JP2018144614A - Electric device for bicycle and crank assembly including the electric device - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical device for a bicycle that easily discharges static electricity from a terminal and a crank assembly including the device are provided. A bicycle electric device is a bicycle electric device provided in a crank part constituting a crank assembly of a bicycle, and includes a plurality of terminals electrically connectable to an external device, and the plurality of terminals electrically connected. And a predetermined terminal of the plurality of terminals is electrically connected to the crank part. [Selection] Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to a bicycle electrical device and a crank assembly including the device.

  The bicycle electrical device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is attached to a crank component that constitutes a bicycle crank. The bicycle electrical apparatus is provided with a terminal for connecting to an external power source.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0347450

In the bicycle electrical apparatus, when static electricity is generated, the static electricity is not easily released from the terminal.
An object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle electric device that easily discharges static electricity from a terminal and a crank assembly including the device.

One aspect of the bicycle electric device according to the first aspect of the present invention is a bicycle electric device provided in a crank part constituting a crank assembly of a bicycle, and a plurality of terminals electrically connectable to an external device; An electrical circuit electrically connected to the plurality of terminals, and a predetermined terminal of the plurality of terminals is electrically connected to the crank part.
According to the first aspect, since static electricity easily flows from the predetermined terminal to the crank part, the influence of static electricity on the electric circuit can be reduced.

In the bicycle electrical apparatus according to the second aspect according to the first aspect, the external device includes a charger, the plurality of terminals are a first terminal connected to a positive electrode of the external device, and the external device A second terminal connected to the negative electrode is included, and the predetermined terminal includes one of the first terminal and the second terminal.
According to the second aspect, static electricity easily flows from the predetermined terminal to the crank part without short-circuiting the first terminal and the second terminal.

In the bicycle electrical apparatus according to the third aspect according to the second aspect, the predetermined terminal includes the second terminal.
According to the third aspect, static electricity easily flows from the second terminal connected to the negative electrode of the external device to the crank part.

The bicycle electrical apparatus according to the fourth aspect according to the first aspect further includes a connection member configured to electrically connect the predetermined terminal and the crank part.
According to the fourth aspect, the predetermined terminal and the crank component can be suitably electrically connected by using the connection member. Since the predetermined terminal and the crank part are electrically connected using the connecting member, the shape and arrangement of the predetermined terminal and the crank part are restricted.

In the bicycle electrical apparatus according to the fifth aspect according to the fourth aspect, the connection member is provided such that a distance between the connection member and the crank part is 1 mm or less.
According to the fifth aspect, static electricity flows through a gap that is sufficiently small to discharge static electricity from a predetermined terminal or to a connection member that contacts the predetermined terminal. In addition, static electricity flows through a gap that is sufficiently small to discharge static electricity from the connecting member or to a crank part that contacts the connecting member.

In the bicycle electrical apparatus according to the sixth aspect according to the fifth aspect, the connecting member contacts each of the predetermined terminal and the crank part.
According to the sixth aspect, static electricity flows from the predetermined terminal to the connection member that contacts the predetermined terminal. In addition, static electricity flows from the connecting member to the crank part in contact with the connecting member.

In the bicycle electric device according to the seventh aspect according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, the connection member is formed separately from the predetermined terminal.
According to the seventh aspect, the connecting member can be formed of a material different from the predetermined terminal. Since the connecting member and the predetermined terminal are formed separately, the connecting member can be easily formed even in a complicated shape.

The bicycle electrical apparatus according to the eighth aspect according to any one of the fourth to seventh aspects, further comprising a housing provided with the plurality of terminals and formed of an insulator, wherein the plurality of terminals includes at least one terminal. A portion is provided to be exposed from a hole formed in the housing, and the connection member is configured to be electrically connected to a portion of the predetermined terminal excluding a tip surface exposed from the hole.
According to the eighth aspect, since the connecting member does not cover the tip end surface of the predetermined terminal, the contact between the predetermined terminal and the external device is not hindered.

In the electrical apparatus for bicycles according to the ninth aspect according to the eighth aspect, at least a part of the connection member is disposed between the predetermined terminal and the inner wall of the hole, and is electrically connected to the predetermined terminal. Including a first portion.
According to the ninth aspect, the electrical connection portion between the first portion and the predetermined terminal can be protected.

In the bicycle electrical apparatus according to the tenth aspect according to the eighth or ninth aspect, at least a part of the connection member is sandwiched between the housing and the crank part, and is electrically connected to the crank part. A second portion.
According to the tenth aspect, the connecting member and the second part can be electrically connected by sandwiching the second part between the housing and the crank part.

In the bicycle electrical apparatus according to the eleventh aspect according to the eighth aspect, at least a part of the connection member is disposed between the predetermined terminal and the inner wall of the hole, and is electrically connected to the predetermined terminal. A first part, at least a part of which is sandwiched between the housing and the crank part, and is electrically connected to the crank part, and the first part and the second part It includes a third part that is integrally formed.
According to the eleventh aspect, since the first portion and the second portion are connected by the third portion formed integrally with the first portion and the second portion, handling of the connecting member is simplified.

In the bicycle electrical apparatus according to the twelfth aspect according to the eleventh aspect, at least a part of the third portion is disposed on a surface of one side portion of the housing.
According to the twelfth aspect, the influence of static electricity flowing through the third portion on the components inside the housing is reduced.

In the bicycle electric device according to the thirteenth aspect according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, the connection member further includes a fourth portion provided in the third portion and fitted into a recess formed in the housing.
According to the thirteenth aspect, the connecting portion can be stably attached to the housing by fitting the fourth portion into the recess formed in the housing.

In the bicycle electric device according to the fourteenth aspect according to any one of the tenth to thirteenth aspects, a plurality of the second portions are provided.
According to the fourteenth aspect, static electricity easily flows from the second portion to the crank part.

In the bicycle electric device according to the fifteenth aspect according to any one of the tenth to fourteenth aspects, the crank component includes a crank arm having a plurality of connection portions for connecting a front sprocket, and the housing is adjacent to the crank arm. An attachment portion for attaching the housing is provided between the two matching connection portions.
According to the fifteenth aspect, since the bicycle electrical device can be disposed in the space between the plurality of connecting portions, the bicycle electrical device is prevented from interfering with pedaling.

In the sixteenth aspect of the bicycle electric apparatus according to any one of the fourth to fifteenth aspects, the connection member is formed of sheet metal.
According to the sixteenth aspect, the connecting member can be preferably manufactured.

The electric device for bicycles according to the seventeenth aspect according to any one of the first to sixteenth surfaces further includes a magnetic part provided in the vicinity of the plurality of terminals for attracting a connector of the external device.
According to the seventeenth aspect, the connection of the connector of the external device to the plurality of terminals is simplified by the magnetic part.

The electric apparatus for bicycles according to the eighteenth aspect according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects further includes a rechargeable battery provided in the crank assembly and electrically connected to the plurality of terminals.
According to the eighteenth aspect, the rechargeable battery can be charged using a plurality of terminals.

In the bicycle electric apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect according to the eighteenth aspect, the electric circuit includes a wireless unit that is supplied with electric power from the rechargeable battery and can communicate with an external wireless communication apparatus wirelessly.
According to the nineteenth aspect, information acquired by the bicycle electrical apparatus can be transmitted to an external wireless communication apparatus by the wireless unit.

In the bicycle electric device according to the twentieth aspect according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, the electric circuit includes a sensor that is provided in the crank assembly and outputs a signal corresponding to a force applied to the crank assembly. In addition.
According to the twentieth aspect, the force applied to the crank assembly can be detected by the sensor.

One form of the crank assembly according to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention includes the bicycle electrical apparatus according to any one of the first to twentieth aspects and the crank part, and the crank part includes a crank arm.
According to the twenty-first aspect, the bicycle electric device and the crank arm can be configured as a crank assembly.

In the crank assembly on the twenty-second side according to the twenty-first side, the crank part further includes a crankshaft.
According to the twenty-second aspect, the crank arm and the crankshaft can be configured as crank parts.

  The bicycle electric device and the crank assembly including the device are likely to cause static electricity to flow from a predetermined terminal to a crank part.

The perspective view of the crank assembly containing the electric device for bicycles of an embodiment. Sectional drawing which follows the 2-2 line of FIG. The side view of the 1st crank arm of FIG. The side view of the 2nd crank arm of FIG. The block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the electric device for bicycles of FIG. The disassembled perspective view of the radio | wireless unit and 1st crank arm of the electric device for bicycles of FIG. The perspective view of the radio | wireless unit of FIG. The perspective view of the state which removed the cover from the radio | wireless unit of FIG. The perspective view of the connection member of FIG. Sectional drawing which follows the 10-10 line of FIG. The perspective view of the state which attached the radio | wireless unit of FIG. 7 to the 1st crank arm. The perspective view of the state which removed the cover from the radio | wireless unit of a modification.

A bicycle crank assembly 10 including a bicycle electrical apparatus 40 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, the bicycle crank assembly 10 includes a bicycle electrical device 40 and a crank component 12.

  The crank part 12 includes a crank arm 14. The crank component 12 constitutes the crank assembly 10. In one example, the crank component 12 further includes a crankshaft 16. The crank part 12 may further include a front sprocket 18. At least a part of the crank part 12 is made of a metal material. The metal material includes, for example, aluminum. In one example, the crank arm 14 is made of an aluminum alloy, and at least a part thereof, for example, the crank arm 14 is anodized on the surface. At least a part of the crank part 12, for example, the crank arm 14 may be formed of a resin material. The resin material includes a carbon fiber reinforced plastic material.

  The crank arm 14 includes a first crank arm 20 and a second crank arm 22. In one example, the first crank arm 20 is provided on the right side of the bicycle frame F (see FIG. 5) and the second crank arm 22 is provided on the left side of the bicycle frame F in the traveling direction of the bicycle.

  The first crank arm 20 has a plurality of connecting portions 26 that connect the arm main body 24 and the front sprocket 18. A hole 24 </ b> C for attaching a pedal shaft is formed in the first end 24 </ b> A in the longitudinal direction of the arm body 24. An internal thread is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the arm body 24 that defines the hole 24C. A hole 24 </ b> D (see FIG. 2) for attaching the crankshaft 16 is formed in the second end 24 </ b> B in the longitudinal direction of the arm body 24. The inner peripheral portion of the arm body 24 that defines the hole 24 </ b> D includes a spline that is coupled to a spline provided on one outer peripheral portion in the axial direction of the crankshaft 16. One end of the crankshaft 16 in the axial direction is press-fitted into the hole 24D, for example, and fixed to the first crank arm 20. One end of the crankshaft 16 in the axial direction may be fixed to the first crank arm 20 by a fixing member such as a bolt while being inserted into the hole 24D, for example. A plurality of connection portions 26 are formed integrally with the arm body 24 at the second end 24 </ b> B in the longitudinal direction of the arm body 24. The plurality of connecting portions 26 extend radially from the second end portion 24 </ b> B in the radial direction of the crankshaft 16. In one example, four connection portions 26 are provided. A front sprocket 18 is detachably attached to the radially outer end of each connecting portion 26 in the crankshaft 16. The front sprocket 18 may be configured with a first crank arm 20 and a one-piece structure. The first crank arm 20 is preferably formed hollow.

  The second crank arm 22 has an arm body 28. A hole 28 </ b> C for attaching a pedal shaft is formed in the first end portion 28 </ b> A in the longitudinal direction of the arm body 28. An internal thread is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the arm body 28 that defines the hole 28C. A hole 28 </ b> D for attaching the crankshaft 16 is formed in the second end portion 28 </ b> B in the longitudinal direction of the arm body 28. The inner peripheral portion of the arm main body 28 that defines the hole 28 </ b> D includes a spline that is coupled to a spline provided on the other outer peripheral portion in the axial direction of the crankshaft 16. The second crank arm 22 is preferably formed hollow. The crankshaft 16 is preferably formed hollow. The other end of the crankshaft 16 in the axial direction is fixed to the second crank arm 22 by a fixing member such as a bolt B (see FIG. 2), for example, while being inserted into the hole 28D.

  In one example, the front sprocket 18 includes a plurality of front sprockets 18 having different numbers of teeth. For example, the front sprocket 18 includes a first front sprocket 30 and a second front sprocket 32. The first front sprocket 30 includes an outer peripheral portion 30A provided with a plurality of teeth, and a plurality of connection portions 30B extending radially inward from the outer peripheral portion 30A. The second front sprocket 32 includes an outer peripheral portion 32A provided with a plurality of teeth, and a plurality of connection portions 32B extending radially inward from the outer peripheral portion 32A. The plurality of connection portions 30 </ b> B and 32 </ b> B are attached to the plurality of connection portions 26 of the first crank arm 20. The number of teeth of the first front sprocket 30 is larger than the number of teeth of the second front sprocket 32. The first front sprocket 30 is provided outside the second front sprocket 32 in the width direction of the bicycle.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the bicycle electrical apparatus 40 includes a plurality of terminals 42 and an electrical circuit 44. In one example, the bicycle electrical apparatus 40 further includes a rechargeable battery 46, a housing 48, a magnetic part 98 shown in FIG. 8, a cover 52, and a connection member 54.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the electrical circuit 44 includes a wireless unit 56. The electrical circuit 44 further includes a sensor 58. Electric power is supplied from the rechargeable battery 46 to the electric circuit 44. The electric circuit 44 further includes a first circuit portion 60 and a second circuit portion 62.

  The sensor 58 is provided in the crank assembly 10 and outputs a signal corresponding to the force applied to the crank assembly 10. The sensor 58 includes a first sensor 58A and a second sensor 58B.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first sensor 58 </ b> A is provided on the first crank arm 20. Specifically, the first sensor 58A is provided at a portion facing the frame F of the bicycle in the width direction of the bicycle in the middle portion of the arm body 24 of the first crank arm 20 in the longitudinal direction. The first sensor 58A includes a strain sensor. The first sensor 58A outputs a signal corresponding to the distortion of the arm body 24. The strain sensor includes, for example, a strain gauge, a semiconductor sensor, or a piezoelectric sensor. The first sensor 58A may be provided, for example, on at least one of the side surfaces on the upstream side and the downstream side in the rotation direction of the first crank arm 20, and may be provided on a portion opposite to the bicycle frame F in the bicycle width direction. It may be provided. When the first crank arm 20 is a hollow crank arm, the first sensor 58A may be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first crank arm 20. The first sensor 58A includes a plurality of strain sensors having different detection directions, and a signal corresponding to a force acting on at least one of the rotation direction, the longitudinal direction, the rotation direction, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first crank arm 20. Is preferably output.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first circuit portion 60 is provided on the first crank arm 20. The first circuit portion 60 is connected to the first sensor 58A. The first circuit portion 60 includes an amplifier circuit 64, an analog-digital (A / D) conversion circuit 66, and a calculation unit 68. The amplifier circuit 64, the A / D conversion circuit 66, and the calculation unit 68 are preferably provided on the same first circuit board 61. In one example, the first circuit portion 60 and the first sensor 58A are covered by a common package 72. The amplifier circuit 64 is connected to the first sensor 58A and amplifies and outputs the output of the first sensor 58A. The A / D conversion circuit 66 converts the output of the amplifier circuit 64 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the arithmetic unit 68. Arithmetic unit 68 includes an arithmetic processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing unit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The computing unit 68 may include one or more microcomputers. The calculation unit 68 may include a memory that stores a control program or stores a calculation processing result.

  The first circuit portion 60 further includes a rotation sensor 70. The rotation sensor 70 detects the rotational position of the crank assembly 10 with respect to the bicycle frame F (see FIG. 5). The rotation sensor 70 includes an element (not shown) that detects the magnetic field of the magnet M attached to the frame F of the bicycle. The element includes, for example, a reed switch or a hall element. The element outputs a signal with one rotation of the crank assembly 10 as one cycle to the calculation unit 68. The computing unit 68 defines the rotational speed of the crank assembly 10 or defines the rotational position of the crank assembly 10 relative to the frame F according to the output signal of the element.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the second sensor 58 </ b> B is provided on the second crank arm 22. Specifically, the second sensor 58B is provided at a portion of the second crank arm 22 that is opposite to the bicycle frame F in the width direction of the bicycle, in the middle portion of the arm body 28 in the longitudinal direction. The second sensor 58B includes a strain sensor. The second sensor 58B outputs a signal corresponding to the distortion of the arm body 28. The second sensor 58B may be provided, for example, on at least one of the side surfaces on the upstream side and the downstream side in the rotational direction of the second crank arm 22, and may be provided on the opposite side of the bicycle frame F in the bicycle width direction. It may be provided. When the second crank arm 22 is a hollow crank arm, the second sensor 58B may be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the second crank arm 22. The second sensor 58B includes a plurality of strain sensors having different detection directions, and a signal corresponding to a force acting on at least one of the rotational direction, the longitudinal direction, the rotational direction, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second crank arm 22. Is preferably output.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the second circuit portion 62 is provided on the second crank arm 22. The second circuit portion 62 is connected to the second sensor 58B. The second circuit portion 62 includes an amplifier circuit 74 and an A / D conversion circuit 76. The amplifier circuit 74 and the A / D conversion circuit 76 are preferably provided on the same second circuit board 63. In one example, the second circuit portion 62 and the second sensor 58B are covered by a common package 78. The amplifier circuit 74 is connected to the second sensor 58B, and amplifies and outputs the output of the second sensor 58B. The A / D conversion circuit 76 converts the output of the amplification circuit 74 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the arithmetic unit 68 of the first circuit portion 60. The calculation unit 68 outputs information based on the digital signal input from the A / D conversion circuits 66 and 76 to the wireless unit 56.

  The wireless unit 56 is configured to be able to communicate with an external wireless communication device W wirelessly. The wireless unit 56 includes a wireless communication unit 79. An example of a wireless communication system is BLUETOOTH (registered trademark) and ANT + (registered trademark). As shown in FIG. 6, the wireless unit 56 is accommodated in the housing 48 and provided between the adjacent connecting portions 26 of the first crank arm 20. The wireless unit 56 is provided with a notification unit 82 and a switch 84. In one example, the notification unit 82 includes an LED (light emitting diode). For example, when the computing unit 68 calibrates the sensor 58 by operating the switch 84, the notification unit 82 notifies the user that the calibration is being performed by turning on the LED.

  In one example, the external wireless communication device W shown in FIG. 5 includes a cycle computer. The external wireless communication device W includes a control unit W1, a wireless communication unit W2, an input unit W3, a display unit W4, and a speaker W5. Control unit W1 includes an arithmetic processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing unit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit W1 may include one or a plurality of microcomputers. The wireless communication unit W2 transmits and receives information to and from the wireless communication unit 79 of the wireless unit 56 by wireless communication. The control unit W1 displays information received from the wireless unit 56 by the wireless communication unit W2 on the display unit W4. For example, the control unit W1 determines the magnitude of the force input to the crank part 12 detected by the first sensor 58A and the second sensor 58B, the magnitude of the force input to the crank part 12, and the rotational speed of the crank part 12. The calculated work amount and the like are displayed on the display unit W4.

  The rechargeable battery 46 is provided in the crank assembly 10 and is electrically connected to the plurality of terminals 42. The rechargeable battery 46 is electrically connected to the plurality of terminals 42 via the electric circuit 44. In one example, the rechargeable battery 46 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The rechargeable battery 46 is disposed in the internal space of the crankshaft 16. The rechargeable battery 46 includes one or more charging elements. The rechargeable battery 46 is disposed in the internal space of the crankshaft 16 while being accommodated in the rechargeable battery holder 46B. The rechargeable battery holder 46B includes a connector 46A.

  The housing 48 is provided with a connector 79A. A wireless communication unit 79 is connected to the connector 79A. The first circuit portion 60 further includes a connector 60A. The connector 60 </ b> A is disposed on the first crank arm 20. As shown in FIG. 6, the connector 60 </ b> A is provided between adjacent connecting portions 26 of the first crank arm 20 and is exposed to the outside of the first crank arm 20. As shown in FIG. 5, the connector 60A is connected to the first circuit board 61 on which the amplification circuit 64, the A / D conversion circuit 66, and the calculation unit 68 are provided by an electric cable 45A. At least a part of the electric cable 45 </ b> A is disposed in the internal space of the first crank arm 20. The connector 79A is connected to the connector 60A. The first circuit portion 60 is connected to the rechargeable battery holder 46B by an electric cable 45B. The first circuit board 61 and the rechargeable battery holder 46B are connected by an electric cable 45B. The second circuit portion 62 further includes a connector 62A. The connector 62A is connected to the second circuit board 63 on which the amplification circuit 74 and the A / D conversion circuit 76 are provided by an electric cable 45C. As shown in FIG. 4, the connector 62 </ b> A is exposed to the outside of the second crank arm 22. At least a part of the electric cable 45 </ b> C is disposed in the internal space of the second crank arm 22. The connector 62A is connected to the connector 46A of the rechargeable battery holder 46B in the internal space of the crankshaft 16. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the wireless communication unit 79, the first circuit portion 60, and the second circuit portion 62 are connected to the rechargeable battery 46 via at least one of the electric cables 45A, 45B, and 45C. The power from the rechargeable battery 46 is supplied to the unit 79, the first circuit portion 60, and the second circuit portion 62. Information is transmitted and received between the wireless communication unit 79 and the first circuit portion 60. Information is transmitted and received between the first circuit portion 60 and the second circuit portion 62. In the wireless communication unit 79, the first circuit portion 60, the second circuit portion 62, and the rechargeable battery 46, power supply and information transmission / reception are performed by separate electric wires. The wireless communication unit 79, the first circuit portion 60, the second circuit portion 62, and the rechargeable battery 46 may be supplied with power and transmitted and received information by PLC (Power Line Communication) using a power communication line. Good.

  The housing 48 shown in FIG. 6 is formed of an insulator. The insulator includes, for example, a resin material. The housing 48 is provided with an attachment portion 86 for attaching the housing 48 between two adjacent connection portions 26. The attachment portion 86 includes a through hole. The housing 48 is attached to the connection portion 26 by the bolt B passing through the attachment portion 86 and screwed into a female screw provided in the connection portion 26 of the first crank arm 20.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the housing 48 includes a first housing portion 48A and a second housing portion 48B. A cover 52 that covers one side 48F (see FIG. 8) of the housing 48 is attached to the housing 48. One side 48F of the housing 48 is preferably oriented in the direction opposite to the bicycle frame F in the width direction of the bicycle. The cover 52 is attached to the housing 48 so as to be opened and closed by a hinge 88 shown in FIG. The hinge 88 is preferably provided at the radially inner end of the crankshaft 16 in the housing 48. The cover 52 is formed of an insulator. The cover 52 is formed with a first hole 52A and a second hole 52B. The first hole 52A is formed at a position corresponding to the notification unit 82. The first hole 52A allows the user to visually recognize the notification unit 82 from the outside in a state where the cover 52 is closed. The second hole 52 </ b> B is formed at a position corresponding to the switch 84. A part of the switch 84 is inserted through the second hole 52B with the cover 52 closed. By the second hole 52B, the user can operate the switch 84 with the cover 52 closed. The cover 52 is preferably provided with an engaging portion that detachably engages with the housing 48, and the engaging portion is configured to engage with a part of the housing 48 in a state where the cover 52 is closed. . In one example, the engaging portion is provided at the end of the cover 52 opposite to the portion attached to the hinge 88.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the first housing portion 48A and the second housing portion 48B each have a recess. The housing space 48S is formed inside the housing 48 by assembling each other so that the concave portion of the first housing portion 48A and the concave portion of the second housing portion 48B face each other. The accommodation space 48S accommodates a board 56A on which the wireless communication unit 79 (see FIG. 5) is mounted.

  The housing 48 is provided with a plurality of terminals 42. The plurality of terminals 42 are provided so as to be at least partially exposed from holes 90 formed in the housing 48. The hole 90 is provided in the first housing portion 48A. The hole 90 passes through the first housing portion 48A. The plurality of terminals 42 can be electrically connected to the external device A (see FIG. 5). The plurality of terminals 42 includes a first terminal 92 and a second terminal 94. The hole 90 includes a first hole 90 </ b> A for exposing the first terminal 92 and a second hole 90 </ b> B for exposing the second terminal 94. The hole 90 opens to one side 48 </ b> F of the housing 48. The plurality of terminals 42 are exposed from one side 48 </ b> F of the housing 48. A part of the plurality of terminals 42 is disposed in the hole 90. At least a portion of the first terminal 92 is disposed in the first hole 90A. At least a part of the second terminal 94 is disposed in the second hole 90B. Each hole 90 is provided with a seal member 49 for closing a gap between each terminal 92, 94 and the housing 48. The seal member 49 is formed of an insulating elastic body. The insulating elastic body includes, for example, synthetic rubber. The plurality of terminals 42 are covered with the cover 52 in a state where the cover 52 is closed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first terminal 92 and the second terminal 94 are connected to the external device A. The first terminal 92 is connected to the positive electrode of the external device A. The second terminal 94 is connected to the negative electrode of the external device A. Specifically, the first terminal 92 is connected to the positive terminal A2 of the connector A1 of the external device A, and the second terminal 94 is connected to the negative terminal A3 of the connector A1 of the external device A. The external device A includes a charger and a connector A1. Electric power is supplied to the plurality of terminals 42 by connecting the positive terminal A2 and the negative terminal A3 of the connector A1 of the external device A. The second terminal 94 is connected to the ground in the electric circuit 44.

  The electric circuit 44 is electrically connected to the plurality of terminals 42. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, one end of each of the plurality of terminals 42 is connected to a board 56 </ b> A on which the wireless unit 56 is mounted in the accommodation space 48 </ b> S of the housing 48. The plurality of terminals 42 may pass through the substrate 56A and be connected to the substrate 56A. A charging circuit 96 (see FIG. 5) is provided on the substrate 56A. The charging circuit 96 is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 46 (see FIG. 5). The electric power from the external device A supplied to the charging circuit 96 via the plurality of terminals 42 is supplied to the rechargeable battery 46 through the charging circuit 96 and charges the rechargeable battery 46. The charging circuit 96 may be mounted on the first circuit board 61. Charging circuit 96 includes, for example, a varistor and an IC (Integrated Circuit) for charging control.

  A predetermined terminal of the plurality of terminals 42 shown in FIG. 8 is electrically connected to the crank component 12. The predetermined terminal is electrically connected to the crank part 12 via the connection member 54. The predetermined terminal includes one of the first terminal 92 and the second terminal 94. Preferably, the predetermined terminal includes a second terminal 94.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the connection member 54 is formed separately from a predetermined terminal. The conductivity of the connecting member 54 is preferably equal to or lower than the conductivity of the plurality of terminals 42. The conductivity of the connection member 54 may be higher than that of the plurality of terminals 42. The conductivity of the connecting member 54 is preferably higher than the conductivity of the housing 48. In one example, the connection member 54 is formed of a metal material. The metal material includes, for example, a stainless material. The connection member 54 includes a first portion 54A. In one example, the connection member 54 further includes a second portion 54B, a third portion 54C, and a fourth portion 54D. A plurality of second portions 54B are provided. The third portion 54C is formed integrally with the first portion 54A and the second portion 54B. The connecting member 54 is made of sheet metal. The connecting member 54 is formed by bending a sheet metal.

  The third portion 54C includes a base portion 54E and projecting portions 54F that project from both ends of the base portion 54E. The base portion 54E and the protruding portion 54F are formed on the same plane. The fourth portion 54D is connected to an intermediate portion between both end portions of the base portion 54E and protrudes on the opposite side to the protruding portion 54F. The shape of the fourth portion 54D is not particularly limited, but is formed, for example, in a quadrangular shape. The third portion 54C and the fourth portion 54D are formed on the same plane. The first portion 54A is formed in an L shape. The first portion 54A protrudes to one surface side in the thickness direction of the third portion 54C. The distal end portion of the first portion 54A extends to the opposite side of the protruding portion 54F of the third portion 54C. A plurality of second portions 54B are provided. The second portion 54B protrudes from the tip of the protruding portion 54F of the third portion 54C to the other surface side in the thickness direction of the third portion 54C. When the first portion 54A and the second portion 54B are formed by bending the sheet metal, for example, the sheet metal is bent so that the angle DA formed by the first portion 54A and the third portion 54C is 90 degrees, and the second portion 54B The sheet metal is bent so that the angle DB formed with the third portion 54C is 90 degrees or more.

  The connection member 54 is configured to electrically connect a predetermined terminal and the crank component 12. The connecting member 54 is provided so that the distance between the predetermined terminal and the crank member 12 is 1 mm or less. Preferably, the connection member 54 contacts each of the predetermined terminal and the crank part 12. When the connection member 54 contacts each of the predetermined terminal and the crank part 12, the distance between the connection member 54 and the predetermined terminal and the distance between the crank part 12 are each "0" mm.

  The connection member 54 is configured to be electrically connected to a portion of the predetermined terminal excluding the front end surface 42A exposed from the hole 90. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the first portion 54A is disposed at least partially between the predetermined terminal and the inner wall of the hole 90, and is electrically connected to the predetermined terminal. As shown in FIG. 8, a slit 48 </ b> D that is continuous with the hole 90 is formed in the housing 48 in a direction that intersects the direction in which the hole 90 extends. The first portion 54 </ b> A passes through the slit 48 </ b> D and a part thereof is disposed in the hole 90.

  As shown in FIG. 11, at least a part of the second portion 54 </ b> B is sandwiched between the housing 48 and the crank part 12 and is electrically connected to the crank part 12. A hinge 88 is disposed between the two protrusions 54F of the second portion 54B.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the third portion 54 </ b> C is at least partially disposed on the surface of the one side 48 </ b> F of the housing 48. The fourth portion 54 </ b> D is provided in the third portion 54 </ b> C and is fitted into a recess 48 </ b> C formed in the housing 48. The recess 48 </ b> C is formed between the first terminal 92 and the second terminal 94. At least a part of the connection member 54, for example, the first portion 54 </ b> A, the third portion 54 </ b> C, and the fourth portion 54 </ b> D are covered by the cover 52 in a state where the cover 52 is closed.

  The magnetic part 98 is provided in the vicinity of the plurality of terminals 42 and attracts the connector A1 (see FIG. 3) of the external device A. The magnetic part 98 contains iron, for example. Connector A1 includes a permanent magnet. The magnetic part 98 may include a permanent magnet. The magnetic portion 98 is provided so as to sandwich the fourth portion 54D between the housing 48 and the recess 48C. The magnetic part 98 is covered with the cover 52 in a state where the cover 52 is closed.

(Modification)
The above description of the embodiment is an exemplification of the forms that the bicycle electrical apparatus and crank assembly according to the present invention can take, and is not intended to limit the forms. The bicycle electric device and the crank assembly according to the present invention may take a form in which, for example, the modifications of the above-described embodiment described below and at least two modifications not contradicting each other are combined. In the following modified examples, the same reference numerals as those in the embodiment are given to portions common to the embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The connecting member 54 may be omitted, and a predetermined terminal may be electrically connected to the crank part 12. The second terminal 94A shown in FIG. 12 includes an extension portion 94B extending from the distal end surface 42A toward the crank part 12. The distal end of the extension portion 94B is electrically connected to the crank part 12. The distance between the tip of the extension portion 94B and the crank part 12 is 1 mm or less.

  One of the first sensor 58A and the second sensor 58B can be omitted. When the second sensor 58B is omitted, the second circuit portion 62 may also be omitted. When the first sensor 58 </ b> A is omitted, the first circuit portion 60 may be omitted, and the calculation unit 68 and the rotation sensor 70 may be provided in the second circuit portion 62. The rotation sensor 70 may be provided not on the first circuit board 61 but on the board 56A accommodated in the housing 48, or may be provided on the second circuit board 63. The first circuit board 61 and the second circuit board 63 may be provided. , And may be provided independently of the substrate 56A.

The connecting member 54 may be formed integrally with a predetermined terminal.
The first portion 54A, the second portion 54B, and the third portion 54C of the connection member 54 may be formed separately and assembled or joined by a connecting member. The connecting member includes, for example, a bolt and a rivet. Bonding includes bonding with a conductive adhesive, bonding with solder, and welding.

Instead of the second terminal 94, the first terminal 92 may be electrically connected to the crank component 12 as a predetermined terminal.
The plurality of terminals 42 may be terminals for communication with an external device instead of charging terminals. In this case, the rechargeable battery 46 may be changed to a primary battery, or may be configured to be detachable from the rechargeable battery holder 46B for charging. The plurality of terminals 42 may be terminals that serve both as terminals for charging and terminals for communication with an external device.

  The rechargeable battery 46 can be provided on the crank arm 14. In this case, it may be provided in the inner space of the crank arm 14 or attached outside the crank arm 14. For example, the rechargeable battery 46 may be housed and provided in at least one of the packages 72 and 78.

  -You may abbreviate | omit the magnetic part 98 from the electric apparatus 40 for bicycles. In this case, a recess is provided on one side 48F of the housing 48, a plurality of terminals 42 are provided at the bottom of the recess, and the connector A1 of the external device A is inserted into the recess to connect the plurality of terminals 42 to the connector A1. You can also. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which provides a claw part in any one of the housing 48 and connector A1, and provides the recessed part which a claw part engages in the other.

  -Although the predetermined terminal is provided in the housing 48, you may provide a predetermined terminal in any one of the package 72,78. In this case, for example, the wireless communication unit 79 and the charging circuit 96 may be accommodated in the packages 72 and 78 and the housing 48 may be omitted. For example, a configuration in which the rechargeable battery 46, the wireless communication unit 79, the charging circuit 96, and predetermined terminals are provided in the package 72 and the second circuit portion 62 is omitted is also possible. In such a form, the electric circuit 44 can be provided only in one of the first crank arm 20 and the second crank arm 22.

  The wireless communication unit 79 and the charging circuit 96 may be provided on the first circuit board 61, the housing 48 may be omitted, and a predetermined terminal may be directly exposed from the crank arm 14.

The cover 52 and the hinge 88 may be omitted from the bicycle electrical apparatus 40.
-At least one of the notification unit 82 and the switch 84 may be omitted from the wireless unit 56.

  The housing 48 may be provided in at least one connection portion 26, not between the adjacent connection portions 26 of the crank arm 14, may be provided in the front sprocket 18, and provided in the arm bodies 24 and 28. May be.

  At least one of the first circuit portion 60 and the second circuit portion 62 may include a regulator that adjusts the voltage of the power supplied from the rechargeable battery 46 in the power supply path with the rechargeable battery 46.

The fourth portion 54 </ b> D may be omitted from the connection member 54. The connecting member 54 may be fixed to the housing 48 by adhesion, integral molding, or a connecting member. The connecting member includes, for example, a bolt and a rivet.
Only one second portion 54B of the connection member 54 may be provided, or three or more second portions 54B may be provided.

The connecting member 54 may be configured such that the first portion 54A is electrically connected to the distal end surface 42A exposed from the hole 90 of the predetermined terminal.
-The 2nd part 54B of the connection member 54 may not be pinched | interposed between the housing 48 and the crank component 12, and may be comprised so that the surface of the crank component 12 may be contacted.

  The sensor 58 may be provided on the crankshaft 16. In this case, the sensor 58 may be configured to detect torsion of the crankshaft 16.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Crank assembly, 12 ... Crank parts, 14 ... Crank arm, 26 ... Connection part, 16 ... Crankshaft, 18 ... Front sprocket, 40 ... Bicycle electric device, 42 ... Multiple terminals, 42A ... Tip surface, 44 ... Electrical circuit, 46 ... rechargeable battery, 48 ... housing, 48C ... recess, 48F ... one side, 54 ... connecting member, 54A ... first part, 54B ... second part, 54C ... third part, 54D ... fourth part 56 ... Wireless unit, 58 ... Sensor, 86 ... Mounting part, 92 ... First terminal, 94 ... Second terminal (predetermined terminal), 90 ... Hole, 98 ... Magnetic part, A ... External device, A1 ... Connector, W: Wireless communication device.

Claims (22)

An electric device for a bicycle provided in a crank part constituting a crank assembly of a bicycle,
A plurality of terminals electrically connectable to an external device;
An electrical circuit electrically connected to the plurality of terminals,
A predetermined electrical terminal among the plurality of terminals is an electrical device for a bicycle, which is electrically connected to the crank part. The external device includes a charger,
The plurality of terminals include a first terminal connected to a positive electrode of the external device and a second terminal connected to a negative electrode of the external device,
The bicycle electrical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined terminal includes one of the first terminal and the second terminal.   The bicycle electrical apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined terminal includes the second terminal.   The bicycle electrical apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a connection member configured to electrically connect the predetermined terminal and the crank part.   The bicycle electrical device according to claim 4, wherein the connection member is provided such that a distance between the connection member and the crank part is 1 mm or less.   The bicycle electrical apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the connection member contacts each of the predetermined terminal and the crank part.   The bicycle electrical apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the connection member is formed separately from the predetermined terminal. The housing further comprising a housing provided with the plurality of terminals and formed by an insulator;
The plurality of terminals are provided such that at least a part thereof is exposed from a hole formed in the housing,
The bicycle electrical device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the connection member is configured to be electrically connected to a portion of the predetermined terminal excluding a tip surface exposed from the hole. .   The bicycle according to claim 8, wherein the connection member includes a first portion that is at least partially disposed between the predetermined terminal and an inner wall of the hole and is electrically connected to the predetermined terminal. Electrical equipment.   The bicycle according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the connection member further includes a second portion that is at least partially sandwiched between the housing and the crank part and electrically connected to the crank part. Electrical equipment.   The connection member is at least partially disposed between the predetermined terminal and the inner wall of the hole, and is electrically connected to the predetermined terminal. At least a part of the connection member is the housing and the crank. 9. A second part sandwiched between parts and electrically connected to the crank part, and a third part formed integrally with the first part and the second part. The electrical device for bicycles as described.   The bicycle electrical apparatus according to claim 11, wherein at least a part of the third portion is disposed on a surface of one side portion of the housing.   The bicycle electrical device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the connection member further includes a fourth portion provided in the third portion and fitted in a recess formed in the housing.   The bicycle electric device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein a plurality of the second portions are provided. The crank part includes a crank arm having a plurality of connecting portions for connecting a front sprocket,
The bicycle electric device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the housing is provided with an attachment portion for attaching the housing between two adjacent connection portions.   The bicycle electrical device according to any one of claims 4 to 15, wherein the connection member is formed of sheet metal.   The bicycle electrical apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a magnetic part that is provided in the vicinity of the plurality of terminals and that attracts a connector of the external apparatus.   The bicycle electrical apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a rechargeable battery provided in the crank assembly and electrically connected to the plurality of terminals.   The bicycle electric device according to claim 18, wherein the electric circuit includes a wireless unit that is supplied with electric power from the rechargeable battery and can communicate with an external wireless communication device wirelessly.   The bicycle electric device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the electric circuit further includes a sensor that is provided in the crank assembly and outputs a signal corresponding to a force applied to the crank assembly. The bicycle electrical apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20,
Including the crank part,
The crank assembly includes a crank arm.   The crank assembly of claim 21, wherein the crank component further includes a crankshaft.

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