JP2002104277A - Automatic speed-changing mechanism and bicycle hub having this mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic speed-changing arrangement having a small number of part items, capable of automatically changing a speed and simplifying assembling, and manufacturable at a low cost. SOLUTION: A first means of engagement 4 to get a rotation member engaged with a transfer member so that they can be freely engaged and disengaged and a second means of engagement 5 are provided. The first means of engagement gets the rotation member engaged with the transfer member through a first engagement member 41, and if a fixed torque or more is applied to the first means of engagement in an engaged state by pedaling a bicycle, the engagement is disengaged. The second means of engagement is equipped with a connection member 50 having a second engagement member and a speed reducing device having epicyclic gears 53a...53a. If the transfer member is rotated at a lower speed than the rotation of the rotation member through the connection member, by the speed reducing device, as the rotation member rotates, and the rotation member engaged with the transfer member by the first engagement member is disengaged, the transfer member is engaged with the connection member by the second engagement member. In addition, in the engaged condition by the second means of engagement, the rotation member is again engaged with the transfer member by the first engagement member, as the rotation member rotates with regard to the transfer member.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic transmission mechanism used for a bicycle and a bicycle hub having the automatic transmission mechanism.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a bicycle using a transmission mechanism has been known. As this conventional transmission mechanism, for example, a multi-stage gear wheel provided with a plurality of chain winding gears having different numbers of teeth, a transmission for transferring a chain to each gear, and an operation lever for operating the transmission And a wire that connects a transmission and an operation lever. Then, by operating the operation lever attached to a part of the bicycle body, the chain is changed to another chain winding gear in the multi-stage gear wheel via the transmission, thereby changing the rotation speed of the multi-stage gear wheel, Thus, the speed can be changed.

[0003] However, in this case, each time a gearshift operation is performed, the user has to release his / her hand from the handle to operate the operation lever, which causes a problem that the gearshift operation is troublesome. Further, a transmission, a lever, and the like are required in addition to the multi-stage gear wheel, so that the number of parts is increased, so that an assembling process requires time and costs.

On the other hand, a so-called interior hub, in which a plurality of gear groups are housed in a bicycle hub and one chain winding gear is provided in the hub, an operation lever, and an interior hub and an operation lever are connected. There is also proposed a device provided with a wire. This product changes the rotation speed of the chain winding gear by changing the gear ratio of the gear group by operating the operation lever attached to a part of the bicycle body,
In some cases, the speed can be changed.

However, also in this case, similarly to the previous case, each time a gearshift operation is performed, it is necessary to release the hand from the handle and operate the lever, and the gearshift operation is troublesome. In addition, an operation lever, a wire, and the like are required, the number of parts is increased, and the assembling process requires time and increases costs.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can automatically shift gears without manual operation, and can reduce the number of parts and simplify assembly. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic transmission mechanism that can be manufactured at low cost and a bicycle hub having the automatic transmission mechanism.

[0007]

In the automatic transmission mechanism according to the first to third aspects of the present invention, the pedal of the bicycle is depressed with a predetermined force or more, and the rotating member 3 is pressed by the first engaging means 4.
When a certain or more rotational force is applied from the rotating member 3 to the transmitting member 2 engaged with the first member, the first engaging means 4 is disengaged, and the rotating member 3 and the transmitting member 2 are engaged by the second engaging means 5. it can. Thus, for example, when starting from a stopped state or climbing a hill, the rotation member 3 and the transmission member 2 are disengaged by the first engagement means 4 simply by depressing the pedal of the bicycle. Engagement by the second engagement means 5 which can rotate the rotation speed of the transmission member 2 with respect to the rotation member 3 lower than the rotation speed of the transmission member 2 with respect to the rotation member 3 when the first engagement means 4 engages. You can switch to Therefore, the shift operation can be performed simply by depressing the pedal without operating the operation lever as in the related art, and the shift operation can be easily performed.

[0008] In the automatic transmission mechanism according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the connecting member 50 is engageable when rotating in one direction with respect to the transmitting member 2 and rotates in the other direction with respect to the transmitting member 2. At this time, it is assumed that the engagement is disabled. By doing so, in a state where the transmission member 2 and the rotating member 3 are disengaged from each other by the first engaging means 4, the transmitting member 2 does not rotate with the rotation of the rotating member 3, so that the connecting member 50
3 rotates in one direction clockwise (X direction in FIG. 3) in FIG. 3 with respect to the transmission member 2 as shown in FIG. 3, and engages the transmission member 2 and the rotation member 3 by the second engagement means 5. Can be combined. On the other hand, when the transmission member 2 and the rotation member 3 are engaged by the first engagement means 4, the transmission member 2 rotates together with the rotation of the rotation member 3, and the connection member 50 is moved by the reduction gear 53. Since the rotation speed of the rotation member 3 is lower than the rotation speed of the rotation member 3, the connection member 50 rotates in the other direction counterclockwise in FIG. And the rotating member 3 with the second engagement means 5
Can be made not to engage. Thereby, the rotation member 3 and the transmission member 2 can be selectively engaged with the first engagement means 4 and the second engagement means 5.

In the automatic transmission mechanism according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the reduction gear 53 has the planetary gear 53a, the rotation speed ratio of the connection member 50 to the rotation member 3 can be easily set, and It can be manufactured with a simple configuration and can be manufactured at low cost.

In the automatic transmission mechanism according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the first engaging means 4 is provided with at least one first engaging member 41 provided on one of the rotating member 3 and the transmitting member 2. And at least one first engagement portion 24 provided on the other side of the rotating member 3 and the transmission member 2, and an urging means 42 for urging the first engagement member 41 toward the first engagement portion 24. From the rotating member 3 against the urging of the urging means 42.
As the rotational force is applied to the engaging member 41, the first engaging member 41 and the first engaging portion 24 are disengaged and the rotating member 3 rotates with respect to the transmission member 2, and the rotating member 3 When the first engagement member 41 and the first engagement portion 24 match with each other by rotating with respect to the transmission member 2, the first engagement member 41 and the first engagement portion 24
Can be engaged again. By doing this,
For example, when starting from a stopped state, the rotation member 3 and the transmission member 2 are disengaged by the first engagement means 4 and engaged by the second engagement means 5 by depressing a pedal of the bicycle,
When the vehicle travels in the engaged state by the second engaging means 5, the rotating member 3 rotates with respect to the transmission member 2 to rotate the first engaging member 41.
And the first engaging portion 24 are aligned with each other so that the first engaging member 41 and the first
The engagement portion 24 is engaged again, and the rotating member 3 and the transmission member 2 can be brought into a state of being engaged by the first engagement means 4. Therefore, by simply depressing the pedal, for example, when starting from a stopped state, it is possible to switch from the first engagement means 4 to the engagement by the second engagement means 5, while the second engagement means
If the vehicle travels a predetermined distance in the engaged state by the engaging means 5,
Naturally, it is possible to switch from the second engagement means 5 to the engagement by the first engagement means 4.

In the automatic transmission mechanism according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the first engagement means 4 includes an adjusting means 45 for adjusting the urging force of the urging means 42. Thus, by adjusting the urging force of the urging means 42 for urging the first engagement member 41 toward the first engagement portion 24, the first engagement member 41 and the first engagement portion 24 1st when the engagement of
Rotational force applied between the engagement member 41 and the first engagement portion 24,
As a result, the stepping force of the pedal when the first engagement member 41 and the first engagement portion 24 are disengaged can be adjusted, and can be adjusted according to, for example, differences in leg strength between children, adults, women, and men.

In a bicycle hub having an automatic transmission mechanism according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a hub axle 110 and a hub body 1 are provided.
00 and the automatic transmission mechanism 1, and the transmission member 2 of the automatic transmission mechanism 1 is constituted by a part of the hub body 100. By doing so, the transmission member 2 is
It can be used as a part of the hub body and the automatic transmission mechanism 1, and the number of parts can be reduced as compared with a case where the hub body 100 and the automatic transmission mechanism 1 are separately formed, and the automatic transmission mechanism is provided at low cost. A bicycle hub can be manufactured.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a cross section of a part of a bicycle hub having an automatic transmission mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical cross section taken along line II-II of FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. However, the portion A in FIG.
The upper side of the figure shows a cut surface including a ratchet claw, and the lower side shows a cut surface including a first engagement member.

The automatic transmission mechanism according to the present invention is used by being attached to a bicycle wheel. The automatic transmission mechanism of the present embodiment is formed integrally with a bicycle hub that constitutes a part of a bicycle wheel, and is implemented as a bicycle hub having an automatic transmission mechanism. As shown in FIG. 1, the bicycle hub having the automatic transmission mechanism includes a hub body 100, a hub shaft 110 rotatably supporting the hub body 100, and an automatic transmission mechanism 1.

The hub body 100 has a cylindrical hub body 101.
And a left collar 1 fixed to each of the left and right sides of the hub body 101
02 and the right collar 103. Left collar 102,
Each of the right collars 103 has a spoke insertion hole 102a.
The spokes 3a are formed in the entire circumference so that spokes (not shown) can be passed through these spoke insertion holes 102a to 103a. In addition, each collar 10
2 and 103 are provided with hub one fitting portions 102b and 103b. The left collar 102 and the right collar 103 are respectively connected to the hub ones 105, 105 fixed to the left and right sides of the hub body 101, respectively.
Is fixed to the hub body 101 so as to be fitted into the hub one fitting portions 102b and 103b.

The left and right hub ones 105, 105 fixed to the hub body 101 so that the hub axle 110 penetrates from the left end side to the right end side of the hub body 101, and the hub one 1
05, 105 a plurality of steel balls 10 rollably disposed
6. The hub body 100 is rotatably supported via 106, the ball pushes 107, 107 and the like. The hub axle 110 thus configured becomes a wheel axle after spokes or the like are assembled into the spoke insertion holes 102a... 103a of the flanges 102 and 103, and then becomes a wheel axle.
It is fixed to the body of the bicycle via 8, 108 and the like.

The automatic transmission mechanism 1 includes a transmission member 2, a rotation member 3 rotatably disposed with respect to the transmission member 2, and an engagement for releasably engaging the rotation member 3 and the transmission member 2. Means 4 and 5 are provided.

The transmission member 2 includes a transmission main body 20 and a cylindrical body 23 rotatably arranged on the outer periphery of the transmission main body 20. In the present embodiment, the transmission main body 20 is formed of a cylindrical shape bent from the right flange 103 to the right side. In addition, the transmission body 20
The left end is provided with a large-diameter portion 21 on the left side and a small-diameter portion 22 on the right side having a smaller diameter than the large-diameter portion 21 by reducing the diameter on the right end side. The inner peripheral portion of the large-diameter portion 21 also serves as the hub one fitting portion 103b of the right collar 103, and the hub one 105 of the hub body 100 is provided on the inner peripheral side.
The transmission main body 20 is fixed to the hub main body 100 by being non-rotatably attached to the hub one 105 so as to be pushed into the hub one 105. When the transmission main body 20 is attached to the hub one 105, the right collar 103 is assembled at a predetermined position.

The cylindrical body 23 receives the rotational force from the rotating member 3 and transmits the rotational force to the transmission main body 20 only in one circumferential direction, and the transmission main body through a ratchet mechanism. 20 and is connected so as to be able to transmit rotation in one circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the ratchet mechanism extends over the entire circumference of the large-diameter portion 21 of the transmission main body 20 as shown in FIG.
A plurality of ratchet teeth 21a... 21a formed so as to face the counterclockwise direction, and two ratchet claws 23b, 23b removably engaged with the ratchet teeth 21a.
And those comprising: Each ratchet claw 23b, 23
b has a cylindrical shaft portion 23c on the base end side, an engagement claw 23d on the distal end side, and an engagement claw 23c.
A portion from the front end of d to the shaft portion 23c is provided with a spring insertion groove 23e along the longitudinal direction. And the shaft part 23c of each ratchet claw 23b, 23b is provided with a ratchet claw storage part 23a, 23a provided on the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical body 23.
Each is rotatably housed in each of the spring-fitting insertion grooves 23.
e is passed through a ring-shaped ring spring 23f mounted on the inner periphery of the cylindrical body 23, so that each ratchet pawl 2
The shaft portions 23c, 23c of the 3b, 23b are pressed, and the engagement claws 23d are constantly urged toward the ratchet teeth 21a,. ing. Then, as the tubular body 23 in FIG. 2 rotates clockwise (X direction) in one direction, the ratchet claw 23b,
23b are ratchet teeth 21a... 21 of the transmission main body 20.
a and rotates in the same direction together with the tubular body 23,
With the rotation of the cylindrical body 23 in the counterclockwise direction (Y direction) on the other side, the ratchet claws 23b, 23b do not engage with the ratchet teeth 21a... 21a so that only the cylindrical body 23 rotates. It has been done.

The rotating member 3 is formed of a cylindrical member as shown in FIG. 1, and has a chain winding gear 31 on the outer peripheral side at the right end. The chain winding gear 31 is a chain (not shown) provided on a bicycle.
To rotate the rotating member 3 by receiving the driving force from the chain. The chain winding gear 31 according to the present embodiment includes a plate-shaped gear 31 formed separately from the rotating member 3.
The inner screw provided on the inner circumference of the rotating member 3 is screwably engaged with an outer screw provided on the outer circumference of the rotating member 3 so that the inner screw can be exchangeably mounted. Note that the chain winding gear 31 may be formed integrally with the rotating member 3 so as to be unreplaceable, and may be changed as appropriate.

The rotating member 3 configured as described above is rolled between the large-diameter portion 21 and the small-diameter portion 22 of the transmission member 2 so as to cover the transmission member 2 from the right end to the outer periphery. It is rotatably attached to the transmission member 2 via steel balls 7a.

The engaging means 4 and 5 are provided with a first engaging means 4 and a second engaging means 5. First engagement means 4
The first engaging member 41 provided on the rotating member 3 as shown in FIG.
First engaging portion 24 which is engaged with and disengageable from the main body, and urging means 42
And

The first engaging member 41 has a cylindrical shaft portion 41a on the proximal end side and an engaging piece 41b on the distal end side.
The first engaging member 41 is attached to the first engaging member storage portion 30 formed on a part of the inner peripheral wall of the rotating member 3 by the shaft portion 4.
1a is stored so as to be rotatably supported, so that the engagement piece 41b of the first engagement member 41 enters the first engagement member storage portion 30 from the first engagement member storage portion. It is made up and down freely so that it can protrude inside the diameter of 30.

The first engaging portion 24 is provided on the cylindrical member 2 of the transmission member 2.
A concave portion is formed in a part of the outer periphery of 3 and the inner side surface of the concave portion
When the first engagement portion 24 and the first engagement member storage portion 30 of the rotating member 3 match, the engagement piece 41b of the first engagement member 41 enters the concave portion. The first engaging portion 24 and the rotating member 3 are engaged by abutting on the first engaging portion 24, whereby the transmitting member 2 and the rotating member 3 can be engaged. Further, when a predetermined or more rotational force is applied to the first engagement portion 24 and the engagement piece 41b of the first engagement member 41 and the first engagement portion 24, the first engagement member 41 engages. An engagement releasing means for releasing the engagement with the mating piece 41b is provided. The disengagement means in this embodiment forms the first engagement portion 24 into an inclined shape having a predetermined angle a with respect to the radial line p passing through the axis O, thereby engaging the first engagement portion 24. When a predetermined rotational force or more is applied to the engagement piece 41b of the engagement member 41 and the first engagement portion 24, the engagement piece 41b of the first engagement member 41 slides on the first engagement portion 24 to engage the two. Has been made to come off. In this embodiment, the tip of the engaging piece 41b of the first engaging member 41 is rounded so that the engaging piece 41b of the engaged first engaging member 41 and the first engaging portion 24 have a certain degree or more. Is applied, the engaging piece 41b of the first engaging member 41 reliably slides on the first engaging portion 24 to disengage the two.

The biasing means 42 is for constantly biasing the engaging piece 41b of the first engaging member 41 toward the first engaging portion 24 on the inner side of the diameter. In this embodiment, the first engagement member 41
Pressing member 43, a casing 46 holding the pressing member 43, a coil spring 44 as an urging member for urging the pressing member 43 radially inward, and an adjusting means for adjusting the pressing force of the pressing member 43. Adjustment member 45. The casing 46 includes a cylindrical portion 46a,
An adjusting member screwing screw portion 46b is provided on the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 46a at one end in the axial direction. The casing 46 is fixed to the outer periphery of the rotating member 3 on the radial outer side of the first engagement member storage portion 30 via fixing bolts 46c as fixing means.

The pressing member 43 has a pressing piece 43a on the distal end side, a guide shaft 43c on the rear side, and a pressing piece 43a.
And a guide shaft 43c, a flange 43b formed to be larger in diameter than the pressing piece 43a. The flange 43b of the pressing member 43 is connected to the cylindrical portion 46 of the casing 46.
a, the pressing piece 43 is slidably housed in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 46a (radial direction with respect to the rotating member 3).
a protrudes into the first engaging member storage section 30 of the rotating member 3 through the insertion hole 36 formed in the rotating member 3 so as to be able to contact the first engaging member 41.

The adjusting member 45 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and has a screw portion 45a on the outer peripheral surface. The screw portion 45a is screwed to the adjusting member screwing portion 46b of the casing 46, and the screw portion 45a is connected to the adjusting member 45a. The adjusting member 45 is made to be able to advance and retreat in the axial direction of the casing 46 as it is rotated along the screwing thread portion 46b. A through hole 45a having a regular hexagonal cross section is provided on the inner peripheral side. This through hole 45
a engages the tool so that it cannot rotate, rotates the adjustment member 45 via the tool, and inserts the guide shaft 43c of the pressing member 43 so as not to hinder the movement of the pressing member 43. It is for doing.

The coil spring 44 includes a casing 46
One end side of the flange portion 4 of the pressing member 43
The pressing member 43 is always pressed against the first engaging member storage portion 30 side of the rotating member 3 on the radially inner side by being housed in such a manner that the pressing member 43 is in contact with the adjusting member 45 at the other end thereof. ing. Then, as the adjusting member 45 is rotated and moved radially inward of the rotating member 3, the pressing force of the coil spring 44 pressing the pressing member 43 is increased, while the adjusting member 45 is moved radially outward. Along with
The pressing force of the coil spring 44 for pressing the pressing member 43 can be set to be weak. In the present embodiment, the adjusting member 45 allows the first engaging member 41 to transmit the first transmission member first when a normal person depresses the bicycle pedal and starts running from a state where the bicycle is stopped on a substantially horizontal road. With the initial rotational torque applied to the engagement portion 24, the first engagement member 41 resists the urging force of the coil spring 44.
Is set in advance to an urging force of such a degree as to slip off the first engagement portion 24, and the user operates the adjustment member 45 to
The biasing force is set according to the leg strength of each user.

Second engagement means 5 in engagement means 4 and 5
Has a second engagement portion 25 provided on the transmission member 2 as shown in FIG. 3, a rotatable connection member 50, and a reduction gear 53.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second engaging portion 25 has a plurality of engaging teeth 25a... 25a provided on the inner peripheral side of the small diameter portion 22 of the transmission member 2 over the entire circumference. I have. Each of the engagement teeth 25a... 25a is formed so as to face the counterclockwise direction in FIG.

The connecting member 50 is formed of a tubular member, and is disposed radially inside the second engaging portion 25 so as to pass through the inner peripheral side of the second engaging portion 25. . At the upper and lower portions of FIG. 3 on the outer periphery of the connection member 50, second engagement members 52, 52 which are detachably engaged with the second engagement portion 25 of the transmission member 2 are provided. I have. Each of the second engagement members 52 has a cylindrical shaft portion 52a on the base end side and an engagement claw 52b on the distal end side. Each of the second engaging members 52 is attached to the second engaging member storage portions 51a, 51a formed so as to be depressed on the outer periphery of the connecting member 50.
The engaging claw 52b is made undulating by being stored so as to rotatably support the engaging claw 52b. The second engaging member 52 is engaged with the engaging claw 52 by the ring spring 6.
b is constantly urged toward the outer engagement teeth 25a... 25a. More specifically, a spring housing groove 51b is provided on the outer circumference of the engagement main body 51 over the entire circumference. Further, the second engagement member 52 is provided with a spring insertion groove 52c extending in the longitudinal direction from the distal end to the shaft portion 52a. When the ring-shaped ring spring 6 is mounted in the spring housing groove 51b of the engagement main body 51, the spring insertion groove 52c of the second engagement member 52 is formed.
When the ring spring 6 is passed through the
Are constantly urged to the outer engagement teeth 25a... 25a side.

The second engaging member 52 constructed as described above
During the rotation of the connecting member 50 with respect to the transmitting member 2 in one direction in the clockwise direction (X direction in FIG. 3) in FIG. 3, the engaging claw 52b and the engaging teeth 25a... 25a engage. When the connecting member 50 is rotated with respect to the member 2 in the other direction on the counterclockwise direction (Y direction in FIG. 3) in FIG.
The engagement teeth 25a... 25a do not engage with each other, and only the connection member 50 rotates.

The speed reducer 53 includes a rotating member 3 and a connecting member 5.
0 to transmit the rotation of the rotating member 3 to the connecting member 50 while reducing the speed. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the reduction gear 53 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of planetary gears 5.
53a and a support member 53b supporting these planetary gears 53a... 53a. In this embodiment, four planet gears 53a ... 53a are provided.
The support member 53b is provided with two disk-shaped support plates 53c, 53c arranged at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction, between which planetary gears 53a. , 52e rotatably supported by support shafts 52e. Also, the left support plate 5 of the support member 53b
By connecting the engaging body 51 of the connection member 50 to the connection member 3c so as not to rotate, the connection member 50 rotates together with the support member 53b. In the present embodiment, the connection member 50 protrudes to the left of the support member 53b by integrally forming the left support plate 53c of the support member 53b and the engagement body 51 of the connection member 50. .

The speed reducer 5 configured as described above
3a are meshed with an inner gear 35 formed on the inner peripheral side on the distal end side of the rotating member 3, and are meshed with a sun gear 110a fixed to the hub shaft 110,
As the rotating member 3 rotates, it can rotate around the inner gear 35 and the sun gear 110a while rotating.
53a rotates around the inner gear 35 and the sun gear 110a, the support member 53b rotates together with the planetary gears 53a ... 53a, and the support members 53b
With the rotation of, the connection member 50 rotates together with the support member 53b. In addition, each planetary gear 53a in the present embodiment.
.. 53a, the inner gear 35 and the sun gear 110a are fixed to the sun gear 110a so that they cannot rotate.
Is rotated once, the supporting member 32b and the connecting member 50
The number of teeth is set so as to make / 4 rotation. The rotation ratio of the connection member 50 to the rotation member 3 can be changed by changing the number of teeth of the planetary gears 53a to 53a, the inner gear 35, and the sun gear 110a, and can be changed as appropriate.

Next, the function of the bicycle hub having the automatic transmission mechanism 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. For convenience of explanation, the description will be made from the running state of the bicycle.

While the bicycle is running, depress the pedal of the bicycle. Thus, a clockwise rotational force in FIG. 2 is applied to the rotating member 3 from the chain winding gear 31 via the chain. When a rotational force is applied to the rotating member 3, the first engaging member 41 of the first engaging means 4 causes the first transmitting member 2 to rotate.
The rotational force is transmitted to the engaging portion 24. that time,
In the running state of the bicycle, the transmission member 2 fixed to the hub main body 100 is rotating together with the wheel along with the rotation of the wheel, so that the first engagement member 41 and the first engagement portion 24 of the transmission member 2 are rotated.
Is usually equal to or less than the above-described initial rotational torque. Therefore, the urging force of the coil spring 44 pressing the first engagement member 41 causes the rotation member 3 to be rotated by the first engagement means 4. The engagement state of the transmission member 2 can be maintained. In the engagement state by the first engagement means 4, the transmission member 2
Rotates in the same direction as the rotating member 3 at the same rotation speed. On the other hand, in the engagement state by the first engagement means 4, the connection member 50 is slower than the rotation speed of the rotation member 3 by the reduction gear 53, so that the transmission member 2 rotates faster with respect to the connection member 50. At 3, the connection member 50 rotates counterclockwise with respect to the transmission member 2. As a result, the second engagement portion 25 of the transmission member 2 does not engage with the connection member 50 of the rotating member 3.

On the other hand, when the bicycle is stopped and the bicycle pedal is depressed from the stopped state, the first engagement member 41 is depressed.
An initial rotational torque is applied between the transmission member 2 and the first engagement portion 24 of the transmission member 2. When the initial rotation torque is applied, the first engagement member 41 slides on the first engagement portion 24 of the transmission member 2 against the urging force of the coil spring 44, and the transmission member 2 and the rotation member 3 is disengaged (see FIG. 5).

When the first engagement means 4 is disengaged from the first engagement means 4, the transmission member 2 cannot rotate together with the rotary member 3, and as a result, the connection member 50 moves clockwise in FIG. (The X direction in the drawing), and the second engagement member 52 of the connection member 50 and the second engagement portion 25 of the transmission member 2 in the second engagement means are engaged. In the engagement state by the second engagement means, the connection member 50 rotates 0.75 while the rotation member 3 makes one rotation, so that the engagement between the transmission member 2 and the rotation member 3 by the first engagement means As compared with the case of the state, a rotational force of the same magnitude can be applied from the connecting member 50 to the transmitting member 2 with a small pedaling force. Therefore, the bicycle can be easily started with a small force. Further, in the engagement state by the second engagement means, the connection member 50 rotates at a rate of 0.75 rotation with respect to one rotation of the rotation member 3, so that the rotation member 3 is connected to the transmission member 2 as shown in FIG. Rotates clockwise (X direction) in FIG. In this state, when the transmission member 2 makes three rotations with the rotation of the wheels, the rotation member 3 makes four rotations, whereby the rotation member 3 makes one full rotation with respect to the transmission member 2 and the first engagement means The first engaging member 41 and the first engaging portion 24 of the transmission member 2 are aligned with each other, and the first engaging member 41 comes into contact with the first engaging portion 24 by the urging force of the coil spring 44 to engage again. I do. First
After the engagement member 41 is re-engaged with the first engagement portion 24, the bicycle is in a running state, so that the transmission member 2 is rotated even when the pedal of the bicycle is depressed as described above. First engaging member 41 and first engaging portion 24 of transmission member 2
The rotation force applied between and is usually less than the initial rotation torque, except when the pedal is strongly depressed, etc.
The first engaging means 4 is driven by the urging force of the coil spring 44.
, The engagement between the rotating member 3 and the transmission member 2 can be maintained.

In the engaged state by the first engaging means 4, the transmitting member 2 rotates at the same rotational speed in the same direction as the rotating member 3 as described above, while the engaging member is engaged by the first engaging means 4. In the combined state, since the connecting member 50 is slower than the rotating speed of the rotating member 3 by the reduction gear 53, the transmitting member 2 rotates faster with respect to the connecting member 50 and
It rotates clockwise with respect to 0, and the second engaging portion 25 for the transmitting member of the transmitting member 2 does not engage with the connecting member 50 of the rotating member 3.

Further, in the running state of the bicycle, for example, when climbing an uphill, the pedal must be depressed more strongly than when traveling on an ordinary substantially horizontal road.
When a rotation force equal to or more than the above-described initial rotation torque is applied between the first engagement member 41 and the first engagement portion 24 of the transmission member 2, when the bicycle is depressed and the bicycle pedal is depressed, Similarly, the first engagement member 41 slides on the first engagement portion 24 of the transmission member 2 against the urging force of the coil spring 44 to engage the transmission member 2 with the rotating member 3 by the first engagement means. Is disengaged, and the second engaging member 52 of the connecting member 50 of the second engaging means and the second engaging portion 25 for the transmitting member of the transmitting member 2 are engaged.

While the bicycle is running, stop the pedal,
When the rotation of the rotation member 3 is stopped, the cylindrical member 23 of the transmission member 2 engaged with the rotation member 3 by the first engagement member 41
Is transmitted by the ratchet mechanisms 21 and 23b.
Thus, only the transmission main body 20 rotates with the rotation of the wheel, and the rotating member 3 and the cylindrical body 23 can maintain the stopped state.

By performing as described above, the pedaling force is increased as in the case of starting running from a stopped state of a bicycle or climbing a hill, and the first engaging means of the first engaging means is increased. When a rotational force equal to or more than the preset initial rotational torque is applied to the joining member 41, the engagement by the first engagement means is naturally released, and the second engagement means having a lower rotation speed than the engagement by the first engagement means. In this state, if the vehicle travels a predetermined distance by stepping on the pedal, the vehicle can be engaged again by the first engagement means. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform an operation for shifting, such as operating a shift lever, as in the related art, so that the device can be used conveniently.

The urging means 42 of the first engaging means 4
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, a ring-shaped leaf spring 440 may be used as an urging member. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the urging means 42 includes a pressing member 430 that presses the first engagement member 41.
And a leaf spring 440 as an urging member for urging the pressing member 43 radially inward. The pressing member 430 includes a pressing portion 431 on the distal end side for pressing the first engagement member 41, and a spring pressing portion 4 pressed on the leaf spring 440 on the base end side.
32. The leaf spring 440 is a leaf spring having narrow portions 441 and 441 that gradually become narrower toward the ends as shown in FIG. 7B, and an opening as shown in FIG. It is formed by bending and forming a circular shape. The pressing member 430 is movably passed through the insertion hole 36 formed so as to penetrate from the outer periphery of the rotating member 3 to the first engagement member storage portion 30,
The pressing part 431 protrudes into the first engagement member storage part 30. The leaf spring 440 is slidably inserted in the circumferential direction of the rotating member 3 in a spring groove 442 provided on the outer periphery of the rotating member 3 along the circumferential direction, so that one narrow portion of the leaf spring 440 is formed. 441 is pressed by the spring pressing portion 432 of the pressing member 430. Further, the leaf spring 440 inserted in the spring groove 442 is pressed from the outer peripheral side by a bolt-shaped fixing member 443 as fixing means provided on the outer periphery of the rotating member 3 so as to be capable of being fixed and released. 3, the pressing portion 431 of the pressing member 430 presses the first engaging member 41 toward the transmission member 2, and this pressing causes the first engaging member 41 and the first engaging portion 2 to be pressed.
4 is in a state of contact. Then, when a rotational force equal to or more than the initial rotational torque is applied to the first engagement member 41 from this state, the first engagement member 41 resists the urging force of the leaf spring 440 as shown in FIG. The engagement between the first engagement member 41 and the first engagement portion 24 is released by sliding the joint portion 24. When adjusting the urging force for urging the first engagement member 41, for example, when increasing the urging force, the fixing of the leaf spring 440 by the fixing member 443 is temporarily released, and the leaf spring 440 is moved along the spring groove 442. The pressing member 430 side (FIG. 6)
After sliding in the (Y direction of (A)), it is fixed by the fixing member 443. Thus, the first engaging member 41 can be received at the wide portion of the narrow portion 441 of the leaf spring 440, and the force of urging the first engaging member 41 can be increased.
Accordingly, when the first engagement member 41 and the first engagement portion 24 are disengaged from each other, the first engagement member 41 and the first engagement portion 2
4 can be increased. On the other hand, when the urging force is weakened, the first engaging member 41 is slid along the spring groove 442 in the opposite direction (the X direction in FIG. Can be received at the narrow portion of the narrow portion 441, and the force of urging the first engagement member 41 can be reduced. When using such a leaf spring 440, the first engagement member 41
The adjusting means for adjusting the urging force for urging is not limited to this mode, and for example, a fixing member 443 is provided so as to be movable in the circumferential direction of the rotating member 3, and the pressing member 430 and the fixing member 44 are provided.
By adjusting the length between the first engaging member 4 and the
The urging force for urging 1 may be adjusted, and may be changed as appropriate.

By using such a leaf spring 440, the casing 46 for accommodating the coil spring 44 as in the previous embodiment can be dispensed with.
6 can be prevented from protruding to the outer peripheral side,
It can be suitable for using a chain case.
In the above-described embodiment, the leaf spring 440 has narrow portions 441 and 441 at both ends in the circumferential direction, and the upper and lower portions of the leaf spring 440 are symmetrical with respect to the illustrated upper and lower portions, and the upper and lower central portions thereof are used as the rotating member 3. Attachment, if one side has settled the spring due to multiple uses, the other side can be used, but not limited to this form, for example, having a shape obtained by dividing the leaf spring 440 into two May be
It can be changed as appropriate.

The urging means 42 of the first engaging means 4
Is not limited to the configuration provided outside the rotating member 3, but may be the configuration provided inside the rotating member 3. For example, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the biasing member 440a is constituted by a plate spring 440a in which a plate spring is formed in a curved shape, and one end thereof has
Fixing piece 4 formed by bending one end of leaf spring 440a
40b, and a pressing piece 440c formed by bending the other end of the leaf spring 440a at the other end. Then, the leaf spring 440a is housed in a spring housing 440d provided on the inner peripheral side of the rotating member 3. Specifically, a spring storage portion 440d is provided on the inner peripheral side of the rotating member 3. The spring storage portion 440d has a fixing portion 440e at one end in the circumferential direction and a fixing portion 440e at the other end.
To the first engagement member storage portion 30 from the first to the first engagement member storage portion 30, the operation portion 4 gradually expanding radially outward as going to the first engagement member storage portion 30 side
40f. The fixing piece 440b of the leaf spring 440a is fixed to the fixing part 440e of the spring storage part 440d.
Is fixed to the pressing piece 44 of the leaf spring 440a.
0c presses against the first engagement member 41, and constantly biases the first engagement member 41 toward the transmission member on the inner side of the diameter to press the first engagement member 24. Then, from this state, when a rotational force equal to or more than the initial rotational torque is applied to the first engagement member 41,
The first engaging member 41 slides on the first engaging portion 24 against the urging force of the leaf spring 440a, and the first engaging member 41 and the first engaging portion 2
4 is disengaged. By providing the biasing means 42 inside the rotating member 3 in this manner, the biasing means 42 can be made invisible from the outside and can be made excellent in appearance, and when a chain case is used,
There is no need to provide a protruding portion on the outer periphery of the rotating member 3, and it is possible to make it even more suitable. Further, by forming the pressing piece 440c for pressing the first engaging member 41 in a part of the leaf spring 440a, it is not necessary to separately manufacture a pressing member, and it is possible to manufacture the pressing member at low cost.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the first engagement member 41
Is provided on the rotating member 3, and the first engaging portion 24 is provided on the transmission member 2 so as to be releasably engageable with the first engaging member 41. 41 to transmission member 2
, And the first engaging portion 24 that is removably engaged with the first engaging member 41 may be provided on the rotating member 3, and can be changed as appropriate. Also, the first engagement member 41 and the first engagement portion 24
Is not limited to the one provided one by one.
One or both of the first and the first engagement portions 24 may be provided in a plurality in the circumferential direction. For example, the first engagement portions 24 are provided at two positions in the transmission member 2 separated by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction, and the first engagement members 41 engaged with the first engagement portions 24 receive the initial rotational torque. After the engagement is released, when the rotating member 3 makes a half rotation with respect to the transmission member 2, the other first engaging portion 24 can be engaged again.

In this embodiment, when the connecting member 50 is rotated in one direction with respect to the transmitting member 2, the connecting member 5 is rotated.
As a means of a one-way clutch for engaging the transmission member 2 with the second engagement member 52 having an engagement claw 52b provided on the connection member 50, and engaging teeth 25a.
5a, the present invention is not limited to this mode, and other one-way clutch means may be employed, and may be changed as appropriate. Also, as in the present embodiment, the second engagement member 52 and the engagement teeth 2
5a... 25a, the connecting member 50
25a may be provided on the transmission member 2 and the second engagement member 52 may be provided on the transmission member 2.

In this embodiment, the speed reducer 53 is constituted by planet gears 53a... 53a. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the gear ratio can be changed by using a plurality of gears. Connecting member 5 to rotating member 3
It can be changed as appropriate, such as changing the number of rotations of zero.

In the present embodiment, the automatic transmission mechanism 1
Is formed integrally with the hub body 100 of the bicycle hub. However, the automatic transmission mechanism 1 is configured separately from the hub body 100 of the bicycle hub, and is generally used. It may be attached to a simple bicycle hub, and can be changed as appropriate.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transmission member 2 is constituted by the transmission main body 20 and the cylindrical body 23, and both are connected by ratchet mechanisms 21a and 23b so as to be capable of transmitting rotation in one circumferential direction. The ratchet mechanism 2
Both may be formed integrally without providing 1a and 23b, and can be changed as appropriate.

The bicycle according to the present invention includes not only general bicycles but also tricycles, four-wheeled vehicles, electric bicycles provided with electric motors, and the like. Further, reference numerals described in the claims are attached to facilitate understanding of the claims when viewed in conjunction with the drawings.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a cross section of a part of a bicycle hub having an automatic transmission mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional explanatory view along the line III-III in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional explanatory view along the line IV-IV in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional explanatory view of a state where the first engagement means is disengaged.

FIG. 6 relates to an explanatory view of another embodiment of the urging means,
(A) is an explanatory longitudinal sectional view of a state in which the urging means of another embodiment is mounted on a rotating member, and (B) is a side view thereof.

FIG. 7A is a front view of a leaf spring in an urging unit of another embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a side view of the leaf spring in an expanded state.

FIG. 8 shows a first example of the first embodiment, which is opposed to the urging force of the urging means of another embodiment.
It is the longitudinal section explanatory drawing which expanded the principal part in the state where the engagement of the engaging member was disengaged.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional explanatory view of a state in which a biasing unit according to still another embodiment is mounted on a rotating member.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Automatic transmission mechanism 2 ... Transmission member 3 ... Rotation member 4 ... 1st engagement means 5 ... 2nd engagement Engagement means 24 First engagement part 25 Second engagement part 41 First engagement member 42 Urging means 43 Pressing member 44 Coil spring 45 Adjusting member 50 Connecting member 52 Second engaging member 53 Reduction gear 53a・ Planetary gear 100 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Hub body 110 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Hub shaft

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A transmission member (2) for transmitting rotation to a wheel of a bicycle, a rotation member (3) rotatably arranged with respect to the transmission member (2), a rotation member (3) and a transmission member ( 2)
Engagement means (4) and (5) for releasably engaging with each other. The rotation member (3) is rotatable by receiving a driving force from the chain, and the rotation of the rotation member (3) is performed. As a result, the transmission member (2) is rotated by receiving the rotational force from the rotating member (3) via the engaging means (4) (5), so that the wheels of the bicycle can be rotated. The engagement means includes a first engagement means (4) and a second engagement means (5), and the second engagement means (5) is configured to rotate the transmission member (2) with respect to the rotation member (3). Can be rotated at a speed lower than the rotation speed of the transmission member (2) with respect to the rotation member (3) when the transmission member (2) and the rotation member (3) are engaged by the first engagement means (4). Transmission member (2) and rotating member (3)
When the pedal provided on the bicycle is depressed with a certain force or more, the engagement between the rotation member (3) and the transmission member (2) by the first engagement means (4) is performed. The rotating member (3) and the transmission member (2) are switched to the engagement by the second engaging means (5) and run in the engaged state by the second engaging means (5), whereby the rotating member (3) and the transmission member (2) are the second
An automatic transmission mechanism characterized in that it can be switched from engagement by the engagement means (5) to engagement by the first engagement means (4). 2. A transmission member (2) for transmitting rotation to a bicycle wheel, a rotation member (3) rotatably arranged with respect to the transmission member (2), a rotation member (3) and a transmission member (2). 2)
Engagement means (4) and (5) for releasably engaging with each other. The rotation member (3) is rotatable by receiving a driving force from the chain, and the rotation of the rotation member (3) is performed. As a result, the transmission member (2) is rotated by receiving the rotational force from the rotating member (3) via the engaging means (4) (5), so that the wheels of the bicycle can be rotated. The engagement means includes a first engagement means (4) and a second engagement means (5), and the second engagement means (5) is configured to rotate the transmission member (2) with respect to the rotation member (3). Can be rotated at a speed lower than the rotation speed of the transmission member (2) with respect to the rotation member (3) when the transmission member (2) and the rotation member (3) are engaged by the first engagement means (4). Transmission member (2) and rotating member (3)
When the transmission member (2) engaged with the rotation member (3) by the first engagement means (4) is subjected to a predetermined rotational force or more from the rotation member (3), the first force is applied. The engagement by the engagement means (4) is released, and the rotating member (3) and the transmission member (2) can be engaged by the second engagement means (5). Automatic transmission mechanism. 3. The second engaging means (5) includes a rotatable connection member (50) which is detachably engaged with the transmission member (2), and a reduction gear (52). 52) connects the rotating member (3) and the connecting member (50) to the connecting member (50) such that the rotation of the rotating member (3) can be transmitted while reducing the rotation of the rotating member (3). 3. The automatic transmission according to claim 1, wherein the transmission member (2) rotates through the connecting member (50) at a lower speed than the rotation of the rotating member (3). mechanism. 4. The connecting member (50) is engageable when rotating in one direction with respect to the transmission member (2), but is disengageable when rotating in the other direction with respect to the transmission member (2). The automatic transmission mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: 5. A reduction gear (52) comprising a plurality of planetary gears (5).
3a) and a support member (53b) supporting each of these planetary gears (53a).
The sun gear (110) provided on the bicycle axle (110)
a) and internal teeth (3) provided on the inner circumference of the rotating member (3).
5), the planetary gears (53a) are brought into contact with the sun gear (110) with the rotation of the rotating member (3).
a) and the internal teeth (35), the support member (53b) is rotated by this rotation, and the support member (53b) is connected to the connection member (50) so as to be able to transmit the rotation. The automatic transmission mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the connection member (50) rotates while decelerating with the rotation of (3). 6. A first engaging means (4) comprising: at least one first engaging member (41) provided on one of a rotating member (3) and a transmitting member (2); At least one first engagement portion (24) provided on the other side of the member (3) and the transmission member (2) and removably engaged with the first engagement member (41); An urging means (42) for urging the joining member (41) toward the first engaging portion (24), wherein the first engaging member (41) and the first engaging portion (24) are engaged with each other. As a result, the transmission member (2) and the rotating member (3) rotate together, and rotate from the rotating member (3) to the first engagement member (41) against the urging of the urging means (42). As the force is applied, the first engagement member (41) and the first engagement portion (24) are disengaged, and the rotation member (3) rotates with respect to the transmission member (2). (3) is transmitted The first engagement member (41) and the first engagement portion (24) are rotated with respect to the member (2) so that the first engagement member (41) and the first engagement portion (24) match. 6.) The automatic transmission mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the automatic transmission mechanism can be engaged again. 7. The first engaging means (4) includes an urging means (42).
The automatic transmission mechanism according to claim 6, further comprising an adjusting means (45) for adjusting the urging force. 8. A hub axle (110) non-rotatably mounted on a bicycle, a hub body (100) rotatably supported on the hub axle (110), and an automatic transmission mechanism provided on the hub body (100). (1), wherein the automatic transmission mechanism (1) includes a transmission member (2) constituted by a part of the hub body (100), and a rotation rotatably disposed with respect to the transmission member (2). A member (3) and engaging means (4) and (5) for removably engaging the rotating member (3) and the transmission member (2), wherein the rotating member (3) is driven by a chain. The transmission member (2) receives rotation force from the rotation member (3) via the engagement means (4) (5) with the rotation of the rotation member (3). By rotating, the hub main body (100) is made rotatable, and the engagement means comprises: a first engagement means (4); 2 engagement means (5), wherein the second engagement means (5) controls the rotation speed of the transmission member (2) with respect to the rotation member (3) by the first engagement means (4). ) And the rotation member (3) so that the transmission member (2) can rotate at a lower speed than the rotation speed of the transmission member (2) with respect to the rotation member (3) when the rotation member (3) is engaged.
When the transmission member (2) engaged with the rotation member (3) by the first engagement means (4) is subjected to a predetermined rotational force or more from the rotation member (3), the first force is applied. The engagement by the engagement means (4) is released, and the rotating member (3) and the transmission member (2) can be engaged by the second engagement means (5). A bicycle hub having an automatic transmission mechanism.