the outer periphery, so the second substrate can face the first substrate regardless of the relative rotation phase between the first member and the second member. According to the component of the sixth aspect, the second coil surrounds the outer periphery when viewed from the first direction, so the second coil can face the first coil regardless of the relative rotation phase between the first member and the second member.

In the component of the seventh aspect according to any one of the third to sixth aspects of the present disclosure, the first coil is formed in an elliptical shape.
According to the component of the seventh aspect, the first coil is formed in an elliptical shape, so that the portion of the first coil that faces the second coil can be made larger.

In the component of the eighth aspect according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the first coil is arranged so that a minor axis of the elliptical shape is perpendicular to the central axis of rotation of the second member.
According to the component of the eighth aspect, the minor axis of the elliptical shape is arranged so as to be perpendicular to the central axis of rotation of the second member, so that the portion of the first coil that faces the second coil can be easily enlarged.

In the component of the ninth aspect according to the seventh or eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the major axis of the elliptical shape of the first coil is equal to or greater than the diameter of the second member.
According to the component of the ninth aspect, the major axis of the elliptical shape is equal to or greater than the diameter of the second member, so that the portion of the first coil that faces the second coil can be easily enlarged.

In a component of a tenth aspect according to any one of the first to ninth aspects of the present disclosure, the first substrate has a first substrate surface at least partially facing the second substrate in the first direction and a second substrate surface facing the opposite side from the first substrate surface, the second substrate has a third substrate surface at least partially facing the first substrate in the first direction and a fourth substrate surface facing the opposite side from the third substrate surface, the first coil is provided on at least one of the first substrate surface, the second substrate surface, and an interior of the first substrate, and the second coil is provided on at least one of the third substrate surface, the fourth substrate surface, and an interior of the second substrate.
According to the component of the tenth aspect, the first coil can be provided on at least one of the first substrate surface, the second substrate surface, and the interior of the first substrate, and the second coil can be provided on at least one of the third substrate surface, the fourth substrate surface, and the interior of the second substrate.

In a component of aspect 11 according to any one of aspects 1 to 10 of the present disclosure, the first coil is configured to be capable of transmitting power to the second coil, and the second coil is configured to be capable of receiving power from the first coil.
The component of the eleventh aspect can reduce design constraints on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate that include the first coil and the second coil that transmit and receive power.

In the component of the twelfth aspect according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects of the present disclosure, the first coil and the second coil are configured to be able to transmit and receive communication signals.
The component of the twelfth aspect can reduce design constraints on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, which include a first coil and a second coil configured to be able to transmit and receive communication signals to and from each other.

The component of the thirteenth aspect according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects of the present disclosure further includes a first electronic component electrically connected to the first coil.
According to the component of the thirteenth aspect, the component can include a first electronic component electrically connected to the first coil.

In the component of the fourteenth aspect according to the thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the first electronic component is provided on the first substrate.
According to the component of the fourteenth aspect, the first coil and the first electronic component are provided on the first substrate, so that the first electronic component can be disposed close to the first coil.

The component of the fifteenth aspect according to the thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure further comprises a third substrate connected to the first substrate, and the first electronic component is provided on the third substrate.
According to the component of the fifteenth aspect, the first electronic component is provided on the third substrate, so that the first substrate can be made smaller.

In the component of the sixteenth aspect according to any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects of the present disclosure, the first electronic component includes a control device.
According to the component of the sixteenth aspect, the component may include a first electronic part including a control device.

The component of aspect 17 according to any one of aspects 1 to 16 of the present disclosure further includes a motor provided on the first member and configured to provide propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle.
According to the component of the seventeenth aspect, in a component including a motor, it is possible to reduce design constraints on at least one of the first board and the second board.

In the component of the eighteenth aspect according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects of the present disclosure, the second member includes a crankshaft.
According to the component of the eighteenth aspect, in a component including a second board attached to a crankshaft, it is possible to reduce design constraints on at least one of the first board and the second board.

The component of the nineteenth aspect according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects of the present disclosure, further comprising a sensor provided on the second member and electrically connected to the second coil.
According to the component of the nineteenth aspect, the sensor provided on the second member and the second coil provided on the second substrate can be suitably electrically connected.

In the component of the twentieth aspect according to the nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor includes a strain sensor configured to detect strain in the second member.
According to the component of the twentieth aspect, the strain sensor provided on the second member and the second coil provided on the second substrate can be suitably electrically connected.

The components for human-powered vehicles disclosed herein can provide components for human-powered vehicles that can reduce design constraints on at least one of the first and second boards.

FIG. 1 is a side view of components for a human-powered vehicle according to an embodiment. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D2-D2 in FIG. 1. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion where the first substrate and the second substrate in FIG. 2 face each other. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of components and a battery for the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 2. 4 is a schematic diagram of the first substrate, the first coil, the motor output shaft, and the first shaft member of FIG. 3 when viewed from a first direction. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the second substrate and the second coil of FIG. 3 when viewed from a first direction. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the first substrate, the first coil, the motor output shaft, the first shaft member, the second member, the second substrate, and the second coil of FIGS. 2 and 3 viewed from a first direction. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first substrate, the first coil, the first electronic component, the second member, the second substrate, and the second coil shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between a first substrate, a first coil, a first electronic component, a second member, a second substrate, a second coil, and a third substrate of a first modified example. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a first substrate, a first coil, a second member, a second substrate, and a second coil of a second modified example when viewed from a first direction. FIG.

<Embodiment>
A component 20 for a human-powered vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 . A human-powered vehicle is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be propelled at least by human power. Human-powered vehicles include various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand bikes, and recumbents. There is no limit to the number of wheels a human-powered vehicle has. Human-powered vehicles also include, for example, unicycles and vehicles with two or more wheels. Human-powered vehicles are not limited to vehicles that can be propelled solely by human power. Human-powered vehicles include e-bikes that use not only human power but also the driving force of an electric motor for propulsion. E-bikes include electrically assisted bicycles whose propulsion is assisted by an electric motor. In the following embodiments, the human-powered vehicle will be described as an electrically assisted bicycle.

The human-powered vehicle comprises at least one wheel and a vehicle body. The at least one wheel includes a front wheel and a rear wheel. The vehicle body includes a frame. The human-powered vehicle further comprises a component 20 for the human-powered vehicle. For example, the component 20 includes a drive unit 22. When the component 20 includes the drive unit 22, the component 20 is configured to be attachable to the frame of the human-powered vehicle. Hereinafter, the component 20 will be referred to as the drive unit 22.

The human-powered vehicle further includes a battery 10 that supplies power to the component 20. The battery 10 includes one or more battery elements. The battery element includes a rechargeable battery. The battery 10 is configured to supply power to a first electronic component 24 of the component 20. The battery 10 is communicatively connected to the component 20 via an electrical cable or a wireless communication device. The battery 10 can communicate with the component 20 via, for example, power line communication (PLC), a controller area network (CAN), or a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART).

The component 20 for a human-powered vehicle includes a first substrate 26, a second substrate 28, a first coil 30, and a second coil 32. The first substrate 26 and the second substrate 28 are formed, for example, by printed wiring boards. The printed wiring boards may be single-layer printed wiring boards or multi-layer printed wiring boards. The component 20 further includes a first member 34 and a second member 36. The second member 36 is rotatable relative to the first member 34. For example, the first member 34 includes a housing 38 of the drive unit 22. The second member 36 has a central rotation axis C. For example, the second member 36 is mounted on the first member 34 so as to be rotatable about the central rotation axis C. For example, the component 20 includes a crankshaft 40. In this embodiment, the second member 36 includes the crankshaft 40.

For example, the component 20 further includes a motor 42. The motor 42 is configured to provide propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle. The motor 42 is provided on the first member 34. The component 20 includes an output rotating shaft 44. The human-powered driving force input to the crankshaft 40 and the output of the motor 42 via the reduction mechanism 52 are input to the output rotating shaft 44. In this embodiment, the second member 36 further includes the output rotating shaft 44.

The housing 38 includes a first housing 46 and a second housing 48. The first housing 46 and the second housing 48 are attached to each other, for example, with bolts. The housing 38 defines an internal space. The internal space is formed by the first housing 46 and the second housing 48. The internal space of the housing 38 contains the first board 26, the second board 28, the first electronic component 24, part of the crankshaft 40, the motor 42, part of the output rotating shaft 44, and the reduction mechanism 52. The first member 34 may further include a support member 50 that is disposed in the internal space of the housing 38. The support member 50 supports the components disposed in the internal space.

The housing 38 includes mounting portions 38A for mounting the component 20 to the frame of the human-powered vehicle. The mounting portions 38A are provided on the outer periphery of the housing 38. For example, the housing 38 includes a plurality of mounting portions 38A. For example, the mounting portions 38A are provided with at least one of a hole and an internal thread. For example, the mounting portions 38A are provided with an internal thread. For example, the component 20 is mounted to the frame by inserting a bolt into a hole provided in the frame and screwing it into the internal thread of the mounting portion 38A.

At least a portion of the second member 36 is disposed within the internal space of the housing 38. For example, the first member 34 rotatably supports the second member 36 around the central rotation axis C. A portion of the crankshaft 40 is disposed within the internal space of the housing 38. For example, the housing 38 rotatably supports the crankshaft 40. The crankshaft 40 is rotatably supported relative to the housing 38 by a first bearing 54. The first bearing 54 may be a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a plain bearing. A portion of the output rotating shaft 44 is disposed within the internal space of the housing 38. For example, the output rotating shaft 44 is rotatably supported relative to the housing 38 by a second bearing 56. The second bearing 56 may be a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a plain bearing.

For example, the central axis of the crankshaft 40, the central axis of the output rotating shaft 44, and the central rotation axis C are all coaxial. For example, the crankshaft 40 has a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, the output rotating shaft 44 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The output rotating shaft 44 is disposed around the central rotation axis C so as to surround the outer periphery of the crankshaft 40.

The output rotating shaft 44 is configured to transmit the rotational force of the crankshaft 40. The output rotating shaft 44 is configured to transmit driving force from the motor 42. For example, the output rotating shaft 44 has a first end 44A in a first direction X1. The first direction X1 is the same direction as the axial direction of the central rotation axis C. The first end 44A is directly connected to the outer periphery of the crankshaft 40 in the first direction X1. For example, the first end 44A and the outer periphery of the crankshaft 40 are each formed with splines that mesh with each other.

For example, the output rotating shaft 44 has a second end 44B on the opposite side of the first end 44A in the first direction X1. A sprocket is connected to the second end 44B. A connecting portion for connecting the sprocket is provided on the outer periphery of the second end 44B in the radial direction of the central rotation axis C. The connecting portion has one or more splines extending along the first direction X1.

The motor 42 includes a rotor 58 and a stator 60. The rotor 58 has an output shaft 42A of the motor 42. The stator 60 has a coil electrically connected to an inverter circuit. For example, the second member 36 and the output shaft 42A of the motor 42 are arranged substantially parallel. The rotor 58 includes a rotor core that rotates integrally with the output shaft 42A and a plurality of magnets held by the rotor core. The stator 60 is attached to the housing 38. The motor 42 includes one or more electric motors. For example, the electric motor is a brushless motor. For example, the motor 42 is a radial gap type motor. For example, the motor 42 is an inner rotor type motor. The motor 42 may be an outer rotor type motor. The motor 42 may be an axial gap type motor.

The outer periphery of the stator 60 of the motor 42 is provided on the side wall of a recess 46A formed in the first housing 46. The support member 50 is provided on the first housing 46 and, together with the first housing 46, forms a motor arrangement space. The support member 50 is attached to the first housing 46 with bolts, for example. The support member 50 is positioned so as to cover the opening of the recess 46A. The support member 50 includes a through hole 50A through which the output shaft 42A of the motor 42 is inserted. The support member 50 also includes a through hole through which a terminal or cable is inserted to connect the coil of the motor 42 to the inverter circuit.

For example, the component 20 further includes a reduction mechanism 52. For example, the reduction mechanism 52 reduces the rotational speed of the output shaft 42A of the motor 42 by one or more stages. The motor 42 is configured to transmit rotational force to the reduction mechanism 52 and provide propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle.

For example, the reduction mechanism 52 includes at least one gear. For example, the reduction mechanism 52 reduces the rotational speed of the output shaft 42A of the motor 42 in two or more stages. In this embodiment, the reduction mechanism 52 reduces the rotational speed of the output shaft 42A of the motor 42 in two stages. The reduction mechanism 52 may include one or more gears, or may include a pulley. In this embodiment, the reduction mechanism 52 includes one gear.

For example, the reduction gear mechanism 52 includes a first gear 52A, a second gear 52B, and a first shaft member 52C having a first central rotation axis C1. The first central rotation axis C1 is different from the central rotation axis C. The first central rotation axis C1 is substantially parallel to the central rotation axis C. The housing 38 rotatably supports the first shaft member 52C. The first shaft member 52C is rotatably supported relative to the housing 38 by a third bearing 62 and a fourth bearing 64.

The third bearing 62 is provided on the support member 50. The third bearing 62 is provided on the outer periphery of the first end 52D of the first shaft member 52C. The fourth bearing 64 is provided on the first housing 46. The fourth bearing 64 is provided on the outer periphery of the second end 52E of the first shaft member 52C. The third bearing 62 may be a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a plain bearing. The fourth bearing 64 may be a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a plain bearing.

For example, the first gear 52A is provided on the outer periphery of the first shaft member 52C on the fourth bearing 64 side, between the third bearing 62 and the fourth bearing 64, in the first direction X1. The first gear 52A rotates integrally with the first shaft member 52C. The first gear 52A and the first shaft member 52C are formed, for example, from metal. For example, the first shaft member 52C is disposed in the internal space substantially parallel to the second member 36 and the output shaft 42A of the motor 42.

The second gear 52B is mediated by a one-way clutch 66 and is provided on the outer periphery of the output rotation shaft 44 closer to the second end 44B of the output rotation shaft 44 than the first end 44A of the output rotation shaft 44 in the first direction X1. For example, the second gear 52B rotates integrally with the output rotation shaft 44. The second gear 52B may be formed integrally with the output rotation shaft 44 as a single member, or may be formed separately from the output rotation shaft 44. The second gear 52B and the output rotation shaft 44 are formed, for example, from metal. The second gear 52B meshes with the first shaft member 52C between the first end 52D of the first shaft member 52C and the second end 52E of the first shaft member 52C.

The one-way clutch 66 is configured to prevent the rotational force of the crankshaft 40 from being transmitted to the motor 42 when the crankshaft 40 rotates about the rotational axis C so as to move the human-powered vehicle forward . For example , the one-way clutch 66 includes a roller clutch. For example, the one-way clutch 66 is provided between the inner periphery of the second gear 52B and the outer periphery of the output rotary shaft 44. The one-way clutch 66 may include a pawl clutch or a sprag clutch.

The output shaft 42A of the motor 42 has a first end 42B and a second end 42C. A first gear engagement portion 42D is provided on the outer periphery of the output shaft 42A of the motor 42. The first gear engagement portion 42D is provided at the second end 42C of the motor 42. The output shaft 42A of the motor 42 has a second rotational center axis C2. The second rotational center axis C2 is different from the rotational center axis C and the first rotational center axis C1. The second rotational center axis C2 is substantially parallel to the rotational center axis C and the first rotational center axis C1.

The output shaft 42A of the motor 42 is rotatably supported relative to the housing 38 by a fifth bearing 68 and a sixth bearing 70. The fifth bearing 68 is provided in the first housing 46. For example, the fifth bearing 68 is provided on the outer periphery of the first end 42B of the output shaft 42A. The sixth bearing 70 is provided in the support member 50. The sixth bearing 70 is provided on the support member 50 on the side of the first end 42B of the output shaft 42A. The fifth bearing 68 may be a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a plain bearing. The sixth bearing 70 may be a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a plain bearing.

The rotational force of the output shaft 42A of the motor 42 is transmitted to the first gear 52A of the reduction mechanism 52. The rotational force of the output shaft 42A of the motor 42 transmitted to the first gear 52A is transmitted to the second gear 52B through the first shaft member 52C. The rotational force of the output shaft 42A of the motor 42 transmitted to the second gear 52B is transmitted to the output rotation shaft 44 through the one-way clutch 66.

For example, the component 20 further includes a sensor 72. The sensor 72 is provided on the second member 36. The sensor 72 is electrically connected to the second coil 32. The sensor 72 is provided on the second member 36, for example, so as to be rotatable integrally with the second member 36. The sensor 72 is provided on the second member 36, for example, so as to be rotatable integrally with the output rotation shaft 44.

For example, the sensor 72 includes a strain sensor 72A. The strain sensor 72A is configured to detect strain in the second member 36. The strain sensor 72A is formed, for example, in a sheet shape. The strain sensor 72A is electrically connected to the second coil 32 via a connecting member 72B. In this embodiment, the strain sensor 72A is attached to the outer periphery of the output rotating shaft 44 and is configured to be able to detect the manual driving force input from the crankshaft 40 to the output rotating shaft 44.

The first coil 30 is provided on the first substrate 26. The second coil 32 is provided on the second substrate 28. The first substrate 26 is attached to the first member 34. The first substrate 26 extends in a second direction X2 that is substantially perpendicular to a first direction X1 that is parallel to the central axis C of rotation of the second member 36. The second substrate 28 is attached to the second member 36. The second substrate 28 extends in the second direction X2. The second substrate 28 is provided on the second member 36, for example, so as to be rotatable integrally with the second member 36. The first coil 30 is formed integrally with wiring provided on the first substrate 26. The second coil 32 is formed integrally with wiring provided on the second substrate 28. The first coil 30 and the second coil 32 are formed, for example, by a process similar to that used to form wiring on a printed wiring board.

The first coil 30 and the second coil 32 are configured to be magnetically coupled. At least a portion of the first coil 30 is arranged to face at least a portion of the second coil 32 in the first direction X1. At least a portion of the second coil 32 is arranged to face at least a portion of the first coil 30 in the first direction X1.

For example, the first coil 30 may be configured to be able to transmit power to the second coil 32. For example, the second coil 32 may be configured to be able to receive power from the first coil 30. For example, the first coil 30 and the second coil 32 may be configured to be able to transmit and receive communication signals. For example, the first coil 30 and the second coil 32 may be configured to be able to transmit and receive both power and communication signals.

For example, the component 20 further includes a first electronic component 24. The first electronic component 24 is electrically connected to the first coil 30. When the first coil 30 and the first electronic component 24 are electrically connected, this includes when another electronic component is electrically connected between the first coil 30 and the first electronic component 24. In this embodiment, the first electronic component 24 is provided on the first substrate 26.

For example, the first electronic component 24 includes a control device 74. For example, the control device 74 includes a control device for the motor 42. The control device for the motor 42 includes, for example, a drive circuit for the motor 42. The drive circuit includes, for example, an inverter. For example, the control device 74 includes a control unit. The control unit includes an arithmetic processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing unit included in the control unit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The arithmetic processing units included in the control unit may be provided in multiple locations that are separate from each other. The control unit may include one or more microcomputers.

For example, the control device 74 further includes a storage unit. The storage unit stores predetermined control programs and information used in the control processing. The storage unit includes, for example, non-volatile memory and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one of ROM (Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and flash memory. Volatile memory includes, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

For example, the component 20 further includes a first communication unit 76 and a second communication unit 78. For example, the first communication unit 76 is provided on the first board 26. For example, the second communication unit 78 is provided on the second board 28. The first communication unit 76 may be included in the first electronic component 24.

The first communication unit 76 includes a processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The processing unit included in the first communication unit 76 includes, for example, a CPU or MPU. The processing units included in the first communication unit 76 may be provided in multiple locations that are separate from one another. The first communication unit 76 may include one or more microcomputers.

For example, the first communication unit 76 controls the first coil 30 to transmit power from the battery 10 to the second coil 32. For example, the first communication unit 76 controls the first coil 30 to transmit a communication signal to the second coil 32. For example, the first communication unit 76 controls the first coil 30 to receive a communication signal transmitted from the second coil 32.

The second communication unit 78 includes a processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The processing unit included in the second communication unit 78 includes, for example, a CPU or MPU. The processing units included in the second communication unit 78 may be provided in multiple locations that are separate from one another. The second communication unit 78 may include one or more microcomputers.

For example, the second communication unit 78 controls the second coil 32 to receive the power of the battery 10 transmitted from the first coil 30. For example, the second communication unit 78 controls the second coil 32 to transmit a communication signal to the first coil 30. For example, the second communication unit 78 controls the second coil 32 to receive the communication signal transmitted from the first coil 30.

For example, the second communication unit 78 is configured to transmit a communication signal generated in response to the output of the sensor 72 from the second coil 32. For example, the first communication unit 76 is configured to be able to transmit a communication signal received from the first coil 30 to the control device of the motor 42. The control device of the motor 42 controls the motor 42 in response to the output of the sensor 72.

For example, the first substrate 26 has a first substrate surface 80 that at least partially faces the second substrate 28 in the first direction X1, and a second substrate surface 82 that faces the opposite side from the first substrate surface 80. The shape of the first substrate 26 is not limited. For example, when viewed from the first direction X1, the first substrate 26 may be rectangular, circular, or a combination of various shapes such as rectangular and circular. The first substrate 26 is formed with a first hole 84 through which the output shaft 42A of the motor 42 passes, and a second hole 86 through which the first shaft member 52C passes. The first hole 84 connects the first substrate surface 80 and the second substrate surface 82. The second hole 86 connects the first substrate surface 80 and the second substrate surface 82. The first substrate 26 may have either the first hole 84 or the second hole 86 formed therein, or may not have either the first hole 84 or the second hole 86 formed therein.

For example, the second substrate 28 has a third substrate surface 88 that at least partially faces the first substrate 26 in the first direction X1, and a fourth substrate surface 90 that faces the opposite side from the third substrate surface 88. For example, when the second substrate 28 is viewed from the first direction X1, the second substrate 28 has a circular shape. The shape of the second substrate 28 when viewed from the first direction X1 is not limited to a circular shape. The shape of the second substrate 28 when viewed from the first direction X1 may be, for example, a rectangular shape or a shape that combines various shapes such as a rectangular shape and a circular shape. A third hole 92 through which the second member 36 passes is formed in the second substrate 28. The third hole 92 communicates with the third substrate surface 88 and the fourth substrate surface 90. The central axis of the third hole 92 is substantially coincident with the central rotation axis C of the second member 36.

At least one of the first substrate 26 and the second substrate 28 is arranged to face only a portion of the outer periphery 36A around the central axis of rotation C of the second member 36 when viewed from the first direction X1. For example, the first substrate 26 is arranged to face only a portion of the outer periphery 36A when viewed from the first direction X1. For example, the second substrate 28 is arranged to face the entire circumference of the outer periphery 36A when viewed from the first direction X1.

For example, the first substrate 26 has a first end 26A that faces the second member 36. The shape of the first end 26A is not particularly limited. For example, the first end 26A may be formed in a straight line. The first end 26A may be formed to correspond to the shape of a portion of the second member 36. When the first end 26A is formed to correspond to the shape of a portion of the second member 36, the first end 26A may be formed to curve along the outer periphery of the crankshaft 40.

The first substrate 26 has a second end 26B. The second end 26B is the end of the first substrate 26 located opposite the first end 26A in the second direction X2. For example, the first electronic component 24 is provided on a portion of the first substrate 26 other than the portion where the first coil 30 is arranged. For example, the first substrate 26 is attached to the inner wall of the housing 38.

For example, the first end 26A faces a portion of the outer periphery 36A that is at an angle of 180 degrees or less around the rotational axis C when viewed from the first direction X1. For example, the first end 26A faces a portion of the outer periphery 36A that is at an angle of 130 degrees or less around the rotational axis C when viewed from the first direction X1. For example, the first end 26A faces a portion of the outer periphery 36A that is at an angle of 100 degrees or less around the rotational axis C when viewed from the first direction X1. When the first end 26A is formed to correspond to the shape of the outer periphery 36A of the second member 36, for example, the first end 26A faces a portion of the outer periphery 36A that is at an angle of 1 degree or more around the rotational axis C when viewed from the first direction X1.

For example, the first coil 30 is provided on a portion of the first substrate 26 that includes the first end 26A. For example, the first coil 30 is formed in an elliptical shape. For example, the first coil 30 is arranged so that the minor axis E1 of the elliptical shape is perpendicular to the central axis of rotation C of the second member 36. For example, the first coil 30 is arranged so that the minor axis E1 of the elliptical shape is perpendicular to the first central axis of rotation C1 of the first shaft member 52C. For example, the first coil 30 is arranged so that the minor axis E1 of the elliptical shape is perpendicular to the second central axis of rotation C2 of the output shaft 42A of the motor 42.

For example, the minor axis ED1 of the elliptical shape of the first coil 30 corresponds to the radial size of the second coil 32. For example, the minor axis ED1 of the elliptical shape of the first coil 30 may be larger than the radial size of the second coil 32, or may be smaller than the radial size of the second coil 32. For example, the major axis ED2 of the elliptical shape of the first coil 30 may be greater than the diameter D of the second member 36. The major axis ED2 of the elliptical shape of the first coil 30 may be smaller than the diameter D of the second member 36.

The first coil 30 is provided on at least one of the first substrate surface 80, the second substrate surface 82, and inside the first substrate 26. For example, the first coil 30 is provided inside the first substrate 26 parallel to the second direction X2. For example, the first coil 30 is provided on the first substrate surface 80 parallel to the second direction X2. For example, the first coil 30 is provided on the second substrate surface 82 parallel to the second direction X2.

For example, the first coil 30 may be provided on the first substrate 26 so that one end of the first coil 30 is provided inside the first substrate 26 and the other end of the first coil 30 penetrates the first substrate surface 80 and is exposed to the outside of the first substrate 26. For example, the first coil 30 may be provided on the first substrate 26 so that one end of the first coil 30 penetrates the second substrate surface 82 and is exposed to the outside of the first substrate 26, and the other end of the first coil 30 is provided inside the first substrate 26. For example, the first coil 30 may be provided on the first substrate 26 so that a central portion of the first coil 30 is provided inside the first substrate 26 and each end of the first coil 30 penetrates the first substrate surface 80 and the second substrate surface 82 and is exposed to the outside of the first substrate 26.

For example, the second coil 32 surrounds the outer periphery 36A when viewed from the first direction X1. For example, the second coil 32 is provided on the second substrate 28 so as to surround the outer periphery 36A when viewed from the first direction X1.

The second coil 32 is provided on at least one of the third substrate surface 88, the fourth substrate surface 90, and inside the second substrate 28. For example, the second coil 32 is provided on the third substrate surface 88 parallel to the second direction X2. For example, the second coil 32 is provided on the fourth substrate surface 90 parallel to the second direction X2. For example, the second coil 32 is provided inside the second substrate 28 parallel to the second direction X2.

For example, the second coil 32 may be provided on the second substrate 28 so that one end of the second coil 32 is provided inside the second substrate 28 and the other end of the second coil 32 penetrates the third substrate surface 88 and is exposed to the outside of the second substrate 28. For example, the second coil 32 may be provided on the second substrate 28 so that one end of the second coil 32 penetrates the fourth substrate surface 90 and is exposed to the outside of the second substrate 28 and the other end of the second coil 32 is provided inside the second substrate 28. For example, the second coil 32 may be provided on the second substrate 28 so that a central portion of the second coil 32 is provided inside the second substrate 28 and each end of the second coil 32 penetrates the third substrate surface 88 and the fourth substrate surface 90 and is exposed to the outside of the second substrate 28.

<Modification>
The descriptions of the embodiments are merely examples of possible forms of components for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the forms. Components for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure may take the form of, for example, modified versions of the embodiments shown below, or a combination of at least two mutually consistent modified versions. In the following modified versions, parts that are common to the embodiments are given the same reference numerals as in the embodiments, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the component 20 may further include a third board 94 connected to the first board 26. When the component 20 further includes the third board 94, the first electronic component 24 is provided on the third board 94. When the component 20 further includes the third board 94, at least a portion of the first electronic component 24 may be provided on the first board 26, and the control device for the motor 42 may be provided on the third board 94. When the component 20 further includes the third board 94, the first hole 84 through which the output shaft 42A of the motor 42 passes and the second hole 86 through which the first shaft member 52C passes may be provided on the third board 94.

- As shown in FIG. 10, when the first end 26A is formed to be curved to correspond to the shape of the outer periphery 36A of the second member 36, the first coil 30 may be provided on the first end 26A so as to follow the outer periphery 36A. FIG. 10 shows a case where the first end 26A of the first substrate 26 surrounds the outer periphery 36A of the second member 36 by 180 degrees. For example, the first coil 30 is provided on the first substrate 26 so as to follow the shape of the first end 26A.

- The first board 26 does not have to have the first hole 84 through which the output shaft 42A of the motor 42 passes and the second hole 86 through which the first shaft member 52C passes.

- The second substrate 28 may be arranged to face only a portion of the outer periphery of the second member 36 about the central axis of rotation C when viewed from the first direction X1. When the second substrate 28 is arranged to face only a portion of the outer periphery of the second member 36 about the central axis of rotation C when viewed from the first direction X1, the first substrate 26 may be configured to face only a portion of the outer periphery of the second member 36 about the central axis of rotation C, or may be configured to face the entire outer periphery about the central axis of rotation C.

- The second member 36 does not have to include the output rotating shaft 44. If the second member 36 does not include the output rotating shaft 44, the sensor 72 is provided on the crankshaft 40 and is configured to be able to detect the manual driving force input to the crankshaft 40.

The second member 36 may be configured to surround the radially outer side of the first member 34. When the second member 36 is configured to surround the radially outer side of the first member 34, for example, the first member 34 includes a hub axle instead of the housing 38, and the second member 36 includes a hub shell instead of the crankshaft 40 and the output rotary shaft 44. When the second member 36 is configured to surround the radially outer side of the first member 34, the first member 34 includes a hub axle instead of the housing 38, and the second member 36 includes a hub shell instead of the crankshaft 40 and the output rotary shaft 44, for example, the component 20 includes at least one of a hub unit for a human-powered vehicle, an internal transmission for a human-powered vehicle, and a hub motor for a human-powered vehicle.

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

20...component, 24...first electronic component, 26...first board, 26A...first end, 28...second board, 30...first coil, 32...second coil, 34...first member, 36...second member, 36A...periphery, 40...crankshaft, 42...motor, 72...sensor, 72A...strain sensor, 74...control device, 80...first board surface, 82...second board surface, 88...third board surface, 90...fourth board surface, 94...third board.

Claims (20)

A component for a human-powered vehicle,
a first substrate attached to the first member;
a second substrate attached to a second member that is rotatable relative to the first member;
a first coil provided on the first substrate;
a second coil provided on the second substrate and configured to be magnetically coupled to the first coil;
the first substrate extends in a second direction substantially perpendicular to a first direction parallel to a rotational center axis of the second member;
the second substrate extends in the second direction;
at least a portion of the first coil is disposed to face at least a portion of the second coil in the first direction;
at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate is provided to face only a part of an outer periphery of the second member around the rotation central axis when viewed from the first direction ;
the first substrate includes an end surface of a first end portion facing the second member,
The first coil is exposed at the end surface facing the second member . The component described in claim 1, wherein the second member is mounted on the first member so as to be rotatable around the central axis of rotation. The component described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first substrate is arranged to face only the portion of the outer periphery when viewed from the first direction. the first substrate has a first end facing the second member;
The component according to claim 3 , wherein the first coil is provided on a portion of the first substrate that includes the first end. The component described in claim 4, wherein the first end faces a portion of the outer periphery that is 180 degrees or less from the central axis of rotation when viewed from the first direction. the second substrate is disposed opposite to the entire periphery of the outer periphery when viewed from the first direction,
The component of claim 3 , wherein the second coil surrounds the outer periphery when viewed from the first direction. The component described in any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the first coil is formed in an elliptical shape. A component for a human-powered vehicle,
a first substrate attached to the first member;
a second substrate attached to a second member that is rotatable relative to the first member;
a first coil provided on the first substrate;
a second coil provided on the second substrate and configured to be magnetically coupled to the first coil;
the first substrate extends in a second direction substantially perpendicular to a first direction parallel to a rotational center axis of the second member;
the second substrate extends in the second direction;
at least a portion of the first coil is disposed to face at least a portion of the second coil in the first direction;
at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate is provided to face only a part of an outer periphery of the second member around the rotation central axis when viewed from the first direction;
The first coil is formed in an elliptical shape and is arranged so that a minor axis of the elliptical shape is perpendicular to the central axis of rotation of the second member. A component for a human-powered vehicle,
a first substrate attached to the first member;
a second substrate attached to a second member that is rotatable relative to the first member;
a first coil provided on the first substrate;
a second coil provided on the second substrate and configured to be magnetically coupled to the first coil;
the first substrate extends in a second direction substantially perpendicular to a first direction parallel to a rotational center axis of the second member;
the second substrate extends in the second direction;
at least a portion of the first coil is disposed to face at least a portion of the second coil in the first direction;
at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate is provided to face only a part of an outer periphery of the second member around the rotation central axis when viewed from the first direction;
The first coil is formed in an elliptical shape, and the major axis of the elliptical shape is equal to or greater than the diameter of the second member. the first substrate has a first substrate surface at least partially facing the second substrate in the first direction, and a second substrate surface facing the opposite side to the first substrate surface;
the second substrate has a third substrate surface at least partially facing the first substrate in the first direction, and a fourth substrate surface facing the opposite side to the third substrate surface,
the first coil is provided on at least one of a surface of the first substrate, a surface of the second substrate, and an interior of the first substrate;
The component of claim 1 , wherein the second coil is provided on at least one of the third substrate surface, the fourth substrate surface, and within the second substrate. the first coil is configured to be able to transmit power to the second coil;
The component of claim 1 , wherein the second coil is configured to receive power from the first coil. The component described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first coil and the second coil are configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving communication signals. The component described in any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a first electronic component electrically connected to the first coil. The component described in claim 13, wherein the first electronic component is provided on the first substrate. Further comprising a third substrate connected to the first substrate;
The component of claim 13 , wherein the first electronic component is mounted on the third substrate. The component described in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the first electronic component includes a control device. The component described in any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a motor provided on the first member and configured to provide propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle. The component described in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the second member includes a crankshaft. The component described in any one of claims 1 to 18, further including a sensor provided on the second member and electrically connected to the second coil. The component of claim 19, wherein the sensor includes a strain sensor configured to detect strain in the second member.