Sensor wheel and disc brake apparatus

A sensor wheel for a human-powered vehicle comprises a wheel body and an attachment part. The wheel body is configured to be rotatable relative to a vehicle body of the human-powered vehicle about a rotational axis along with a rotational hub of the human-powered vehicle. The wheel body includes a plurality of openings spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction with respect to the rotational axis. The attachment part is configured to be operatively coupled to the rotational hub. At least one opening of the plurality of openings has a radial length defined radially with respect to the rotational axis. The radial length is equal to or larger than 8 mm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a sensor wheel and a disc brake apparatus.

Discussion of the Background

A human-powered vehicle includes a wheel member configured to be sensed by a rotation sensor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a sensor wheel for a human-powered vehicle comprises a wheel body and an attachment part. The wheel body is configured to be rotatable relative to a vehicle body of the human-powered vehicle about a rotational axis along with a rotational hub of the human-powered vehicle. The wheel body includes a plurality of openings spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction with respect to the rotational axis. The attachment part is configured to be operatively coupled to the rotational hub. At least one opening of the plurality of openings has a radial length defined radially with respect to the rotational axis. The radial length is equal to or larger than 8 mm.

With the sensor wheel according to the first aspect, the radial length enlarges a radial area in which a detector can be arranged to detect rotation information of the sensor wheel. Thus, it is possible to improve flexibility with respect to a relative position between the sensor wheel and the detector, enabling the sensor wheel to be used for human-powered vehicles having different radial positions of the detector with respect to the rotational axis.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a sensor wheel for a human-powered vehicle comprises a wheel body and an attachment part. The wheel body is configured to be rotatable relative to a vehicle body of the human-powered vehicle about a rotational axis along with a disc brake rotor of a disc brake apparatus of the human-powered vehicle. The wheel body includes a plurality of openings spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction with respect to the rotational axis. The attachment part is configured to be operatively coupled to a rotational hub of the human-powered vehicle. At least one opening of the plurality of openings has a radial length defined radially with respect to the rotational axis. The disc brake rotor includes a friction surface configured to be in contact with a brake pad of a disc brake caliper of the disc brake apparatus. The radial length is larger than a radial width of the friction surface defined radially with respect to the rotational axis.

With the sensor wheel according to the second aspect, the radial length enlarges a radial area in which a detector can be arranged to detect rotation information of the sensor wheel. Thus, it is possible to improve flexibility with respect to a relative position between the sensor wheel and the detector, enabling the sensor wheel to be used for human-powered vehicles having different radial positions of the detector with respect to the rotational axis.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the sensor wheel according to the second aspect is configured so that the radial length is equal to or larger than 8 mm.

With the sensor wheel according to the third aspect, the radial length reliably enlarges a radial area in which a detector can be arranged to detect rotation information of the sensor wheel.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, a sensor wheel for a human-powered vehicle comprises a wheel body and an attachment part. The wheel body is configured to be rotatable relative to a vehicle body of the human-powered vehicle about a rotational axis along with a rotational hub of the human-powered vehicle. The wheel body includes a plurality of openings spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction with respect to the rotational axis. The attachment part is configured to be operatively coupled to the rotational hub. At least one opening of the plurality of openings has a radial length defined radially with respect to the rotational axis. The at least one opening of the plurality of openings has a circumferential length defined in the circumferential direction. A ratio of the radial length to the circumferential length is equal to or larger than 4.

With the sensor wheel according to the fourth aspect, the radial length enlarges a radial area in which a detector can be arranged to detect rotation information of the sensor wheel. Thus, it is possible to improve flexibility with respect to a relative position between the sensor wheel and the detector, enabling the sensor wheel to be used for human-powered vehicles having different radial positions of the detector with respect to the rotational axis.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the sensor wheel according to the fourth aspect is configured so that the radial length is equal to or larger than 8 mm.

With the sensor wheel according to the fifth aspect, the radial length reliably enlarges a radial area in which a detector can be arranged to detect rotation information of the sensor wheel.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, the sensor wheel according to the fourth aspect is configured so that the wheel body is configured to be rotatable about the rotational axis along with a disc brake rotor of a disc brake apparatus of the human-powered vehicle. The disc brake rotor includes a friction surface configured to be in contact with a brake pad of a disc brake caliper of the disc brake apparatus. The radial length is larger than a radial width of the friction surface defined radially with respect to the rotational axis.

With the sensor wheel according to the sixth aspect, the radial length reliably enlarges a radial area in which a detector can be arranged to detect rotation information of the sensor wheel.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, the sensor wheel according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects is configured so that the ratio of the radial length to the circumferential length is equal to or larger than 6.

With the sensor wheel according to the seventh aspect, the radial length reliably enlarges a radial area in which a detector can be arranged to detect rotation information of the sensor wheel.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, the sensor wheel according to any one of the fourth to seventh aspects is configured so that the circumferential length is defined at a radially inner end of the at least one opening of the plurality of openings.

With the sensor wheel according to the eighth aspect, the radial length reliably enlarges a radial area in which a detector can be arranged to detect rotation information of the sensor wheel.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, the sensor wheel according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is configured so that the radial length is equal to or larger than 12 mm.

With the sensor wheel according to the ninth aspect, the radial length reliably enlarges a radial area in which a detector can be arranged to detect rotation information of the sensor wheel.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the sensor wheel according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is configured so that the radial length is equal to or larger than 15.5 mm.

With the sensor wheel according to the tenth aspect, the radial length reliably enlarges a radial area in which a detector can be arranged to detect rotation information of the sensor wheel.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the sensor wheel according to any one of the first to tenth aspects is configured so that the at least one opening of the plurality of openings has an elongated shape extending radially with respect to the rotational axis as viewed along the rotational axis.

With the sensor wheel according to the eleventh aspect, the radial length reliably enlarges a radial area in which a detector can be arranged to detect rotation information of the sensor wheel.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the sensor wheel according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects is configured so that the at least one opening of the plurality of openings has a longitudinal axis extending radially with respect to the rotational axis as viewed along the rotational axis.

With the sensor wheel according to the twelfth aspect, the radial length reliably enlarges a radial area in which a detector can be arranged to detect rotation information of the sensor wheel.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the sensor wheel according to the twelfth aspect is configured so that the longitudinal axis of the at least one opening of the plurality of openings extends radially outwardly from the rotational axis as viewed along the rotational axis.

With the sensor wheel according to the thirteenth aspect, the radial length more reliably enlarges a radial area in which a detector can be arranged to detect rotation information of the sensor wheel.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the sensor wheel according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect is configured so that the radial length is defined along the longitudinal axis.

With the sensor wheel according to the fourteenth aspect, the radial length more reliably enlarges a radial area in which a detector can be arranged to detect rotation information of the sensor wheel.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the sensor wheel according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects is configured so that the wheel body has an annular shape and includes an inner periphery. The attachment part is provided to the inner periphery of the wheel body.

With the sensor wheel according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to mount the sensor wheel to another component with a comparatively simple structure.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the sensor wheel according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects is configured so that the attachment part has a concavo-convex shape configured to be engaged with the rotational hub.

With the sensor wheel according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to mount the sensor wheel to another component with a comparatively simple structure.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the sensor wheel according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects is configured so that the wheel body includes an outer periphery. The wheel body has an outer radial width defined radially from the outer periphery of the wheel body to the at least one opening of the plurality of openings. The at least one opening of the plurality of openings has an outer circumferential length defined in the circumferential direction at a radially outer end of the at least one opening of the plurality of openings. The outer circumferential length is larger than the outer radial width of the wheel body.

With the sensor wheel according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to reliably enlarge the radial area in which the detector can be arranged to detect the rotation information of the sensor wheel.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the sensor wheel according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects is configured so that the wheel body has a radius radially defined from the rotational axis to an outer periphery of the wheel body. A ratio of the radial length to the radius of the wheel body is equal to or larger than 0.2.

With the sensor wheel according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to reliably enlarge the radial area in which the detector can be arranged to detect the rotation information of the sensor wheel.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a disc brake apparatus for a human-powered vehicle comprises a disc brake rotor and the sensor wheel according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects.

With the sensor wheel according to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to utilize the disc brake apparatus to arrange the sensor wheel.

In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the sensor wheel according to the nineteenth aspect further comprises a detector configured to detect passing of the plurality of openings.

With the sensor wheel according to the twentieth aspect, it is possible to detect rotation information of the sensor wheel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As seen inFIG.1, a human-powered vehicle2includes a sensor wheel10. For example, the human-powered vehicle2is a vehicle to travel with a motive power including at least human power of a user (i.e., rider) who rides the human-powered vehicle2. The human-powered vehicle2includes at least one wheel. In the present disclosure, the human-powered vehicle2preferably has a smaller size than that of a four-wheeled automobile. However, the human-powered vehicle2can have an arbitrary size. For example, the human-powered vehicle2can have a larger size than that of the four-wheeled automobile. Examples of the human-powered vehicle2include a bicycle and a kick scooter. In the present disclosure, the human-powered vehicle2includes a bicycle. An electric assisting system including an electric motor can be applied to the human-powered vehicle2(e.g., the bicycle) to assist muscular motive power of the user. Namely, the human-powered vehicle2can be an E-bike. Furthermore, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) can be applied to the human-powered vehicle2.

In the present embodiment, the human-powered vehicle2includes a vehicle body4and a disc brake apparatus12. The disc brake apparatus12for the human-powered vehicle2comprises a disc brake rotor14and the sensor wheel10. The disc brake rotor14is configured to be rotatable relative to the vehicle body4along with a wheel3of the human-powered vehicle2about a rotational axis A1. The sensor wheel10is configured to be rotatable relative to the vehicle body4along with the wheel3about the rotational axis A1.

In the present embodiment, the disc brake apparatus12and the sensor wheel10are configured to be mounted to a front fork of the vehicle body4. However, the disc brake apparatus12and the sensor wheel10can be configured to be mounted to other parts (e.g., a seat stay, a chain stay) of the vehicle body4.

In the present application, the following directional terms “front,” “rear,” “forward,” “rearward,” “left,” “right,” “transverse,” “upward” and “downward” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions which are determined on the basis of a user (e.g., a rider) who is in the user's standard position (e.g., on a saddle or a seat) in the human-powered vehicle2with facing a handlebar or steering. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the disc brake apparatus12, the sensor wheel10or other components, should be interpreted relative to the human-powered vehicle2equipped with the disc brake apparatus12and the sensor wheel10as used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface.

The disc brake apparatus12includes a disc brake caliper16configured to apply braking force to the disc brake caliper16in response to an operation of an operating device6. The disc brake caliper16is configured to be mounted to the vehicle body4with fasteners17. In the present embodiment, the disc brake caliper16is a hydraulic disc brake caliper, and the operating device6includes a hydraulic unit configured to generate hydraulic pressure. However, the disc brake caliper16is not limited to the hydraulic disc brake caliper.

For example, the disc brake caliper16includes a caliper body16A, a pair of brake pads16B, and a pair of first pistons16C, and a pair of second piston16D. The caliper body16A includes a pair of first recesses16E and a pair of second recesses16F. The first piston16C is movably provided in the first recess16E. The second piston16D is movably provided in the second recess16F.

The disc brake rotor14includes a friction member18. The friction member18is provided between the pair of brake pads16B to be contactable with the pair of brake pads16B. The pair of brake pads16B is provided between the pair of first pistons16C. The pair of brake pads16B is provided between the pair of second pistons16D. The first piston16C and the second piston16D are configured to push the brake pad16B toward the radially outer portion of the disc brake rotor14in response to increase in hydraulic pressure supplied from the operating device6.

The disc brake rotor14includes a friction surface19. The friction member18includes a pair of friction surfaces19. The friction surface19is configured to be in contact with the brake pad16B of the disc brake caliper16of the disc brake apparatus12. The friction surface19has an annular shape.

The disc brake apparatus12further comprises a detector20. The detector20is configured to be mounted to the vehicle body4with the fastener17. The detector20is configured to detect rotation information of the sensor wheel10. For example, the detector20is configured to detect a rotational speed of the sensor wheel10. The rotational information detected by the detector20can be used for displaying the rotational information, control of the ABS, control of a braking device, control of a gear-changing device, or other control of the human-powered vehicle2.

As seen inFIG.2, the wheel3of the human-powered vehicle2includes a hub assembly22. Namely, the human-powered vehicle2includes the hub assembly22. The hub assembly22includes a hub axle24and a rotational hub26. The hub axle24is configured to be secured to the vehicle body4. The rotational hub26is configured to be rotatably mounted to the hub axle24about the rotational axis A1. The rotational hub26includes spoke attachment parts26A and26B. The spoke attachment parts26A and26B are coupled to a rim of the wheel3with a plurality of spokes. The rotational hub26is configured to be rotatable relative to the vehicle body4along with the rim of the wheel3about the rotational axis A1.

The disc brake rotor14and the sensor wheel10are configured to be operatively coupled to the rotational hub26. The disc brake apparatus12includes a lock member28configured to be detachably attached to the rotational hub26. The disc brake rotor14and the sensor wheel10are configured to be secured to the rotational hub26with the lock member28. Thus, the disc brake rotor14and the sensor wheel10are rotatable along with the rotational hub26of the hub assembly22of the wheel3about the rotational axis A1.

The rotational hub26includes an external engagement structure30. The disc brake rotor14includes an internal engagement structure32configured to be coupled to the external engagement structure30of the rotational hub26. In the present embodiment, the external engagement structure30of the rotational hub26has a concavo-convex shape. The internal engagement structure32of the disc brake rotor14has a concavo-convex shape. For example, the external engagement structure30of the rotational hub26includes a plurality of external teeth constituting a serration. The internal engagement structure32of the disc brake rotor14includes a plurality of internal teeth constituting a serration. The plurality of internal teeth of the internal engagement structure32is configured to mesh with the plurality of external teeth of the external engagement structure30. However, the external engagement structure30of the rotational hub26can have structures other than the plurality of external teeth. The internal engagement structure32of the disc brake rotor14can have structures other than the plurality of internal teeth.

The sensor wheel10for the human-powered vehicle2comprises a wheel body40and an attachment part42. The wheel body40is configured to be rotatable relative to the vehicle body4(see, e.g.,FIG.1) of the human-powered vehicle2about the rotational axis A1along with the rotational hub26of the human-powered vehicle2.

In the present embodiment, the wheel body40is configured to be rotatable about the rotational axis A1along with the disc brake rotor14of the disc brake apparatus12of the human-powered vehicle2. The wheel body40is configured to be rotatable relative to the vehicle body4of the human-powered vehicle2about the rotational axis A1along with the disc brake rotor14of the disc brake apparatus12of the human-powered vehicle2. The wheel body40is free of a friction surface configured to be contactable with the brake pad16B of the disc brake caliper16.

The attachment part42is configured to be operatively coupled to the rotational hub26of the human-powered vehicle2. The wheel body40has an annular shape and includes an inner periphery44. The attachment part42is provided to the inner periphery44of the wheel body40. In the present embodiment, the attachment part42has a concavo-convex shape configured to be engaged with the rotational hub26. The attachment part42includes a plurality of internal attachment teeth constituting a serration. The plurality of internal attachment teeth of the attachment part42is configured to mesh with the plurality of external teeth of the external engagement structure30of the rotational hub26. However, the attachment part42can have structures other than the plurality of internal attachment teeth. Instead of or in addition to the plurality of internal attachment teeth, for example, the attachment part42can include at least one attachment opening through which at least one fastener is to extend.

In the present embodiment, the attachment part42is configured to be directly coupled to the rotational hub26. However, the attachment part42can be configured to be indirectly coupled to the rotational hub26if needed and/or desired. For example, the attachment part42can be configured to be coupled to the disc brake rotor14directly mounted to the rotational hub26. Furthermore, the disc brake rotor14can be omitted from the human-powered vehicle2if needed and/or desired.

Furthermore, the human-powered vehicle2includes the disc brake apparatus12having the sensor wheel10. However, the human-powered vehicle2can have other brake apparatuses other than the disc brake apparatus12. The sensor wheel10can be mounted to the rotational hub26without another device.

In the present embodiment, the attachment part42is integrally provided with the wheel body40as a one-piece unitary member. The wheel body40and the attachment part42are made of a metallic material. The sensor wheel10is a separate member from the disc brake rotor14. However, the attachment part42can be a separate member from the wheel body40. At least one of the wheel body40and the attachment part42can be made of a non-metallic material. The sensor wheel10can be integrally provided with at least part of the disc brake rotor14or other members as a one-piece unitary member.

As seen inFIG.3, the wheel body40includes a plurality of openings46spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction D1with respect to the rotational axis A1. The at least one opening of the plurality of openings46has an elongated shape extending radially with respect to the rotational axis A1as viewed along the rotational axis A1. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of openings46has the elongated shape extending radially with respect to the rotational axis A1as viewed along the rotational axis A1. Each of the plurality of openings46has an elongated shape linearly extending as viewed along the rotational axis A1. The plurality of openings46has the same shape as each other. The openings46are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction D1. However, at least one opening of the plurality of openings46can have a shape different from another opening of the plurality of openings46if needed and/or desired.

As seen inFIG.4, the wheel body40includes a plurality of intermediate parts48each provided between adjacent two openings46of the plurality of openings46in the circumferential direction D1. Each of the plurality of intermediate parts48has an elongated shape extending radially with respect to the rotational axis A1as viewed along the rotational axis A1.

The wheel body40includes an outer ring part50and an inner ring part52. The outer ring part50is provided radially outward of the inner ring part52with respect to the rotational axis A1. The outer ring part50is radially spaced apart from the inner ring part52with respect to the rotational axis A1. The plurality of openings46and the plurality of intermediate parts48are provided radially between the outer ring part50and the inner ring part52. The plurality of openings46radially extend from the outer ring part50to the inner ring part52. The plurality of intermediate parts48radially extends from the outer ring part50to the inner ring part52. The plurality of intermediate parts48couples the outer ring part50to the inner ring part52. The inner ring part52includes the inner periphery44. Thus, the attachment part42is provided to the inner periphery44of the inner ring part52. The plurality of intermediate parts48, the outer ring part50, and the inner ring part52define the plurality of openings46.

At least one opening of the plurality of openings46has a radial length L1defined radially with respect to the rotational axis A1. The at least one opening of the plurality of openings46has a longitudinal axis LA1extending radially with respect to the rotational axis A1as viewed along the rotational axis A1. The longitudinal axis LA1of the at least one opening of the plurality of openings46extends radially outwardly from the rotational axis A1as viewed along the rotational axis A1.

In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of openings46has the longitudinal axis LA1extending radially with respect to the rotational axis A1as viewed along the rotational axis A1. The longitudinal axis LA1of each of the plurality of openings46extends radially outwardly from the rotational axis A1as viewed along the rotational axis A1. The radial length L1is defined along the longitudinal axis LA1. However, the longitudinal axis LA1of the at least one opening of the plurality of openings46can be inclined by being offset from the rotational axis A1as viewed along the rotational axis A1.

Each of the openings46includes a radially inner end46A and a radially outer end46B provided radially outward of the radially inner end46A. The opening46extends radially outward from the radially inner end46A to the radially outer end46B along the longitudinal axis LA1.

The radial length L1is equal to or larger than 8 mm. The radial length L1is equal to or larger than 12 mm. The radial length L1is preferably equal to or larger than 15.5 mm. The radial length L1is preferably equal to or larger than 20 mm. In the present embodiment, the radial length L1is 22.5 mm. However, the radial length L1is not limited to the present embodiment and the above ranges. The radial length L1can be smaller than 8 mm if needed and/or desired.

The radial length L1is larger than a radial width W1of the friction surface19defined radially with respect to the rotational axis A1. The friction surface19includes a radially outermost end19A and a radially innermost end19B. The friction surface19is defined radially from the radially outermost end19A to the radially innermost end19B. The friction surface19is provided radially outward of the plurality of openings46. However, the radial length L1can be equal to or smaller than the radial width W1of the friction surface19if needed and/or desired.

The wheel body40includes an outer periphery54. The wheel body40has a radius R1radially defined from the rotational axis A1to the outer periphery54of the wheel body40. The radial length L1is smaller than the radius R1of the wheel body40. A ratio of the radial length L1to the radius R1of the wheel body40is equal to or larger than 0.2. The ratio of the radial length L1to the radius R1of the wheel body40is preferably equal to or larger than 0.3. The ratio of the radial length L1to the radius R1of the wheel body40is more preferably equal to or larger than 0.35. The ratio of the radial length L1to the radius R1of the wheel body40is equal to or smaller than 1. The ratio of the radial length L1to the radius R1of the wheel body40is preferably smaller than 0.6. However, the ratio of the radial length L1to the radius R1of the wheel body40is not limited to the present embodiment and the above ranges. The ratio of the radial length L1to the radius R1of the wheel body40can be smaller than 0.2 if needed and/or desired. The ratio of the radial length L1to the radius R1of the wheel body40can be equal to or larger than 0.6 if needed and/or desired.

As seen inFIG.5, the at least one opening of the plurality of openings46has a circumferential length L2defined in the circumferential direction D1. The circumferential length L2is defined at the radially inner end46A of the at least one opening of the plurality of openings46. Each of the plurality of openings46has a circumferential length L2defined in the circumferential direction D1. The circumferential length L2is defined at a radially inner end46A of each of the plurality of openings46. Thus, the circumferential length L2can also be referred to as an inner circumferential length L2.

The radial length L1is larger than the circumferential length L2. A ratio of the radial length L1to the circumferential length L2is equal to or larger than 4. The ratio of the radial length L1to the circumferential length L2is preferably equal to or larger than 5. The ratio of the radial length L1to the circumferential length L2is preferably equal to or larger than 6. The ratio of the radial length L1to the circumferential length L2is preferably equal to or larger than 7. In the present embodiment, the ratio of the radial length L1to the circumferential length L2is 11.94. However, the ratio of the radial length L1to the circumferential length L2is not limited to the present embodiment and the above ranges. The ratio of the radial length L1to the circumferential length L2can be smaller than 4 if needed and/or desired. The circumferential length L2can be defined at a position other than the radially inner end46A of each of the plurality of openings46if needed and/or desired.

The wheel body40has an inner radial width W2defined radially from the inner periphery44of the wheel body40to the at least one opening of the plurality of openings46. The inner ring part52has the inner radial width W2. The inner ring part52has the inner radial width W2. In the present embodiment, the radial length L1is larger than the inner radial width W2. The inner circumferential length L2is smaller than the inner radial width W2of the wheel body40. However, the radial length L1can be equal to or smaller than the inner radial width W2if needed and/or desired. The inner circumferential length L2can be equal to or larger than the inner radial width W2of the wheel body40if needed and/or desired.

The wheel body40has an outer radial width W3defined radially from the outer periphery54of the wheel body40to the at least one opening of the plurality of openings46. The outer ring part50has the outer radial width W3. The at least one opening of the plurality of openings46has an outer circumferential length L3defined in the circumferential direction D1at the radially outer end46B of the at least one opening of the plurality of openings46.

In the present embodiment, the outer circumferential length L3is larger than the outer radial width W3of the wheel body40. The radial length L1is larger than the outer circumferential length L3. The outer circumferential length L3is larger than the inner circumferential length L2. The radial length L1is larger than the outer radial width W3. The inner radial width W2is larger than the outer radial width W3. However, the outer circumferential length L3can be equal to or smaller than the outer radial width W3of the wheel body40if needed and/or desired. The radial length L1can be equal to or smaller than the outer circumferential length L3if needed and/or desired. The outer circumferential length L3can be equal to or smaller than the inner circumferential length L2if needed and/or desired. The radial length L1can be equal to or smaller than the outer radial width W3if needed and/or desired. The inner radial width W2can be equal to or smaller the outer radial width W3if needed and/or desired.

The outer circumferential length L3can also be referred to as a circumferential length L3. A ratio of the radial length L1to the circumferential length L3is equal to or larger than 4. The ratio of the radial length L1to the circumferential length L3is preferably equal to or larger than 5. The ratio of the radial length L1to the circumferential length L3is preferably equal to or larger than 6. The ratio of the radial length L1to the circumferential length L3is preferably equal to or larger than 7. In the present embodiment, the ratio of the radial length L1to the circumferential length L3is 7.35. However, the ratio of the radial length L1to the circumferential length L3is not limited to the present embodiment and the above ranges. The ratio of the radial length L1to the circumferential length L3can be smaller than 4 if needed and/or desired. The circumferential length L3can be defined at a position other than the radially outer end46B of each of the plurality of openings46if needed and/or desired.

A first distance DS1is defined between adjacent two ends of the plurality of radially inner ends46A of the plurality of openings46in the circumferential direction D1. A second distance DS2is defined between adjacent two ends of the plurality of radially outer ends46B of the plurality of openings46in the circumferential direction D1. In the present embodiment, the second distance DS2is larger than the first distance DSL. The first distance DS1is larger than the inner circumferential length L2. The second distance DS2is larger than the outer circumferential length L3. However, the second distance DS2can be equal to or smaller than the first distance DS1if needed and/or desired. The first distance DS1can be equal to or smaller than the inner circumferential length L2if needed and/or desired. The second distance DS2can be equal to or smaller than the outer circumferential length L3if needed and/or desired.

As seen inFIG.6, the detector20is configured to detect passing of the plurality of openings46. In the present embodiment, the detector20includes a magnetic sensor20A. The magnetic sensor20A has a sensing region20B and is configured to detect a change in a magnetic field in the sensing region20B. For example, the magnetic sensor20A is configured to generate a voltage depending on a change in magnetic flux density of the magnetic field in the sensing region20B. The magnetic sensor20A include a sensing coil and a permanent magnet extending through the sensing coil. The permanent magnet is configured to generate the magnetic field. The sensing coil is configured to generate a voltage in response to a change in magnetic flux density of the magnetic field in the sensing region20B. However, the magnetic sensor20A can include other sensors such as a hall sensor.

The wheel body40is configured to influence magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet of the magnetic sensor20A. For example, the wheel body40is made of a material that influences magnetic flux density of the magnetic field. The disc brake rotor14is at least partly made of a material that does not influence magnetic flux density of the magnetic field. The openings46and the intermediate parts48are configured to change magnetic flux density of the magnetic field in the sensing region20B when the sensor wheel10rotates.

The magnetic sensor20A is configured to generate a change in a voltage when the openings46and the intermediate parts48pass through the sensing region20B. Thus, the magnetic sensor20A is configured to output the voltage that changes depending on transitions of the openings46and the intermediate parts48in the sensing region20B. Accordingly, the detector20is configured to detect rotational information of the sensor wheel10.

As seen inFIG.7, however, the detector20can include other detectors such as an optical encoder. For example, the detector20includes a light emitter220A and a light detector220B. The light emitter220A is configured to emit light to the sensor wheel10. The light detector220B is configured to detect light reflected by the sensor wheel10and is configured to generate signals in response to the receipt of the reflected light. The light emitted from the light emitter220A passes through one of the plurality of openings46of the wheel body40when the one of the plurality of openings46is provided on a light path220C through which light emitted from the detector20passes. Thus, the light detector220B does not detect light reflected by the sensor wheel10when one of the plurality of openings46is provided on the light path220C of the detector20.

On the other hand, the light emitted from the light emitter220A is reflected by one of the plurality of intermediate parts48of the wheel body40when the one of the plurality of intermediate parts48is provided on the light path220C of the detector20. Thus, the light detector220B detects light reflected by one of the plurality of intermediate parts48when the one of the plurality of intermediate parts48is provided on the light path220C of the detector20. In other words, the detector20detects that the plurality of openings46passes through the light path220C of the detector20in the circumferential direction D1.

With the sensor wheel10, since the opening46has the radial length L1, it is possible to enlarge a radial area in which the detector20can be arranged to detect the rotation information of the sensor wheel10. Thus, it is possible to improve flexibility with respect to a relative position between the sensor wheel10and the detector20, enabling the sensor wheel10to be used for human-powered vehicles having different radial positions of the detector20with respect to the rotational axis A1.

The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.

The phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “one or more” of a desired choice. For one example, the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only one single choice” or “both of two choices” if the number of its choices is two. For other example, the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only one single choice” or “any combination of equal to or more than two choices” if the number of its choices is equal to or more than three. For instance, the phrase “at least one of A and B” encompasses (1) A alone, (2), B alone, and (3) both A and B. The phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” encompasses (1) A alone, (2), B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all A, B, and C. In other words, the phrase “at least one of A and B” does not mean “at least one of A and at least one of B” in this disclosure.

Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially,” “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. All of numerical values described in the present application can be construed as including the terms such as “substantially,” “about” and “approximately.”