阅读说明：本技术 自行车用轮毂单元以及自行车用车轮组件 (Bicycle hub unit and bicycle wheel assembly ) 是由 纸谷充 田中启太 于 2018-04-26 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供一种能够将车轮单元与轮毂主体适当地连结的自行车用轮毂单元以及自行车用车轮组件。自行车用轮毂单元是与由制动装置制动的旋转体连结的自行车用轮毂单元,包括：轮毂主体,其绕轮毂轴旋转；以及旋转体连结部,其将所述旋转体与所述轮毂主体连结,所述轮毂主体包括第一结合部和第二结合部,所述第一结合部包括与车轮单元的内螺纹连结的外螺纹,所述第二结合部与对所述第一结合部与所述车轮单元的相对旋转进行限制的限制构件连结。(The invention provides a bicycle hub unit and a bicycle wheel assembly, which can appropriately connect a wheel unit and a hub body. A bicycle hub unit is connected with a rotating body braked by a brake device, and comprises: a hub main body that rotates about a hub shaft; and a rotor coupling portion that couples the rotor to the hub main body, the hub main body including a first coupling portion including a male screw coupled to a female screw of a wheel unit, and a second coupling portion coupled to a regulating member that regulates relative rotation between the first coupling portion and the wheel unit.)

1. A bicycle hub unit coupled to a rotating body braked by a brake device, the bicycle hub unit comprising:

a hub body that rotates about a hub axis; and

a rotor coupling portion that couples the rotor and the hub main body,

the hub main body includes a first coupling portion including a male screw coupled to a female screw of a wheel unit, a second coupling portion coupled to a regulating member that regulates relative rotation between the first coupling portion and the wheel unit in one direction, and a tapered portion whose outer diameter increases as the tapered portion is spaced apart from the first coupling portion in a direction along a center axis of the hub main body, and regulates relative rotation between the first coupling portion and the wheel unit in another direction.

2. The bicycle hub unit according to claim 1,

the tapered portion is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the hub main body.

3. The bicycle hub unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein,

the second coupling portion is provided at an outer peripheral portion of the hub main body.

4. The bicycle hub unit according to claim 3,

the second coupling portion includes an external thread coupled with the internal thread of the restriction member.

5. The bicycle hub unit according to claim 4,

the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are configured to restrict relative rotation of the wheel unit in one direction with respect to the hub main body.

6. The bicycle hub unit according to claim 4 or 5, wherein,

the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are configured to restrict the rotation of the wheel unit and the restricting member together.

7. A bicycle hub unit according to any one of claims 4 to 6,

the shape of the external thread of the second coupling portion is different from the shape of the external thread of the first coupling portion.

8. The bicycle hub unit according to claim 7,

the pitch of the external threads of the second joint is different from the pitch of the external threads of the first joint.

9. The bicycle hub unit according to claim 8,

the pitch of the external threads of the second joint is shorter than the pitch of the external threads of the first joint.

10. A bicycle hub unit according to any one of claims 7 to 9,

the winding direction of the external thread of the second combining part is opposite to that of the external thread of the first combining part.

11. The bicycle hub unit according to claim 10,

the winding direction of the external thread of the first combining part is right-handed,

the winding direction of the external thread of the second combining part is left-handed.

12. A bicycle hub unit according to any one of claims 4 to 11,

the range of the first coupling portion provided with the external thread is wider than the range of the second coupling portion provided with the external thread in a direction along the center axis of the hub main body.

13. A bicycle hub unit according to any one of claims 3 to 12,

the hub body further includes a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion,

the second coupling portion is provided at an outer peripheral portion of the small diameter portion.

14. The bicycle hub unit according to claim 13,

the rotating body connecting portion is connected to the small diameter portion,

the small diameter portion is provided between the rotator connecting portion and the large diameter portion in a direction along a central axis of the hub main body.

15. The bicycle hub unit according to claim 13 or 14,

the first coupling portion is provided at an outer peripheral portion of the large diameter portion.

16. The bicycle hub unit according to claim 15,

the large diameter portion has an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the restriction member.

17. The bicycle hub unit according to claim 15 or 16,

the large diameter portion includes: a first large diameter end portion provided on the small diameter portion side, a second large diameter end portion on the opposite side of the first large diameter end portion, a first large diameter portion including the first large diameter end portion, and a second large diameter portion including the second large diameter end portion,

the first coupling portion is provided at an outer peripheral portion of the first large diameter portion.

18. The bicycle hub unit according to claim 17,

the second large diameter portion includes the tapered portion,

the tapered portion is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the second large diameter portion.

19. A bicycle hub unit according to any one of claims 1 to 18,

the bicycle hub unit further includes a transmission portion that transmits at least a manual driving force to the hub main body.

20. The bicycle hub unit according to claim 19,

the transmission portion is present on the opposite side of the rotor coupling portion with the first coupling portion therebetween in a direction along the center axis of the hub body.

21. The bicycle hub unit according to claim 19 or 20,

the wheel unit is configured to be rotatable in one direction relative to the hub main body by one of a driving force and a braking force applied to the rotating body in accordance with driving of the brake device, and the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are configured to restrict the relative rotation of the wheel unit in the one direction relative to the hub main body.

22. The bicycle hub unit according to claim 21,

the tapered portion is configured to restrict relative rotation of the wheel unit in the other direction with respect to the hub main body.

23. A bicycle hub unit according to any one of claims 19 to 22,

the bicycle hub unit further includes a speed change mechanism that changes the speed of the input from the transmission unit and outputs the input to the wheel unit.

24. The bicycle hub unit according to claim 23,

the transmission mechanism is capable of changing the gear ratio between the transmission unit and the wheel unit.

25. The bicycle hub unit according to claim 24,

the transmission mechanism has a transmission ratio of at least three speeds or more.

26. A bicycle hub unit according to any one of claims 23 to 25,

the speed change mechanism is disposed radially inward of the hub main body.

27. A bicycle hub unit according to any one of claims 1 to 26,

the hub unit for a bicycle further includes the hub axle.

28. A bicycle hub unit according to any one of claims 1 to 27,

the brake device is a hub brake device.

29. A wheel assembly for a bicycle, comprising:

a bicycle hub unit according to any one of claims 1 to 28;

the wheel unit; and

the restraining member is a member of a type that,

the wheel unit includes a hub coupling portion coupled to the hub main body.

30. The wheel assembly for a bicycle of claim 29,

the restraining member may comprise a nut that is,

the second coupling portion includes an external thread coupled with the internal thread of the nut.

31. The bicycle wheel assembly of claim 30,

the hub coupling portion includes a first tapered surface,

the restriction member includes a second tapered surface in contact with the first tapered surface,

the first tapered surface becomes smaller in outer diameter as approaching the restraining member in a direction along the center axial center of the hub main body,

the second tapered surface has an outer diameter that increases as the second tapered surface approaches the hub connection portion in a direction along a center axis of the hub main body.

32. The bicycle wheel assembly of claim 31,

the center axis of the hub connection portion is eccentric with respect to the center axis of the hub main body.

33. The bicycle wheel assembly of claim 32,

the center axis of the restricting member coincides with the center axis of the hub main body.

34. The bicycle wheel assembly of any of claims 29-33,

the wheel unit further includes a rim.

35. The bicycle wheel assembly of claim 34,

one of the materials constituting the rim contains at least a resin.

36. The bicycle wheel assembly of claim 34 or 35, wherein,

the wheel unit further includes a spoke connecting the rim with the hub connection portion.

37. The wheel assembly for bicycles of claim 36, wherein,

one of the materials constituting the spoke contains at least resin.

38. The bicycle wheel assembly of claim 36 or 37,

the spoke is provided integrally with at least one of the hub connection portion and the rim.

39. The bicycle wheel assembly of any of claims 29-38,

one of the materials constituting the hub connection portion contains at least resin.

40. A bicycle wheel assembly according to any one of claims 29 to 39,

the wheel assembly for the bicycle is a rear wheel.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a bicycle hub unit and a bicycle wheel assembly.

Background

A bicycle hub unit coupled to a rotating body braked by a brake device is known. A conventional hub unit for a bicycle includes a hub shaft coupled to a frame of the bicycle, and a hub main body coupled to a wheel unit of the bicycle and rotating around the hub shaft. An example of the brake device is a drum brake device. Patent document 1 discloses an example of a conventional bicycle hub unit.

Prior art documents

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2007-62718

Preferably, the wheel unit is appropriately coupled to the hub main body.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention aims to provide a bicycle hub unit and a bicycle wheel assembly, which can appropriately connect a wheel unit and a hub body.

A bicycle hub unit according to a first aspect of the present invention is a bicycle hub unit coupled to a rotating body braked by a brake device, the bicycle hub unit including: a hub body that rotates about a hub axis; and a rotor coupling portion that couples the rotor and the hub main body, the hub main body including a first coupling portion including a male screw coupled to a female screw of a wheel unit, and a second coupling portion coupled to a regulating member that regulates relative rotation between the first coupling portion and the wheel unit.

Since the relative rotation between the first coupling portion and the wheel unit is restricted by the restricting member, the female screw of the wheel unit is less likely to be loosened with respect to the male screw of the first coupling portion. Therefore, the wheel unit and the hub main body can be appropriately coupled.

In the bicycle hub unit according to the first aspect, the second coupling portion is provided at the outer peripheral portion of the hub main body in the bicycle hub unit according to the second aspect.

Therefore, the second coupling portion can be simply configured.

In the bicycle hub unit according to the second aspect, the second coupling portion includes a male screw coupled to a female screw of the restraining member.

Therefore, the second coupling portion can be simply configured.

In the bicycle hub unit according to the third aspect, the external thread of the second coupling portion has a different shape from the external thread of the first coupling portion.

Therefore, the relative rotation of the first coupling portion and the wheel unit can be appropriately restricted by the restriction member.

In the bicycle hub unit according to the fourth aspect, the pitch of the external thread of the second coupling portion is different from the pitch of the external thread of the first coupling portion.

The amount of movement of the wheel unit in relative rotation of the wheel unit with respect to the first coupling portion is different from the amount of movement of the regulating member in relative rotation of the regulating member with respect to the second coupling portion in a direction along the center axis of the hub main body. Therefore, even in a case where a force generated by the relative rotation of the wheel unit with respect to the first coupling portion is applied to the restricting member, the restricting member is not easily rotated relative to the second coupling portion. In this way, in the bicycle hub unit, the relative rotation between the first coupling portion and the wheel unit can be appropriately restricted by the restricting member.

In the bicycle hub unit according to the fifth aspect, the pitch of the male screw of the second coupling portion is shorter than the pitch of the male screw of the first coupling portion.

Since the relative rotation between the first coupling portion and the wheel unit is appropriately restricted by the restriction member, the wheel unit and the hub main body can be appropriately coupled.

In the bicycle hub unit according to the seventh aspect, a winding direction of the male screw of the second coupling portion is opposite to a winding direction of the male screw of the first coupling portion.

The movement direction of the wheel unit in relative rotation of the wheel unit with respect to the first coupling portion is different from the movement direction of the regulating member in relative rotation of the regulating member with respect to the second coupling portion in a direction along the center axis of the hub main body. Therefore, even in a case where a force generated by the relative rotation of the wheel unit with respect to the first coupling portion is applied to the restricting member, the restricting member is not easily rotated relative to the second coupling portion. In this way, in the bicycle hub unit, the relative rotation between the first coupling portion and the wheel unit can be appropriately restricted by the restricting member.

In the hub unit for a bicycle according to the seventh aspect, the winding direction of the external thread of the first coupling portion is right-handed, and the winding direction of the external thread of the second coupling portion is left-handed.

Since the relative rotation between the first coupling portion and the wheel unit is appropriately restricted by the restriction member, the wheel unit and the hub main body can be appropriately coupled.

In the bicycle hub unit according to the ninth aspect, the first coupling portion has a wider range provided with the male screw than the second coupling portion in a direction along the center axis of the hub main body.

Therefore, the wheel unit and the hub main body can be appropriately coupled.

In the bicycle hub unit according to the tenth aspect, the hub main body further includes a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, and the second coupling portion is provided at an outer peripheral portion of the small diameter portion.

Therefore, the hub main body and the regulating member can be downsized.

In the bicycle hub unit according to the tenth aspect, in the bicycle hub unit according to the eleventh aspect, the first coupling portion is provided at an outer peripheral portion of the large diameter portion.

Therefore, the wheel unit can be easily coupled to the first coupling portion.

In the bicycle hub unit according to the eleventh aspect, in the bicycle hub unit according to the twelfth aspect, the outer diameter of the large diameter portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the restricting member.

Therefore, the relative rotation of the first coupling portion and the wheel unit can be appropriately restricted by the restriction member.

In accordance with the bicycle hub unit of the eleventh or twelfth aspect, in the bicycle hub unit of the thirteenth aspect, the large diameter portion includes: a first large diameter end portion provided on the small diameter portion side, a second large diameter end portion on a side opposite to the first large diameter end portion, a first large diameter portion including the first large diameter end portion, and a second large diameter portion including the second large diameter end portion, the first coupling portion being provided on an outer peripheral portion of the first large diameter portion.

Therefore, the wheel unit and the hub main body can be appropriately coupled.

In the bicycle hub unit according to the thirteenth aspect, in the bicycle hub unit according to the fourteenth aspect, the second large diameter portion includes a tapered portion having an outer diameter that increases as the tapered portion is spaced apart from the first coupling portion in a direction along a central axis of the hub main body.

The relative rotation of the wheel unit in one direction with respect to the first coupling portion is restricted by the restricting member and the relative rotation of the wheel unit in the other direction with respect to the first coupling portion is restricted by the tapered portion in a direction along the center axis of the hub main body. Therefore, the wheel unit and the hub main body can be appropriately coupled.

In accordance with the bicycle hub unit of any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, in the bicycle hub unit of the fifteenth aspect, the bicycle hub unit further includes a transmission portion that transmits at least a manual driving force to the hub main body.

Therefore, the wheel unit and the hub main body can be appropriately coupled.

In accordance with the bicycle hub unit of the fifteenth aspect, in the bicycle hub unit of the sixteenth aspect, the bicycle hub unit further includes a speed change mechanism that changes a speed of an input from the transmission portion and outputs the input to the wheel unit.

Therefore, the rider riding the bicycle can comfortably travel.

In accordance with the bicycle hub unit of the sixteenth aspect, in the bicycle hub unit of the seventeenth aspect, the speed change mechanism is capable of changing a speed ratio between the transmission portion and the wheel unit.

Therefore, the rider riding the bicycle can travel at a gear ratio suitable for the rider.

In accordance with the bicycle hub unit of the seventeenth aspect, in the bicycle hub unit of the eighteenth aspect, the shifting mechanism has a speed ratio of at least three speeds or more.

Therefore, the rider riding the bicycle can travel at a gear ratio suitable for the rider.

In the bicycle hub unit according to the nineteenth aspect, the shifting mechanism is disposed radially inward of the hub main body, based on the bicycle hub unit according to any one of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects.

Therefore, the speed change mechanism can be incorporated in the hub main body.

The bicycle hub unit according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, wherein the bicycle hub unit further includes the hub axle.

Therefore, the wheel unit and the hub main body can be appropriately coupled.

A wheel assembly for a bicycle according to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention includes the hub unit for a bicycle, the wheel unit, and the regulating member, wherein the wheel unit includes a hub connection portion connected to the hub main body.

Since the relative rotation between the first coupling portion and the wheel unit is restricted by the restricting member, the female screw of the hub coupling portion is less likely to be loosened with respect to the male screw of the first coupling portion. Therefore, the wheel unit and the hub main body can be appropriately coupled.

In the wheel assembly for a bicycle according to the twenty-first aspect, the restricting member includes a nut, and the second coupling portion includes an external thread coupled to an internal thread of the nut.

Therefore, the restriction member can be appropriately coupled to the second coupling portion.

In the bicycle wheel assembly according to the twenty-second aspect, in the bicycle wheel assembly according to the twenty-third aspect, the hub connecting portion includes a first tapered surface, the restricting member includes a second tapered surface that contacts the first tapered surface, the first tapered surface has a smaller outer diameter as the restricting member is approached in a direction along a central axis of the hub main body, and the second tapered surface has a larger outer diameter as the hub connecting portion is approached in a direction along the central axis of the hub main body.

Since the hub connection portion and the regulating member are pressed against the hub main body by the contact of the first tapered surface and the second tapered surface, the relative rotation of the wheel unit with respect to the hub main body is regulated. Therefore, the wheel unit and the hub main body can be appropriately coupled.

In the bicycle wheel assembly according to the twenty-third aspect, in the bicycle wheel assembly according to the twenty-fourth aspect, a center axis of the hub connecting portion is eccentric with respect to a center axis of the hub main body.

Since the first tapered surface and the second tapered surface strongly contact each other by coupling the regulating member to the second coupling portion, the hub coupling portion and the regulating member are strongly pressed against the hub main body. Therefore, relative rotation of the wheel unit with respect to the hub main body can be appropriately restricted, and the wheel unit and the hub main body can be appropriately coupled.

In the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the restraining member may have a center axis that coincides with a center axis of the hub main body.

Therefore, relative rotation of the wheel unit with respect to the hub main body can be appropriately restricted, and the wheel unit and the hub main body can be appropriately coupled.

The bicycle wheel assembly according to any one of the twenty-first to twenty-fifth aspects, wherein the wheel unit further includes a rim in the bicycle wheel assembly according to the twenty-sixth aspect.

Therefore, the rim and the hub body can be appropriately coupled.

A bicycle wheel assembly according to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention is the bicycle wheel assembly according to the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, wherein at least one of the materials constituting the rim contains a resin.

Therefore, it is possible to contribute to weight reduction of the rim.

In the bicycle wheel assembly according to the twenty-sixth or twenty-seventh aspect, the wheel unit further includes a spoke that connects the rim with the hub connection portion.

Therefore, the spoke and the hub body can be appropriately coupled.

In the wheel assembly for a bicycle according to the twenty-eighth aspect, one of the materials constituting the spoke includes at least a resin.

Therefore, it is possible to contribute to weight reduction of the spoke.

In the wheel assembly for a bicycle according to the twenty-eighth or twenty-ninth aspect, in the wheel assembly for a bicycle according to the thirty-eighth aspect, the spoke is provided integrally with at least one of the hub connecting portion and the rim.

Therefore, the number of parts of the wheel unit can be reduced.

The bicycle wheel assembly according to any one of the twenty-first to thirty-first aspects, wherein one of the materials constituting the hub connection portion includes at least a resin.

Therefore, it is possible to contribute to weight reduction of the hub connecting portion.

The bicycle wheel assembly according to any one of the twenty-first to thirty-first aspects, wherein the bicycle wheel assembly is a rear wheel.

Therefore, the wheel unit of the rear wheel can be appropriately coupled to the hub main body.

According to the bicycle hub unit and the bicycle wheel assembly of the present invention, the wheel unit and the hub main body can be appropriately coupled.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side view of a bicycle that includes a bicycle hub unit of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the bicycle wheel assembly of FIG. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line Z3-Z3 of fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion Z of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a wheel assembly for a bicycle of a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a bicycle wheel assembly.

Description of the reference numerals

10 … bicycle wheel assembly, 12 … wheel unit, 12a … wheel unit, 14a … hub connection portion, 14C … rim, 14D … spoke, 16 … female screw, 18 … limiting member, 18a … nut, 18B … female screw, 20 … bicycle hub unit, 20a … bicycle hub unit, 22 … hub shaft, 24 … hub body, 24a … outer peripheral portion, 26 … first coupling portion, 26a … male screw, 28 … second coupling portion, 28a … male screw, 30 … large-diameter portion, 30a … outer peripheral portion, 32 … first large-diameter portion, 32a … first large-diameter end portion, 32B … outer peripheral portion, 34 … second large-diameter portion, 34a … second large-diameter end portion, 34B …, 36 …, 38 cone 38 … small-diameter portion, 38a …, 40 … rotor …, … transmission portion, 3644 internal screw transmission portion, … speed change mechanism …, 3654 internal screw …, 3654, 56 … first coupling portion, 56a … male screw, 58 … second coupling portion, 58a … male screw, 60 … bicycle wheel assembly, 62 … wheel unit, 64 … hub coupling portion, 66 … first tapered surface, 68 … female screw, 70 … restraining member, 70a … nut, 70B … female screw, 72 … second tapered surface, 76 … first coupling portion, 76a … male screw, 78 … second coupling portion, 78a … male screw, a … bicycle, a4 … rear wheel, F … brake device, F1 … rotating body, CA1 … center axis, CA2 … center axis, CA3 … center axis.

Detailed Description

(first embodiment)

Referring to fig. 1, a bicycle a including a bicycle hub unit 20 will be explained.

The bicycle a includes a bicycle hub unit 20 (hereinafter, referred to as "hub unit 20"). The illustrated bicycle A is of the type shown in city bicycles (Japanese: シティサイクル). The kind of the bicycle may also be a road bicycle, a mountain bicycle, a travel bicycle or an off-road bicycle. Bicycle A also includes frame A1, front fork A2, front wheel A3, rear wheel A4, handlebar A5, and transmission B.

The hub unit 20 is provided on at least one of the front wheel A3 and the rear wheel a 4. In one example, the hub unit 20 is provided at a rear end a6 of the rear wheel a 4. A bicycle hub unit 20A (hereinafter, referred to as "hub unit 20A") provided to the front wheel A3 is provided to the front fork a 2. For example, the hub unit 20A is used without a shifting mechanism 44 (see fig. 3) described later.

The drive train B includes a crankshaft assembly C, a front sprocket D1, a rear sprocket D2, and a chain D3. The crankshaft assembly C includes a crankshaft C1, a pair of crank arms C2, and a pair of pedals C3. A pair of pedals C3 are rotatably attached to the front end of the crank arm C2.

The front sprocket D1 is provided to the crankshaft assembly C so as to rotate integrally with the crankshaft C1. The rear sprocket D2 is provided to the hub unit 20 of the rear wheel a 4. The chain D3 is wound around the front sprocket D1 and the rear sprocket D2. The manual driving force applied to the pedals C3 by the rider of the bicycle a is transmitted to the rear wheel a4 via the front sprocket D1, the chain D3 and the rear sprocket D2.

The bicycle a also comprises an electric auxiliary unit E. The electric assist unit E operates to assist the propulsion force of the bicycle a. The electric assist unit E operates in accordance with, for example, a manual driving force applied to the pedal C3. The electric assist unit E includes an electric motor E1. The electric assist unit E is driven by electric power supplied from a battery BT mounted on the bicycle a. The electric assist unit E and the battery BT can also be omitted from the bicycle a.

The bicycle a also includes a pair of brakes F. The brake device F is mechanically or electrically driven in accordance with the operation of the operating device G to brake a rotating body F1 (see fig. 3) of the bicycle a. The operation device G is provided on the handle a5, for example. One brake device F is provided on the front wheel a 3. The other brake device F is provided to the rear wheel a 4. The brake device F is, for example, a hub brake device that directly connects the rotating body F1 to the hub unit 20, 20A. The brake device F is, for example, a hub brake device that transmits a force applied to the rotating body F1 to the hub unit 20, 20A without passing through the rim 14C. In one example, the brake device F is a drum brake device (see fig. 3). According to this example, the rotor F1 is a brake drum F2 (see fig. 3) provided to each brake device F so as to be rotatable with respect to the frame a 1.

Bicycle a also includes a bicycle wheel assembly 10 (hereinafter "wheel assembly 10"). The wheel assembly 10 is a rear wheel a 4. The wheel assembly 10 includes a hub unit 20. The hub unit 20 is coupled to a rotating body F1 braked by a brake device F (see fig. 3).

The wheel assembly 10 is further provided with a wheel unit 12. The wheel unit 12 includes a hub connection portion 14A (see fig. 2) connected to the hub unit 20. One of the materials constituting the hub connecting portion 14A contains at least resin. The hub connecting portion 14A is connected to the hub unit 20 so as to cover the hub unit 20, for example. The wheel unit 12 also includes a rim 14C. One of the materials constituting the rim 14C contains at least a resin. The wheel unit 12 further includes spokes 14D that connect the rim 14C with the hub connection portions 14A. One of the materials constituting the spokes 14D contains at least resin. An example of the number of spokes 14D is five. The spokes 14D are provided integrally with at least one of the hub connecting portion 14A and the rim 14C. In one example, all of the hub connecting portion 14A, the rim 14C, and the plurality of spokes 14D of the wheel unit 12 are integrally provided. The wheel unit 12A coupled to the hub unit 20A of the front wheel A3 has the same structure as the wheel unit 12 of the rear wheel a4, for example.

The structure of the hub unit 20 will be described with reference to fig. 2 and 3. Fig. 3 omits a part of the wheel unit 12.

As shown in fig. 2, the hub unit 20 includes a hub main body 24 that rotates about the hub shaft 22, and a rotor coupling portion 40 (see fig. 3) that couples the rotor F1 to the hub main body 24. In one example, the rotor F1 is fixed to the rotor coupling portion 40 so as to be able to rotate integrally with the hub main body 24 about the center axis CA1 of the hub main body 24 by being coupled to the rotor coupling portion 40. The hub unit 20 further includes a hub axle 22.

The hub main body 24 includes a first coupling portion 26 and a second coupling portion 28, the first coupling portion 26 includes a male screw 26A coupled to the female screw 16 (see fig. 3) of the wheel unit 12, and the second coupling portion 28 is coupled to the regulating member 18 that regulates relative rotation between the first coupling portion 26 and the wheel unit 12. The female screw 16 of the wheel unit 12 is provided in, for example, the hub connection portion 14A (see fig. 3). In one example, the hub connection portion 14A is connected to the outer peripheral portion 24A of the hub body 24. The wheel assembly 10 is further provided with a restraining member 18.

The hub body 24 also includes a large diameter portion 30 and a small diameter portion 38. The large diameter portion 30 and the small diameter portion 38 are provided integrally, for example. The large diameter portion 30 has an outer diameter larger than that of the small diameter portion 38. The rotating body coupling portion 40 is coupled to the small diameter portion 38 (see fig. 3), for example. The large diameter portion 30 includes: a first large diameter end portion 32A provided on the small diameter portion 38 side, a second large diameter end portion 34A on the opposite side of the first large diameter end portion 32A, a first large diameter portion 32 including the first large diameter end portion 32A, and a second large diameter portion 34 including the second large diameter end portion 34A. The outer peripheral portion 24A of the hub main body 24 includes an outer peripheral portion 30A of the large diameter portion 30 and an outer peripheral portion 38A of the small diameter portion 38. The outer peripheral portion 30A of the large diameter portion 30 includes an outer peripheral portion 32B of the first large diameter portion 32 and an outer peripheral portion 34B of the second large diameter portion 34. In one example, the first large diameter portion 32 and the second large diameter portion 34 are integrally provided such that the outer peripheral portion 32B of the first large diameter portion 32 is continuous with the outer peripheral portion 34B of the second large diameter portion 34.

The first coupling portion 26 is provided at the outer peripheral portion 24A of the hub main body 24. In one example, the first coupling portion 26 is provided at the outer peripheral portion 30A of the large diameter portion 30. Specifically, the first coupling portion 26 is provided at the outer peripheral portion 32B of the first large diameter portion 32. The female screw 16 of the wheel unit 12 is provided on the inner peripheral surface 14B of the hub connecting portion 14A at a portion corresponding to the male screw 26A of the first connecting portion 26 (see fig. 3), for example. In one example, the wheel unit 12 is inserted from the rotor coupling portion 40 side into the large diameter portion 30 in a direction along the center axis CA1 of the hub main body 24, and the female screw 16 is coupled to the male screw 26A. In the example shown in fig. 2, the direction of rotation of the male screw 26A of the first coupling portion 26 is right-handed. That is, the male screw 26A of the first coupling portion 26 is a right-hand screw.

The second coupling portion 28 is provided on the outer peripheral portion 24A of the hub main body 24. In one example, the second coupling portion 28 is provided on the outer peripheral portion 38A of the small diameter portion 38. The second coupling portion 28 includes a male screw 28A coupled to the female screw 18B (see fig. 3) of the restriction member 18. In one example, the restriction member 18 is inserted into the small diameter portion 38 from the rotor coupling portion 40 side in a direction along the center axis CA1 of the hub main body 24, and the female screw 18B is coupled to the male screw 28A. In the example shown in fig. 2, the direction of rotation of the male screw 28A of the second coupling portion 28 is right-handed. That is, the male screw 28A of the second coupling portion 28 is a right-hand screw. The restricting member 18 includes a nut 18A. The nut 18A includes internal threads 18B. In one example, the female screw 18B of the nut 18A is coupled to the male screw 28A of the second coupling portion 28. The outer diameter of the large diameter portion 30 is smaller than the outer diameter of the restriction member 18.

The second large diameter portion 34 includes a tapered portion 36. The tapered portion 36 is provided on the outer peripheral portion 34B of the second large diameter portion 34. The outer diameter of the tapered portion 36 increases as it goes away from the first coupling portion 26 in a direction along the center axis CA1 of the hub main body 24. Therefore, at the center axis CA1 of the hub main body 24, the movement of the wheel unit 12 toward the second large diameter end portion 34A due to the relative rotation of the first coupling portion 26 and the wheel unit 12 is restricted by the tapered portion 36. The tapered portion 36 may be omitted from the second large diameter portion 34.

As shown in fig. 3, the hub unit 20 further includes a transmission portion 42, and the transmission portion 42 transmits at least the manual driving force to the hub main body 24. The transmission portion 42 is provided at, for example, the second large diameter end portion 34A of the hub main body 24. In one example, the rear sprocket D2 is coupled to the transmission part 42. The transmission portion 42 transmits the driving force input from the rear sprocket D2 to the hub main body 24. The driving force input from the rear sprocket D2 includes at least one of a manual driving force input to the rear sprocket D2 via the pedal C3 or the like and a driving force input to the rear sprocket D2 by the electric assist unit E.

The hub unit 20 further includes a shift mechanism 44, and the shift mechanism 44 shifts the input from the transmission portion 42 and outputs the input to the wheel unit 12. The speed change mechanism 44 can change the speed ratio between the transmission portion 42 and the wheel unit 12. The shift mechanism 44 is disposed radially inward of the hub main body 24. In one example, the transmission mechanism 44 is a built-in transmission. The shift mechanism 44 is mechanically or electrically driven in accordance with the operation of the shift operation device H (see fig. 1). The shift operating device H is provided to the handlebar a5, for example. When the transmission mechanism 44 is driven by electric power, for example, electric power of the battery BT is used. The speed change mechanism 44 includes a planetary gear mechanism 46. The speed change mechanism 44 can change the speed ratio by changing the connection state of the gears constituting the planetary gear mechanism 46, for example. In one example, the transmission mechanism 44 has a transmission ratio of at least three speeds or more.

When the driving force input to the transmission portion 42 is transmitted to the hub main body 24, the wheel unit 12 rotates together with the hub main body 24 about the center axis CA1 of the hub main body 24. In this case, due to resistance received by the wheel unit 12 from the ground (not shown), a force to rotate the wheel unit 12 in one direction with respect to the hub main body 24 is applied to the wheel unit 12. In addition, in the case where the rotating body F1 is braked by the braking device F in accordance with the operation of the operating device G, the hub main body 24 is braked, and the wheel unit 12 is braked. In this case, due to the resistance received by the wheel unit 12 from the ground, a force to rotate the wheel unit 12 in the other direction with respect to the hub main body 24 is applied to the wheel unit 12. On the other hand, the first coupling portion 26 and the second coupling portion 28 are configured to be able to restrict relative rotation of the wheel unit 12 with respect to the hub main body 24 even when the above-described force is applied to the wheel unit 12.

The relationship between the first joining portion 26 and the second joining portion 28 will be described with reference to fig. 4.

The shape of the external thread 28A of the second coupling portion 28 is different from the shape of the external thread 26A of the first coupling portion 26. The pitch of the external threads 28A of the second joint 28 (hereinafter, referred to as "second pitch P2") is different from the pitch of the external threads 26A of the first joint 26 (hereinafter, referred to as "first pitch P1"). That is, the amount of displacement of the wheel unit 12 in the direction along the center axis CA1 of the hub main body 24 in the state where it has rotated once about the hub axle 22 relative to the first coupling portion 26 is different from the amount of displacement of the regulating member 18 in the direction along the center axis CA1 of the hub main body 24 in the state where it has rotated once about the hub axle 22 relative to the second coupling portion 28. In one example, the second pitch P2 is shorter than the first pitch P1. The second pitch P2 may also be longer than the first pitch P1. By making the first pitch P1 different from the second pitch P2, the wheel unit 12 is inhibited from rotating integrally with the restricting member 18. In other words, the first coupling portion 26 and the second coupling portion 28 are configured to restrict the rotation of the wheel unit 12 and the restriction member 18 together. Thereby, even in the case where forces in different rotational directions are applied to the wheel unit 12, the relative rotation of the wheel unit 12 with respect to the hub main body 24 is restricted.

The range of the first coupling portion 26 in which the male screw 26A is provided (hereinafter referred to as "first range R1") is wider than the range of the second coupling portion 28 in which the male screw 28A is provided (hereinafter referred to as "second range R2") in a direction along the center axis CA1 of the hub main body 24. The first range R1 may be the same width as the second range R2 or may be narrower than the second range R2.

(second embodiment)

With reference to fig. 5, a hub unit 20 according to a second embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are given to the same components as in the first embodiment, and redundant description is omitted. Fig. 5 omits a part of the wheel unit 12.

The hub main body 24 includes a first coupling portion 56 and a second coupling portion 58, the first coupling portion 56 includes a male screw 56A coupled to the female screw 52 of the wheel unit 12, and the second coupling portion 58 is coupled to the regulating member 18 that regulates relative rotation between the first coupling portion 56 and the wheel unit 12. The first coupling portion 56 is provided on the outer peripheral portion 32B of the first large diameter portion 32, for example. The female screw 52 of the wheel unit 12 is provided on the inner peripheral surface 14B of the hub connecting portion 14A at a portion corresponding to the male screw 56A of the first connecting portion 56, for example. The second coupling portion 58 is provided on the outer peripheral portion 38A of the small diameter portion 38, for example. The second coupling portion 58 includes an external thread 58A coupled to the internal thread 54 of the nut 18A.

The shape of the external thread 58A of the second coupling portion 58 is different from the shape of the external thread 56A of the first coupling portion 56. The winding direction of the external thread 58A of the second coupling portion 58 is different from the winding direction of the external thread 56A of the first coupling portion 56. The winding direction of the external thread 56A of the first coupling portion 56 is, for example, right-hand. That is, the male screw 56A of the first coupling portion 56 is a right-hand screw. The winding direction of the external thread 58A of the second coupling portion 58 is, for example, left-handed. That is, the male screw 58A of the second coupling portion 58 is a left-hand screw. The winding direction of the male screw 56A of the first coupling portion 56 may be left-handed, and the winding direction of the male screw 58A of the second coupling portion 58 may be right-handed. The rotation of the wheel unit 12 and the restriction member 18 together is suppressed by making the winding direction of the male screw 56A of the first coupling portion 56 different from the winding direction of the male screw 58A of the second coupling portion 58. In other words, the first coupling portion 26 and the second coupling portion 28 are configured to restrict the rotation of the wheel unit 12 and the restriction member 18 together. Thereby, even in the case where forces in different rotational directions are applied to the wheel unit 12, the relative rotation of the wheel unit 12 with respect to the hub main body 24 is restricted.

The relationship between the pitch of the male threads 56A of the first coupling portion 56 (hereinafter referred to as the "third pitch") and the pitch of the male threads 58A of the second coupling portion 58 (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth pitch") is as follows. In the first example, the fourth pitch is shorter than the third pitch. In the second example, the fourth pitch is longer than the third pitch. In the third example, the fourth pitch is the same as the third pitch.

(third embodiment)

Referring to fig. 6, a bicycle wheel assembly 60 according to a third embodiment will be explained. The same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are given to the same components as in the first embodiment, and redundant description is omitted.

Bicycle a includes a bicycle wheel assembly 60 (hereinafter, referred to as "wheel assembly 60"). The wheel assembly 60 is a rear wheel a 4. The wheel assembly 60 includes a hub unit 20, a wheel unit 62, and a restriction member 70. The wheel unit 62 includes a hub coupling portion 64 coupled to the hub main body 24. One of the materials constituting the hub connecting portion 64 contains at least resin. The hub connection portion 64 is connected to the outer peripheral portion 24A of the hub main body 24 so as to cover the hub main body 24, for example. The structure of the wheel unit 62 is substantially the same as that of the wheel unit 12 except for the hub connection portion 64. In one example, all of the hub connecting portion 64, the rim 14C, and the plurality of spokes 14D of the wheel unit 62 are integrally provided. Fig. 6 omits a part of the wheel unit 62.

The hub main body 24 includes a first coupling portion 76 and a second coupling portion 78, the first coupling portion 76 includes a male screw 76A coupled to the female screw 68 of the wheel unit 62, and the second coupling portion 78 is coupled to the regulating member 70 that regulates relative rotation between the first coupling portion 76 and the wheel unit 62. The first coupling portion 76 is provided on the outer peripheral portion 32B of the first large diameter portion 32, for example. The female screw 68 of the wheel unit 62 is provided on the inner peripheral surface 64A of the hub connecting portion 64, for example, at a portion corresponding to the male screw 76A of the first connecting portion 76. The second coupling portion 78 is provided on the outer peripheral portion 38A of the small diameter portion 38, for example. The restriction member 70 includes a nut 70A. The second coupling portion 78 includes an external thread 78A coupled to the internal thread 70B of the nut 70A. A part of the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 38 is, for example, the same as the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 30. The small-diameter portion 38 may have an outer diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter portion 30. In the present embodiment, the shape of the male screw 78A of the second coupling portion 78 is the same as the shape of the male screw 76A of the first coupling portion 76.

The shape of the external thread 78A of the second coupling portion 78 may be different from the shape of the external thread 76A of the first coupling portion 76. In the first example, the pitch of the male screw 78A of the second coupling portion 78 (hereinafter referred to as "sixth pitch") is shorter than the pitch of the male screw 76A of the first coupling portion 76 (hereinafter referred to as "fifth pitch"). In the second example, the sixth pitch is longer than the fifth pitch. In the third example, the winding direction of the male screw 76A of the first coupling portion 76 is right-handed, and the winding direction of the male screw 78A of the second coupling portion 78 is left-handed. In the fourth example, the winding direction of the male screw 76A of the first coupling portion 76 is left-handed, and the winding direction of the male screw 78A of the second coupling portion 78 is right-handed. In the fifth example, the first coupling portion 76 and the second coupling portion 78 can be combined with one of the first example and the second example and one of the third example and the fourth example.

The hub coupling portion 64 includes a first tapered surface 66. The first tapered surface 66 is provided at a portion of the hub connection portion 64 that faces the restriction member 70 in a state where the hub connection portion 64 is connected to the hub main body 24. The first tapered surface 66 has a smaller outer diameter as it approaches the regulating member 70 in a direction along the center axial center CA1 of the hub main body 24. The center axis CA2 of the hub connecting portion 64 is eccentric with respect to the center axis CA1 of the hub main body 24.

The restriction member 70 includes a second tapered surface 72 in contact with the first tapered surface 66. The second tapered surface 72 is provided at a portion of the regulating member 70 that faces the hub coupling portion 64 in a state where the regulating member 70 is coupled to the hub main body 24. The second tapered surface 72 has an outer diameter that increases as it approaches the hub connection portion 64 in a direction along the center axis CA1 of the hub main body 24. The center axial center CA3 of the restricting member 70 coincides with the center axial center CA1 of the hub main body 24. The center axis CA3 of the regulating member 70 may be eccentric with respect to the center axis CA1 of the hub main body 24. In one example, in a state where the wheel unit 62 and the regulating member 70 are appropriately coupled to the hub main body 24, a portion of the first tapered surface 66 contacts a portion of the second tapered surface 72.

The female screw 68 of the wheel unit 62 is coupled to the male screw 76A of the first coupling portion 76, and the female screw 70B of the restriction member 70 is coupled to the male screw 78A of the second coupling portion 78. By coupling the female screw 70B of the restriction member 70 and the male screw 78A of the second coupling portion 78 so that the first tapered surface 66 and the second tapered surface 72 are in strong contact with each other, the force in the first direction DF1 acts on the hub coupling portion 64, and the force in the second direction DF2 acts on the restriction member 70. Specifically, at a portion where the first tapered surface 66 and the second tapered surface 72 contact, a force in the first direction DF1 where the restriction member 70 is pressed against the hub coupling portion 64 acts on the hub coupling portion 64. At a portion where the first tapered surface 66 does not contact the second tapered surface 72, a force in the second direction DF2 acts on the restriction member 70 by a reaction force of the force in the first direction DF 1. Therefore, the hub connecting portion 64 and the regulating member 70 are pressed against the hub main body 24, and the relative rotation of the wheel unit 62 with respect to the hub main body 24 is regulated.

(modification example)

The above description of the embodiments is an example of the form that can be adopted by the bicycle hub unit and the bicycle wheel assembly according to the present invention, and is not intended to limit the form. The bicycle hub unit and the bicycle wheel assembly according to the present invention can adopt, for example, modifications of the above embodiments described below and a combination of at least two modifications that are not inconsistent with each other. In the following modifications, the same reference numerals as in the embodiments are given to portions common to the aspects of the embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted.

The structure of the second coupling portions 28 and 58 can be arbitrarily changed. In one example, the second joint portions 28 and 58 are connected to the restriction member 18 by bonding, welding, or the like.

The structure of the speed change mechanism 44 can be arbitrarily changed. In one example, the shift mechanism 44 is an external transmission. According to this example, the drive train B includes a plurality of rear sprockets D2. The shift mechanism 44 may also be omitted from the hub unit 20.

The structure of the wheel units 12 and 62 can be arbitrarily changed. In the first example, at least one member of the hub connecting portions 14A, 64, the rim 14C, and the plurality of spokes 14D of the wheel units 12, 62 is provided separately. In the second example, the material constituting the hub connecting portions 14A, 64 does not contain resin. According to this example, the material constituting the hub connecting portions 14A, 64 is, for example, metal. In the third example, the material constituting the rim 14C does not contain resin. According to this example, the material of the rim 14C is, for example, metal. In the fourth example, the material constituting the spoke 14D does not contain resin. According to this example, the material constituting the spoke 14D is, for example, metal.

The type of the brake device F can be changed arbitrarily. In the first example, the brake device F is a disc brake device. A disc brake device is an example of a hub brake. According to this example, the rotating body F1 is a disc brake rotor. In the second example, the brake device F is a wheel side brake device. According to this example, the rotating body F1 is the rim 14C.