JP7602215B2 - Smart Cycle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a bicycle having a drive mechanism that allows the bicycle to be ridden more easily with less effort than conventional bicycles.

It is fair to say that the basic mechanism of the bicycle's drive mechanism is nearly identical to that of the bicycle manufactured and sold by the French company Peugeot in 1892 and/or the drive mechanism of the first bicycle manufactured in Japan by Miyata Gun Works, a company that manufactured guns (this company later changed its name to Miyata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.) in 1902. In other words, the basic mechanism of today's bicycles is nearly identical to the bicycles that were actively manufactured in Europe in the early 20th century, and it is fair to say that there is nothing new to mention.

FIG. 1 is shown.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional bicycle drive mechanism.
The drive mechanism shown in this figure can be divided into three parts based on its function.
The first is the part (hereinafter referred to as the drive link) consisting of the crank, hanger shaft, and gear plate (large gear), the second is the part (hereinafter referred to as the follower link) consisting of the rear wheel, sprocket (small gear), and hub, and the third is the transmission of power by a chain (hereinafter referred to as the chain transmission).
The drive mechanism at the driver and the drive mechanism at the follower are identical in structure and function to the "wheel and axle" in mechanics.
Of the basic links, the crank corresponds to the large wheel in the wheel set, the shaft corresponds to the axle in the wheel set, and the gear plate (large gear) corresponds to the small wheel in the wheel set.
Of the followers, the small gear (sprocket) corresponds functionally to the large wheel of the wheel set, the rear wheel corresponds to the small wheel of the wheel set, and the axle of the rear wheel corresponds to the axle of the wheel set.

が成り立つ。
輪軸において、この式２は、大輪に加える力Ｆは、小輪に吊るされた物体の重量Ｗよりも、常に小さいことを示している。
計算例を示す。
小輪に吊るした物体の重量が８０ｋｇであり、小輪の半径が１０ｃｍ、大輪の半径が４０ｃｍであると仮定し、これにつり合う力Ｆを求めると、
式２から

になる。（以下、計算例１という）。つまり、小輪における８０ｋｇ（Ｗ）は、大輪における２０ｋｇ（Ｆ）とつり合う。
つぎに、輪軸によって物体が移動する距離を求めてみることにする。
輪軸においては、大輪が１回転すると小輪も１回転する。従って、大輪１回転につき小輪が巻き取る綱の長さは、小輪の円周長によって決まる。前記の計算例１において、大輪の半径が４０ｃｍ、小輪の半径は１０ｃｍであるので、これについて、物体Ｗが巻きあげられる距離（長さ）を求めると、
小輪の円周は
２０ｃｍ（１０ｃｍ×２）×３．１４（円周率）＝６２．８ｃｍ、（以下、計算例２という）
になる。従って、小輪１回転当り、物体Ｗが巻き上げられる距離（綱の長さ）は、６２．８ｃｍの距離（綱の長さ）である。 Figures 6-1 and 6-2 are shown.
Figures 6-1 and 6-2 are diagrams showing the structure and function of the wheel set.
In FIG. 6-1(A), reference numeral 1 denotes a large wheel, reference numeral 2 denotes a small wheel, and reference numeral 3 denotes a shaft.
If a rope is tied to the small wheel and an object is tied to the end of the rope, and the rope of the large wheel is pulled downward by a human, the rope of the small wheel is reeled in and the object rises upward. In this case, the greater the difference between the radius of the large wheel and the radius of the small wheel, the less force is required to reel in the object.
FIG. 6-1(B) is a front view of the wheel set in FIG. 6-1(A) from the small wheel to the large wheel, where the symbol F is the human force and the symbol W is the weight of the object.
Figure 6-2 is shown.
FIGS. 6-2(A) and 6-2(B) are diagrams in which the action of the wheel set shown in FIGS. 6-1(A) and 6-1(B) is replaced with the action of a lever.
6-2(A) and (B), symbol O is the fulcrum of the lever, symbol A is the force point of the lever, and symbol B is the point where the force is applied to the lever. Symbol R is the radius of the large wheel and corresponds to the distance (length) between the fulcrum and the force point of the lever, symbol r is the radius of the small wheel and corresponds to the distance (length) between the fulcrum and the force point of the lever, symbol F is the force, and symbol W is the weight of the object.
In Figure 6-2 (B), when W and F are in equilibrium, the lever does not move. In mechanics, this is called "balanced." Similarly, when W and F are in balance, the axle does not move. This state is expressed by the following equation 1.

holds true.
In a wheel set, Equation 2 shows that the force F applied to the large wheel is always less than the weight W of the object suspended from the small wheel.
A calculation example is shown below.
Assume that the weight of the object hanging from the small wheel is 80 kg, the radius of the small wheel is 10 cm, and the radius of the large wheel is 40 cm. Determine the force F that balances this.
From Equation 2

(Hereinafter referred to as Calculation Example 1.) In other words, 80 kg (W) on the small wheel is balanced with 20 kg (F) on the large wheel.
Next, we will try to find the distance the object moves due to the axle.
In the wheel set, when the large wheel rotates once, the small wheel also rotates once. Therefore, the length of the rope that the small wheel winds up per rotation of the large wheel is determined by the circumference of the small wheel. In the above calculation example 1, the radius of the large wheel is 40 cm and the radius of the small wheel is 10 cm. The distance (length) that the object W can be wound up is calculated as follows:
The circumference of the small wheel is 20cm (10cm x 2) x 3.14 (pi) = 62.8cm (hereinafter referred to as Calculation Example 2).
Therefore, the distance (length of the rope) that the object W is reeled in with each rotation of the small wheel is 62.8 cm.

になる。（以下、計算例３という）。つまり、４０ｋｇ以上の力をペダルに与えなければならない。 Figure 2 is shown.
FIG. 2 is a photograph showing the structure of a chain wheel composed of a crank shaft and gear plate.
In the structure of a chain wheel, the crank and the gear plate are fixed to the shaft and integrated together, so that the crank corresponds to the large wheel of the axle, the gear plate corresponds to the small wheel of the axle, the shaft corresponds to the axle of the axle, and the chain corresponds to the rope of the axle.
In a wheel axle, a rope is tied to the small wheel, and an object is hung from one end of the rope; the object (W) is pulled up by rotating the large wheel.
In a conventional bicycle, assuming that the crank length is 17 cm, the gear plate radius is 8.5 cm, and the total load of the bicycle is 80 kg (bicycle 15 kg, human body 65 kg), how many Newtons of force (F) must be applied to the pedal in order to turn the crank and pull up this object? The calculation is as follows:
From the above formula 2

(Hereafter, this will be referred to as calculation example 3.) In other words, a force of 40 kg or more must be applied to the pedal.

The mechanism in the rear wheel of a bicycle is identical in structure to the wheel set, but its action and effect are opposite to those of the wheel set.
In terms of the function and effect of the wheelsets, it is an absolute requirement that the radius R of the larger wheel be greater than the radius r of the smaller wheel.
However, the mechanism of the rear wheels is equivalent to tying a rope to the large wheel, hanging an object W from the end of the rope, and trying to pull it up by applying a force F to the small wheel to rotate it.
In the conventional bicycle drive mechanism, a chain is wound around a small gear (sprocket), which rotates when the chain is wound around a large gear (gear plate). When the small gear rotates once, the rear wheel of the bicycle also rotates once. The entire weight of the bicycle and the human body is placed on the rear wheel of the bicycle. In addition, when riding, the problems of road resistance (frictional force) and acceleration force are added to the above.
However, the driving mechanism of the rear wheel of a bicycle is such that the power (motive force) transmitted from the large gear to the small gear by the chain turns the rear wheel, which is under a heavy load. The radius of the rear wheel is much larger than the radius of the small gear. This goes against the function and effect of the wheel axle.
As mentioned above, conventional bicycle drive mechanisms have insurmountable barriers and limitations.

As mentioned above, the driving mechanism of a conventional bicycle is identical in structure and function to the wheel set. This has certain limitations and restrictions that cannot be overcome.
The present invention aims to eliminate the action of the wheel set acting on the drive link of a conventional bicycle drive mechanism, and to develop and provide an alternative mechanism.
Cycling is pretty hard work, and hard work, whatever it may be, is never fun.
The objective and purpose of the present invention is to develop and provide a bicycle that is faster, lighter, and easier to ride with less effort.

First Means

The crank is removed from the drive mechanism of current bicycles, and instead the pedals are attached to a circular ring around a gear plate (large wheel).

Second Means

The radius of the gear plate is made equal to the length of a conventional bicycle crank or as large as possible without interfering with the running of the bicycle.

Third Measure

The radius of the small gear (sprocket) of the rear wheel is increased in proportion to the radius of the gear plate (large gear).

Fourth Measure

The rotation center point of the gear plate is set at a position away from the center point of the circle, and the structure is changed to a gear plate that rotates eccentrically.

Fifth Measure

A drive mechanism equipped with a gear plate having the above-mentioned structure is installed on both the left and right sides of the bicycle, thereby changing the structure into a bicycle with drive from both sides.

Effect of the Invention

The effect of the present invention can be explained by the "moment of force" in mechanics.
Figure 5 is shown.
In mechanics, the center of rotation (O) at the right end is called the fulcrum, the points (A) and (B) where force is applied are called the points of action, and the length from the fulcrum to the point of action is called the "arm length."
In Fig. 5, when the length of OB is 10 cm and the length of OA is 20 cm, the force required to push the action point A and the force required to push the action point B are twice as much as the force required to push the action point A. In other words, the force required to push the action point A is half the force required to push the action point B.
The force moment is expressed by the following equation 4.
Moment of force (M) = force (F) x arm length (L), Equation 4
This formula shows that if the force is constant, the longer the "arm length", the greater the force moment.

The present invention removes the crank from the drive mechanism of a conventional bicycle, and instead increases the radius of the gear plate as far as this does not interfere with the riding of the bicycle , and attaches the pedals directly to the maximum circumference of the gear plate.
By removing the crank in a conventional bicycle, the radius of the gear plate can be increased. In the present invention, a larger radius of the gear plate means a larger arm length for the moment of force.
As the arm length increases, the moment of force increases, as shown in Equation 4 above.

If the radius of the gear plate (large gear) in a conventional bicycle is 9 cm and the length of the crank is 18 cm, the radius of the gear plate (large gear) in the present invention can be expanded to at least 18 cm. In addition, since the gear plate of the present invention is an eccentric rotating gear plate, if the distance (length) from the circle center point to the eccentric center point is 2 cm, the "arm length" in the present invention is 20 cm.
Increasing the length of the arm has a very large effect in light of the above formula 4. Not only does it increase the moment of force applied to the gear plate, but it also allows the radius of the pinion (sprocket) on the rear wheel of the bicycle to be increased.
If the radius of the sprocket on a rear bicycle wheel is increased to twice or more than twice the radius of a conventional sprocket, the effect is extremely large.

下、計算例４という）。
これに対して、本発明において、小歯車の半径を従来の２倍に拡大した場合、その半径は１４ｃｍになる。その効果を計算で求めると、

になる。（以下、計算例５という）。
１８３ｋｇ（Ｆ）は３６６ｋｇ（Ｆ）の２分の１である。すなわち、後輪の半径が一定であれば、小歯車（スプロケット）の半径が大きい程、後輪の回転に要する力は小さくなる。 The follower mechanism of a bicycle rear wheel is identical to the wheelset structure, but its function and effect are reversed.
The small gear (sprocket) of a conventional bicycle corresponds functionally to the large wheel of the wheel set, the rear wheel corresponds to the small wheel of the wheel set, and the shaft passing through the hub corresponds to the shaft of the wheel set.
The mechanism of the wheel axle is such that a rope is attached to a small wheel, an object (W) is hung from the end of the rope, and a force (F) is applied to the large wheel to rotate it, thereby lifting the object. Therefore, a heavy object can be lifted with a small force.
However, the follower mechanism in the drive mechanism of modern bicycles is equivalent to tying a rope to the large wheel, hanging an object (W) from the end of the rope, and applying a force (F) to the small wheel to rotate it and pull up the object. This goes against the action and effect of the wheel axle.
The present invention is extremely effective because it allows the radius of the small wheel (sprocket) on the rear wheel of the bicycle to be increased in proportion to the increase in the radius of the large gear.
A calculation example is shown below.
In a conventional bicycle structure, if the pinion (sprocket) has a radius of 7 cm and the rear wheel has a radius of 32 cm (the majority of bicycles currently on the road have tires with a diameter of 60-70 cm, but this is the diameter when the tires are fully inflated. As the weight of the bicycle itself and the weight of the human body are carried by a bicycle, the tire expands sideways when traveling on the road. Therefore, the radius of the rear wheel becomes shorter), and assuming a load of 80 kg is placed on the rear wheel, how much force must be applied to the pinion to rotate the rear wheel?
From the above formula 2

(See Calculation Example 4 below.)
In contrast, in the present invention, if the radius of the pinion is doubled, the radius will be 14 cm. The effect of this is calculated as follows:

(Hereinafter, this will be referred to as Calculation Example 5.)
183 kg (F) is half of 366 kg (F). In other words, if the radius of the rear wheel is constant, the larger the radius of the pinion (sprocket), the smaller the force required to rotate the rear wheel.

In the present invention, the radius of the gear plate of a conventional bicycle can be at least doubled, so if the radius of the conventional gear plate is 8.5 cm, the radius of the gear plate of the present invention will be 17 cm. Assuming that the total load of the bicycle is 80 kg (bicycle 15 kg, human body 65 kg), the force (moment of force) acting on the pedal on the circumference of the gear plate is calculated as follows:
Moment of force = force x arm length (Formula 3)
Therefore, if the radius of a conventional gear plate is 8.5 cm, then in the gear plate of the present invention, the "arm length" in the moment of force is 17 cm, which is twice 8.5 cm.
If the force (F) applied to the pedal of a conventional bicycle is 40 kg (F), and this force is applied to the pedal of the present invention, then a force (F) of 40 kg x 2 = 80 kg acts on the pedal (see FIG. 5).
(In this invention, an eccentric rotating gear plate is used, so if the distance from the center of eccentric rotation to the center of the circle is 2 cm, the "arm length" in the moment of force is 19 cm (17 cm + 2 cm). Therefore, in this invention, the force acting on the pedal exceeds 80 kg (F).

Figure 4-3 is shown.
FIG. 4-3 shows how both the left and right gear plates are fixed to the shaft so that the "arm lengths" of the left and right gear plates work alternately when the gear plates rotate.
When the gear plate rotates, the circumference of the gear plate is divided into two halves by a vertical line passing through the center point of the gear plate. When one half of the plate is in front of the bicycle in the direction of travel, it effectively acts as a pulling force for the chain, but when the other half of the plate is in the rear of the bicycle in the direction of travel, it does not effectively act as a pulling force for the chain.
In the eccentric rotating gear plate of the present invention, the distance from the eccentric rotation center point to the circumference is divided into a short half circle and a long half circle, with the vertical line passing through the rotation center point of the gear plate as the boundary. Therefore, in this case, when the short half circle comes to a position forward in the direction of bicycle travel, the chain becomes slack. When the chain becomes slack, it means that there is no force pulling the chain.
In the rotation of the gear plates shown in Figure 4-3, when the chain of the left side gear plate is in tension, the chain of the right side gear plate is slack, and when the chain of the right side is in tension, the chain of the left side is slack. This is repeated in the rotation of the eccentric gear plate.
In the present invention, even though the gear plates on both the left and right sides are fixed to the shaft, the forces acting on both the left and right gear plates are cut off and do not act simultaneously. Therefore, there is no room for the action of the wheel set to come into play.
The drive mechanism of the present invention operates with half or less than half the force required by drive mechanisms in conventional bicycles.

The present invention has superior acceleration compared to conventional bicycles because the radius of the gear plate is twice or more than twice that of the gear plate of a conventional bicycle, and a moment of force (torque) is applied to the circumference of the gear plate.

In the conventional bicycle structure, except for the crank on the left side of the bicycle, all other mechanisms are mounted on the right side of the bicycle, so the weight of the bicycle is unbalanced from left to right.
Draw a straight line on a level , flat road, line up the front and rear wheels of a bicycle on this line, and while keeping the bicycle in a vertical position, push it from behind and release it, the bicycle will inevitably fall to the right side.
Whether the cyclist is aware of it or not, when actually riding, the bicycle itself is always tilted slightly to the left.
In the present invention, the weight of the bicycle is balanced between the left and right sides because the same weight drive mechanism is mounted on each side of the bicycle. It is extremely important that the weight of the bicycle is balanced between the left and right sides when riding long distances for long periods of time.

The present invention can be implemented using well-known techniques for assembling and manufacturing bicycles. No special skills are required. However, there are a number of points to be aware of during assembly and manufacturing, which will be described below.
(1) Strength of the gear plate In this invention, the crank of the conventional bicycle is removed, and instead, the radius of the gear plate is enlarged, and the pedals are attached to the circumference of the enlarged gear plate. Therefore, the conventional gear plate cannot be used. A new gear plate must be purchased.
In this case, care must be taken when selecting the gear plate material, as it is required to use a material that is as light and strong as possible.
(2) Points to note when making eccentric rotating gear plates.
It is an absolute requirement that the eccentric rotation center point, the circle center point, and the pedal attachment point be aligned on the same line as the diameter of the circle.
(3) Problems with reinforcement materials and their structure.
In the present invention, the radius of the gear plate is twice or more than twice that of the conventional gear plate, so when a lightweight material such as an aluminum alloy is used, a reinforcing material must be used to reinforce the strength.
In this case, since the gear teeth are arranged on the circumference of the gear plate, a reinforcing material structure that does not impede the function of the gear is required. The pedal is placed on top of the reinforcing material. However, if the material and strength of the gear plate are sufficient, there is no need to use a reinforcing material.
(4) Problem of the distance between the center point of the circle and the center point of the eccentricity The distance between the center point of the circle and the center point of the eccentricity on the enlarged gear plate varies depending on the type and use of the bicycle. For bicycles that require high speed riding, such as road racers and sportifs, a distance (spacing) in the range of 20 mm to 25 mm is desirable, while for bicycles used for commuting, going to school, and everyday life, such as utility bicycles and city cycles, a distance in the range of 10 mm to 15 mm is desirable.
(5) Bottom bracket and hub structure problems In the present invention, drive mechanisms are installed on both the left and right sides of the bicycle, which requires a change to the conventional rear hub structure.
Figure 3 is shown.
FIG. 3 is a photograph showing the structure of a conventional rear hub when a multi- speed transmission is mounted.
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a flange to which spokes are attached, and reference numeral 2 denotes a sprocket holder (also called a free hub body) into which a multi-stage sprocket (pinion gear) is fitted and fixed.
In the present invention, since the drive mechanism is installed on both the left and right sides of the bicycle, a sprocket holder for fixing and holding the sprocket must also be provided on the left side of the rear hub. This requires a change to the conventional rear hub structure. However, in the case of a single gear (single-stage gear), there is no need to change the rear hub structure.
The bottom bracket, which belongs to the base of the bicycle's drive mechanism, can be fitted with a gear plate at the location where the crank is removed from the left side of the bicycle, so there is no need to change the structure of the conventional bottom bracket.

The present invention can be readily implemented and utilized by conventional techniques well known in the assembly and manufacture of bicycles.

Fig. 1 shows a conventional bicycle drive mechanism, with reference numeral 1 indicating a gear plate (large gear), 2 indicating a crank, 3 indicating a pedal, 4 indicating a chain, and 5 indicating a small gear (sprocket). Figure 2 is a photograph of a chain wheel that is composed of a crank, a shaft, and a gear plate. Reference numeral 1 denotes a crank, reference numeral 2 denotes a gear plate, and reference numeral 3 denotes a shaft. Figure 3 is a photograph showing the structure of a conventional bicycle rear hub. Reference numeral 1 denotes a flange, and reference numeral 2 denotes a sprocket holder (also called a free hub body) into which a multi-stage sprocket (pinion) is fitted to secure and hold it. and Figures 4-1, 4-2 and 4-3 are conceptual diagrams illustrating the structure of the eccentric rotating gear plate of the present invention. Figure 4-1 shows a gear plate to be attached to the drive mechanism on the right side of the bicycle, and Figure 4-2 shows a gear plate to be attached to the drive mechanism on the left side. Figure 4-3 shows both the left and right gear plates fixed through a shaft. In Figure 4-1, reference number 1 is the circumference of the gear plate, reference number 2 is the pedal attached to the circumference, and reference number 3 is a hole for fixing through the shaft. (Please note that this hole is off the center point of the circle.) 5 is a diagram for explaining the "moment of force" in mechanics. The symbols (A) and (B) are the points of application of force, and the symbol O is the center point of the through hole through which the nail is inserted, which is the fulcrum of the moment of force. and FIG. 6-1 (A) is a diagram showing a model of the structure of a wheel set. FIG. 6-1 (B) is a diagram showing the structure of a wheel set as seen from the front, from the small wheel to the large wheel. In FIG. 6-1 (A), symbol 1 is the large wheel, symbol 2 is the small wheel, and symbol 3 is the axle. Symbol F is the force applied to the large wheel. FIG. 6-2 (A) and (B) are diagrams in which the structure and action of a wheel set is replaced with the "structure and action of a lever." In FIG. 6-2 (A) and (B), symbol R is the radius of the large wheel, symbol r is the radius of the small wheel, symbol A-B is the total length of the lever, and symbol O is the fulcrum of the lever. Symbol F is the force applied to the large wheel, and symbol W is the weight of an object on the small wheel.

Claims (2)

An eccentrically rotating gear plate in a drive mechanism of a bicycle, characterized in that a pedal is attached directly to the gear plate without via a crank, the pedal is positioned on a circular band of the gear plate and applies a moment of force to the circumference of the gear plate, the gear plate rotates eccentrically around an eccentric rotation center point located away from the circular center point of the gear plate, and the circular center point, the rotation center point and the position where the pedal is attached are on a straight line of a diameter of the gear plate. 13. A smart cycle, characterized in that it is a double-side drive bicycle in which a chain drive mechanism having the eccentric rotating gear plate according to claim 1 is installed on both the left and right sides of the bicycle.

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