Hub assembly for a human-powered vehicle

Abstract

A hub assembly for a human-powered vehicle is provided. The hub assembly includes a hub axle, a hub body, a pawl support, at least one pawl, a sprocket support, at least one sprocket support bearing, a ratchet body, and a plurality of ratchet teeth. The hub body is rotatably mounted on the hub axle. The pawl support is connected to the hub body. The pawl is movable between a drive position and a non-drive position. The at least one sprocket support bearing rotatably supports the sprocket support on the hub axle. The ratchet body is connected to the sprocket support. The ratchet teeth engage the pawl to transmit a drive force from the sprocket support to the hub body while rotating in a drive rotational direction. The sprocket support bearing is disposed opposite the hub body relative to the ratchet teeth.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a hub assembly for a human-powered vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates generally to a hub assembly having a sprocket support body supporting at least one sprocket. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, a wheel for a human-powered vehicle has a hub assembly, a plurality of spokes, and a ring-shaped rim. Basically, the hub assembly has a hub axle and a hub body. The hub axle is non-rotatably mounted on a frame of the human-powered vehicle. The hub body is coaxially coupled with the hub axle such that the hub body is disposed radially outwardly with respect to the hub axle. Bearings are configured and arranged to support the hub body such that the hub body is freely rotatable about the hub axle. In certain human-powered vehicles, e.g., bicycles, the wheel is provided with a sprocket support body rotatably disposed on the hub axle. The sprocket support body is typically coupled to the hub body by a one-way clutch such that torque is transmitted from the sprocket support body to the hub body in one direction. This type of sprocket support body is sometimes referred to as a freewheel. SUMMARY

[0003] Generally, the present disclosure relates to various features of a hub assembly for a human-powered vehicle. The term “human-powered vehicle” as used herein means a vehicle that can be at least driven by a human driving force, but excludes vehicles that use only driving forces other than human power. In particular, vehicles that use only internal combustion engines as driving forces are excluded from human-powered vehicles. Human-powered vehicles are generally considered to be compact light vehicles, sometimes not requiring a license to travel on public roads. The number of wheels on a human-powered vehicle is not limited. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, unicycles and vehicles having three or more wheels. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, various types of bicycles, e.g., mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, and recumbent bikes, as well as electrically assisted bicycles (E-bikes).

[0004] In view of the state of the art, and in accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a hub assembly for a human-powered vehicle. The hub assembly basically comprises a hub shaft, a hub body, a pawl support, at least one pawl, a sprocket support, at least one sprocket support bearing, a ratchet body, and a plurality of ratchet teeth. The hub body is rotatably mounted on the hub shaft to rotate about a central axis of rotation of the hub assembly. The pawl support is connected to the hub body. The at least one pawl is movably provided to the pawl support to move between a driving position and a non-driving position. The sprocket support is rotatably provided on the hub shaft to rotate about the central axis of rotation. The at least one sprocket support bearing rotatably supports the sprocket support on the hub shaft. The ratchet body is connected to the sprocket support. The ratchet teeth are provided to the ratchet body for engagement with the at least one pawl to transmit a driving force from the sprocket support to the hub body while rotating about the central axis of rotation in a driving direction of rotation. Each of the at least one sprocket support bearing is oppositely arranged to the hub body in an axial direction with respect to the central axis of rotation relative to the plurality of ratchet teeth.

[0005] With the hub assembly according to the first aspect, a component force exerted on the sprocket support from the at least one pawl is dispersed, and a compression force on the at least one sprocket support bearing is reduced.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to the first aspect is configured such that the plurality of ratchet teeth are arranged on an outer circumferential side of the at least one pawl.

[0007] With the hub assembly according to the second aspect, a component force exerted on the sprocket support is directed outward with respect to the central axis of rotation.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to the first aspect or the second aspect is configured such that the pawl support is integrally formed with the hub body as a unitary one-piece member.

[0009] With the hub assembly according to the third aspect, the hub body and the pawl support can be simplified.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to the first aspect or the second aspect is configured such that the pawl support is a separate member from the hub body.

[0011] With the hub assembly according to the fourth aspect, the hub body and the pawl support can be easily manufactured at a relatively low cost.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect is configured such that the ratchet body is integrally formed with the sprocket support as a unitary one-piece member.

[0013] With the hub assembly according to the fifth aspect, the structure of the sprocket support body and the ratchet body can be simplified.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect is configured such that the ratchet body is a separate member from the sprocket support body.

[0015] With the hub assembly according to the sixth aspect, the ratchet body and the sprocket support body can be manufactured with different materials more suitable for each of their functions.

[0016] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect is configured such that the sprocket support body has a spline region including a plurality of splines, and the ratchet teeth are disposed outside the spline region in an axial direction.

[0017] With the hub assembly according to the seventh aspect, one or more sprockets can be mounted to the spline region of the sprocket support body, and the ratchet teeth do not directly bear a force from the one or more sprockets.

[0018] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect is configured such that at least one of the plurality of ratchet teeth and the at least one pawl overlaps the hub body as seen from a radial direction with respect to the rotational center axis. With the hub assembly according to the eighth aspect, the hub body can protect at least one of the plurality of ratchet teeth and the at least one pawl.

[0019] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to any one of the first aspect to the eighth aspect is configured such that the plurality of ratchet teeth are disposed at an end of the sprocket support body on the hub body side.

[0020] With the hub assembly according to the ninth aspect, rotation from the sprocket support body can be reliably transmitted to the hub body.

[0021] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to any one of the first aspect to the ninth aspect further includes at least one hub bearing rotatably supporting the hub body on a hub shaft. Each of the at least one hub bearing is disposed opposite the at least one sprocket support bearing in an axial direction with respect to the ratchet teeth.

[0022] With the hub assembly according to the tenth aspect, the hub body is rotatably supported on the hub shaft to smoothly rotate the hub body with respect to the hub shaft. The hub assembly has a simple structure and is suitable for manufacturing.

[0023] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the hub assembly according to the tenth aspect is configured such that the at least one pawl is disposed between each of the at least one hub bearing and each of the at least one sprocket support bearing in the axial direction.

[0024] With the hub assembly according to the eleventh aspect, the sprocket support body can be easily separated from the hub body, so that the at least one pawl can be easily maintained, replaced, or repaired.

[0025] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the hub assembly according to any one of the first aspect to the eleventh aspect is configured such that the pawl support body is non-rotatably coupled to the hub body and supports the at least one pawl.

[0026] With the hub assembly according to the twelfth aspect, the complex structure of the pawl support body and the at least one pawl is provided to the hub body, and the sprocket support body can be simplified. Therefore, replacement work can be easily performed, and the price of replacement parts can be reduced.

[0027] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the hub assembly according to the twelfth aspect is configured such that the pawl support body is non-rotatably coupled to the hub body by spline engagement.

[0028] With the hub assembly according to the thirteenth aspect, the pawl support body can be easily mounted to the hub body.

[0029] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the hub assembly according to any one of the first aspect to the thirteenth aspect is configured such that the at least one pawl includes a plurality of pawls.

[0030] With the hub assembly according to the fourteenth aspect, the component forces transmitted to the sprocket support body can be more balanced.

[0031] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the hub assembly according to any one of the first aspect to the fourteenth aspect is configured such that a plurality of ratchet teeth are provided on an inner surface of the ratchet body.

[0032] With the hub assembly according to the fifteenth aspect, the structure of the ratchet body can be simplified.

[0033] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the hub assembly according to any one of the first aspect to the fifteenth aspect is configured such that the at least one pawl is located inside the hub body.

[0034] With the hub assembly according to the sixteenth aspect, the rotation of the sprocket support body can be reliably transmitted to the hub body by the at least one pawl.

[0035] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the hub assembly according to any one of the first aspect to the sixteenth aspect is configured such that the sprocket support body and the plurality of ratchet teeth are a single one-piece member.

[0036] With the hub assembly according to the seventeenth aspect, the structure of the sprocket support body and the plurality of ratchet teeth can be simplified.

[0037] According to an eighteenth aspect of the invention, the hub assembly according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects is configured such that at least one sprocket support bearing includes a first sprocket support bearing and a second sprocket support bearing spaced axially along the hub shaft.

[0038] By using the hub assembly according to aspect eighteen, the smooth rotation of the sprocket support on the hub shaft can be reliably achieved.

[0039] According to a nineteenth aspect of the invention, the hub assembly according to the eighteenth aspect further includes an end cap threadedly coupled to a first end of the hub shaft and in contact with a first sprocket support bearing to retain the sprocket support body on the hub shaft.

[0040] Using the hub assembly according to aspect nineteen, the sprocket support can be easily removed and replaced onto the hub axle.

[0041] According to a twentieth aspect of the invention, the hub assembly according to the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect is configured such that the sprocket support includes a first bearing abutment contacting a first outer ring of a first sprocket support bearing and a second bearing abutment contacting a second outer ring of a second sprocket support bearing. The first bearing abutment faces a direction opposite to that of the second bearing abutment relative to the axis of rotation.

[0042] Using the hub assembly according to aspect 20, the first sprocket support bearing and the second sprocket support bearing can be easily positioned in the appropriate axial position relative to the rotation center axis.

[0043] Furthermore, other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosed wheel hub assembly will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, together with the accompanying drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the wheel hub assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the original disclosure:

[0045] Figure 1 This is a side view of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) equipped with a rear wheel having a hub assembly, according to the first embodiment.

[0046] Figure 2 It is attached to Figure 1 A front view of the wheel hub assembly on the body of the human-powered vehicle shown.

[0047] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 The exploded perspective view of the wheel hub assembly shown shows that two sprocket supports can be selectively mounted on the wheel hub axle;

[0048] Figure 4 is Figures 2 to 3 a longitudinal sectional view of the hub assembly shown in

[0049] Figure 5 is Figure 4 an enlarged sectional view of a part of the hub assembly shown in

[0050] Figure 6 is Figures 2 to 4 a transversal sectional view of the hub assembly shown in

[0051] Figure 7 is a transversal sectional view of a hub assembly similar to Figure 6 but the sprocket support has been rotated so that the pawl has been moved from the driving position to the non-driving position of Figure 6

[0052] Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a part of the hub assembly according to the second embodiment; and

[0053] Figure 9 is an enlarged sectional view of a part of the hub assembly according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art of human-powered vehicle fields, such as the field of bicycles, in light of this disclosure, that the following description of the embodiments is only for the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0055] Reference is first made to Figure 1 A hub assembly 10 is provided for a human-powered vehicle V. In other words, the shown human-powered vehicle V, i.e. bicycle, is equipped with a hub assembly 10 according to the shown embodiment. Here, in the shown embodiment, the hub assembly 10 is a bicycle hub. More specifically, the hub assembly 10 is a bicycle rear hub. Here, the bicycle V is an electrically assisted bicycle (E-bike). Alternatively, the bicycle V can be a road bicycle, a city bicycle, a cargo bicycle and a recumbent bicycle or another type of off-road bicycle, such as a road off-road bicycle.

[0056] As Figure 1 ​As shown, the bicycle V includes a vehicle body VB supported by a rear wheel RW and a front wheel FW. The vehicle body VB substantially includes a front frame body FB and a rear frame body RB (a swing arm). The vehicle body VB is further provided with a handle H and a front fork FF for steering the front wheel FW. The rear frame body RB is swingably mounted to a rear portion of the front frame body FB such that the rear frame body RB can be pivoted with respect to the front frame body FB. The rear wheel RW is mounted to a rear end of the rear frame body RB. A rear shock RS is operatively provided between the front frame body FB and the rear frame body RB. The rear shock RS is provided between the front frame body FB and the rear frame body RB to control the movement of the rear frame body RB with respect to the front frame body FB. That is, the rear shock RS absorbs the shock transmitted from the rear wheel RW. The rear wheel RW is rotatably mounted on the rear frame body RB. The front wheel FW is mounted on the front frame body FB via the front fork FF. That is, the front wheel FW is mounted to a lower end of the front fork FF. A bicycle seat or saddle S is mounted on a seat tube of the front frame body FB in a conventional manner. The front fork FF is pivotally mounted to a head tube of the front frame body FB. The handle H is mounted to an upper end of a steering column or steering tube of the front fork FF. The front fork FF absorbs the shock transmitted from the front wheel FW. Preferably, the rear shock RS and the front fork FF are electrically adjustable suspensions. For example, the stiffness and / or the length of travel of the rear shock RS and the front fork FF can be adjusted.

[0057] The bicycle V further includes an electric drive unit DU having an electric motor providing driving assist force to the front sprocket FS. The electric drive unit DU can be actuated so as to assist the propulsion of the bicycle V in a conventional manner. For example, the electric drive unit DU is actuated in accordance with the driving force of a person applied to the pedals PD. The electric drive unit DU is actuated by electric power supplied from a main battery pack BP mounted on a down tube of the bicycle V. Here, for example, the drive system is a chain drive type including the cranks C, the front sprocket FS, a plurality of rear sprockets CS, and a chain CN. The cranks C include a crank shaft CA1 and a pair of crank arms CA2. The crank shaft CA1 is rotatably supported to the front frame body FB via the electric drive unit DU. The crank arms CA2 are provided at opposite ends of the crank shaft CA1. The pedals PD are rotatably coupled to distal ends of each of the crank arms CA2. The drive system can be a belt drive type or a shaft drive type, which can be selected from any type.

[0058] Reference will now be made in detail to Figures 2 to 6The structure of the hub assembly 10 is described. The hub assembly 10 basically includes a hub shaft 12 and a hub body 14. The hub shaft 12 is configured to be non-rotatably attached to the vehicle body VB. In this embodiment, the hub shaft 12 is configured to be non-rotatably attached to the rear vehicle body RB. The hub body 14 is rotatably mounted on the hub shaft 12 to rotate about a center axis of rotation Al of the hub assembly 10. The hub shaft 12 has a center axis that is coaxial with the center axis of rotation Al. The hub body 14 is rotatably disposed about the center axis of rotation Al. In other words, the hub body 14 is rotatably mounted about the hub shaft 12.

[0059] As shown in Figures 5 to 7 , the hub shaft 12 is a rigid member made of a suitable material (e.g., a metallic material). The hub shaft 12 has a first end 12a and a second end 12b. Here, the hub shaft 12 is a tubular member that is a one-piece member. Thus, the hub shaft 12 has an axial bore 12c that extends between the first end 12a and the second end 12b. The hub shaft 12 can be a one-piece member or composed of several pieces.

[0060] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3 , the hub body 14 is rotatably mounted about the hub shaft 12 to rotate in a drive rotation direction Dl. The drive rotation direction Dl corresponds to a forward drive direction of the rear wheel RW. The hub body 14 is configured to support the rear wheel RW in a conventional manner. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the hub body 14 includes a first outer flange 14a and a second outer flange 14b. The first outer flange 14a and the second outer flange 14b extend radially outward from an outer peripheral surface of the hub body 14 with respect to the center axis of rotation Al. The first outer flange 14a and the second outer flange 14b are configured to receive a plurality of spokes (not shown) for attaching a rim (not shown) of the rear wheel RW to the hub body 14. In this way, the hub body 14 and the rear wheel RW are coupled to rotate together. Figure 1 Figure 1

[0061] The hub assembly 10 further includes at least one hub bearing that rotatably supports the hub body 14 on the hub shaft 12. As shown in Figure 4 ​​In the illustrated embodiment, the hub assembly 10 further includes a first hub body bearing 20 and a second hub body bearing 22. The first hub body bearing 20 rotatably supports a first end of the hub body 14 relative to the rotational center axis Al. The second hub body bearing 22 rotatably supports a second end of the hub body 14 relative to the rotational center axis Al. The first hub body bearing 20 includes a first inner race 20a, a first outer race 20b, and a plurality of first roller elements 20c. The first roller elements 20c are disposed between the first inner race 20a and the first outer race 20b. The second hub body bearing 22 includes a second inner race 22a, a second outer race 22b, and a plurality of second roller elements 22c. The second roller elements 22c are disposed between the second inner race 22a and the second outer race 22b.

[0062] The first hub body bearing 20 and the second hub body bearing 22 are radial ball bearings. Radial ball bearings support forces in a direction perpendicular to the axis. In addition, for one or both of the first hub body bearing 20 and the second hub body bearing 22, a radial roller bearing can be employed in place of the radial ball bearing. Radial roller bearings include cylindrical roller bearings and needle bearings. Alternatively, for one or both of the first hub body bearing 20 and the second hub body bearing 22, an angular contact ball bearing can be employed in place of the radial ball bearing. Angular contact ball bearings have inner and outer raceways that are displaced relative to each other in the direction of the bearing axis. In other words, angular contact bearings are designed to accommodate combined loads, i.e., radial and axial loads acting simultaneously. In addition, for one or both of the first hub body bearing 20 and the second hub body bearing 22, an angular contact roller bearing (i.e., a tapered roller bearing) can be employed in place of the radial ball bearing. Angular contact roller bearings include cylindrical roller bearings and needle bearings.

[0063] Here, the hub assembly 10 further includes a sprocket support body 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the sprocket support body 26 supports a rear sprocket CS, as shown. Figure 2 The sprocket support body 26 is rotatably disposed on the hub shaft 12 to rotate about the rotational center axis Al. The sprocket support body 26 transmits a driving force to the hub body 14 while rotating about the rotational center axis Al in a driving rotation direction Dl. As described below, the sprocket support body 26 does not transmit a driving force to the hub body 14 while rotating about the rotational center axis Al in a non-driving rotation direction D2. The non-driving rotation direction D2 is opposite to the driving rotation direction Dl with respect to the rotational center axis Al. The rotational center axis of the sprocket support body 26 is concentrically disposed with the rotational center axis Al of the hub assembly 10.

[0064] Although the sprocket support 26 is configured to non-rotatably support the rear sprocket CS, the sprocket support 26 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, one or more rear sprockets CS may be integrally formed with the sprocket support 26. In any case, the sprocket support 26 and the rear sprocket CS are coupled together to rotate together in the driving rotation direction D1 and the non-driving rotation direction D2.

[0065] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the sprocket support 26 has a splined region 26a comprising a plurality of splines 26a1. The splines 26a1 are external splines configured to engage with the rear sprocket CS. Thus, the rear sprocket CS is non-rotatably coupled to the sprocket support 26. The sprocket support 26 also has a non-splined region 26b, which is configured to be at least partially disposed within the hub body 14. Therefore, the hub body 14 and the sprocket support 26 partially overlap.

[0066] See Figure 3 The hub assembly 10 is configured such that the sprocket support 26 can be easily replaced by the sprocket support 28, as described below. Except for the external configuration, the sprocket support 28 is identical to the sprocket support 26. Specifically, the sprocket support 28 has a splined region 28a comprising a plurality of splines 28a1. In the sprocket support 28, the splines 28a1 are narrower than the splines 26a1. Furthermore, the total number of splines 28a1 in the sprocket support 28 is greater than the total number of splines 26a1 in the sprocket support 26. Finally, the sprocket support 28 also has a non-splined region 28b, which is configured to be at least partially disposed within the hub body 14. In the sprocket support 28, the axial length of the non-splined region 28b is longer than the axial length of the non-splined region 26b in the sprocket support 26.

[0067] The hub assembly 10 also includes at least one sprocket support bearing. The at least one sprocket support bearing rotatably supports the sprocket support body 26 on the hub shaft 12. Here, the at least one sprocket support bearing includes a first sprocket support bearing 30 and a second sprocket support bearing 32 spaced axially along the hub shaft 12. The first sprocket support bearing 30 rotatably supports a first end of the sprocket support body 26. The second sprocket support bearing 32 rotatably supports a second end of the sprocket support body 26. Each of the at least one sprocket support bearing is disposed opposite to the hub body 14 in the axial direction relative to the rotation center axis A1, relative to a plurality of ratchet teeth 56.

[0068] The outer diameter of the first sprocket support bearing 30 and the second sprocket support bearing 32 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first hub body bearing 20 and the second hub body bearing 22. Here, the inner diameter of the first sprocket support bearing 30 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second sprocket support bearing 32. The first sprocket support bearing 30 and the second sprocket support bearing 32 are mounted on the hub shaft 12 from the first end 12a of the hub shaft 12.

[0069] The first sprocket support bearing 30 includes a first inner race 30a, a first outer race 30b, and a plurality of first roller elements 30c. The first roller elements 30c are disposed between the first inner race 30a and the first outer race 30b. The second sprocket support bearing 32 includes a second inner race 32a, a second outer race 32b, and a plurality of second roller elements 32c. The second roller elements 32c are disposed between the second inner race 32a and the second outer race 32b. Here, the first sprocket support bearing 30 and the second sprocket support bearing 32 are radial ball bearings. As described above, radial ball bearings support forces in a direction perpendicular to the axis. In addition, for one or both of the first sprocket support bearing 30 and the second sprocket support bearing 32, one of an angular contact ball bearing, a radial roller bearing, and an angular contact roller bearing can be employed in place of the radial ball bearing.

[0070] Here, the sprocket support body 26 includes a first bearing abutment 26c in contact with the first outer race 30b of the first sprocket support bearing 30 and a second bearing abutment 26d in contact with the second outer race 32b of the second sprocket support bearing 32. The first bearing abutment 26c faces in a direction opposite the second bearing abutment 26d with respect to the rotational center axis Al.

[0071] A first tubular spacer element 34 is disposed on the hub shaft 12 between the first sprocket support bearing 30 and the second sprocket support bearing 32. The first tubular spacer element 34 axially spaces the first sprocket support bearing 30 and the second sprocket support bearing 32 on the hub shaft 12. Likewise, a second tubular spacer element 36 is disposed on the hub shaft 12 between the first tubular spacer element 34 and the first hub body bearing 20. The second sprocket support bearing 32 is supported on the second tubular spacer element 36 and is axially sandwiched between an abutment of the second tubular spacer element 36 and an end of the first tubular spacer element 34. The second tubular spacer element 36 abuts the first hub body bearing 20. In this way, the second tubular spacer element 36 axially spaces the second sprocket support bearing 32 and the first hub body bearing 20.

[0072] In the first embodiment, the hub assembly 10 further includes an end cap 38 threadedly coupled to a first end 12a of the hub shaft 12 and in contact with a first sprocket support bearing 30 to retain the sprocket support 26 on the hub shaft 12. The hub shaft 12 also has an end cap 40 threadedly coupled to a second end 12b of the hub shaft 12. The end cap 40 contacts a second hub body bearing 22. Thus, the end caps 38 and 40 retain the hub body 14 on the hub shaft 12. Furthermore, the first end cap 38 and the second end cap 40 are configured to be received in a mounting opening in the rear frame body RB, such as... Figure 2 As shown. Here, the first end cap 38 has a first opening 38a, and the second end cap 40 has a second opening 40a.

[0073] Here, as Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the wheel hub assembly 10 also includes a wheel retaining mechanism 42 for securing the wheel hub axle 12 of the wheel hub assembly 10 to the rear frame RB. The wheel retaining mechanism 42 essentially includes a skewer 42a, a cam body 42b, a cam rod 42c, and an adjusting nut 42d. The cam rod 42c is attached to one end of the skewer 42a via the cam body 42b, while the adjusting nut 42d is threaded onto the other end of the skewer 42a. The skewer 42c is attached to the cam body 42b. The cam body 42b is coupled between the skewer 42a and the cam rod 42c to move the skewer 42a relative to the cam body 42b. Thus, the skewer 42c operates to move the skewer 42a axially relative to the cam body 42b along the rotation center axis A1, thereby changing the distance between the cam body 42b and the adjusting nut 42d. Preferably, a compression spring is provided at each end of the skewer 42a. Alternatively, as needed and / or desired, the hub axle 12 can be non-rotatably attached to the rear frame RB using other attachment structures.

[0074] The hub assembly 10 also includes a pawl support 50, at least one pawl 52, a ratchet body 54, and a plurality of ratchet teeth 56. Essentially, the pawl support 50, at least one pawl 52, ratchet body 54, and ratchet teeth 56 form a one-way clutch 58 operably disposed between the hub body 14 and the sprocket support 26. Thus, the sprocket support 26 is coupled to the hub body 14 to rotate together with it about a rotational axis A1 in the driving rotation direction D1, and the sprocket support 26 is also coupled to the hub body 14 to rotate relative to the hub body 14 about a rotational axis A1 in the non-driving rotation direction D2. Furthermore, using the one-way clutch 58, the hub body 14 can rotate relative to the sprocket support 26 when the sprocket support 26 is stopped or rotating slower than the hub body 14. Thus, the sprocket support 26 and the one-way clutch 58 form a freewheel commonly used in bicycles. Since the basic operation of the freewheel is relatively conventional, its operation will not be discussed or described in detail.

[0075] Essentially, the pawl support 50 is non-rotatably coupled to the hub body 14 and supports at least one pawl 52. Therefore, the hub body 14 and the pawl support 50 are configured to rotate together about the rotational axis A1. Here, as... Figure 5 As shown, the pawl support 50 is non-rotatably coupled to the hub body 14 via a spline engagement. In the first embodiment, the pawl support 50 is connected to the hub body 14. Specifically, the pawl support 50 has a plurality of external splines that engage with a plurality of internal splines of the hub body 14. The external splines of the pawl support 50 and the internal splines of the hub body 14 extend axially and are parallel to the rotation center axis A1. Thus, the pawl support 50 can be easily attached to and removed from the hub body 14. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the pawl support 50 is a component separate from the hub body 14.

[0076] At least one pawl 52 is movably provided to the pawl support 50 for use in the drive position ( Figure 6 ) and non-drive position ( Figure 7 Move between ( ). In drive position ( Figure 6 At least one pawl 52 engages with a ratchet tooth 56 provided to the ratchet body 54. Thus, in the driven position, rotation of the ratchet body 54 can be transmitted to the pawl support 50 and the hub body 14. In the non-driven position (… Figure 7 At least one pawl 52 disengages from the ratchet tooth 56. Thus, in the non-drive position, rotation of the ratchet body 54 is not transmitted to the pawl support 50 and the hub body 14. In the first embodiment, at least one pawl 52 is located inside the hub body 14. Specifically, at least one pawl 52 is axially disposed between each of at least one hub bearing 20, 22 and each of at least one sprocket support bearing 30, 32. In other words, the first hub body bearing 20 and the second hub body bearing 22 are disposed on one axial side of at least one pawl 52, and the first sprocket support bearing 30 and the second sprocket support bearing 32 are disposed on the other axial side of at least one pawl 52. With this arrangement, the complex structure of the pawl support 50 and at least one pawl 52 is provided to the hub body 14, and the sprocket support 26 can be simplified. Therefore, the sprocket support 26 can be easily separated from the hub body 14, thereby facilitating replacement.

[0077] Here, the at least one pawl 52 comprises a plurality of pawls 52A, 52B and 52C. The pawls 52A, 52B and 52C are equidistantly spaced in circumferential direction on the pawl support body 50 about the central axis of rotation Al. Although a total of three pawls are shown, one or more pawls can be used as desired and / or as desired. The one-way clutch 58 further comprises a biasing element 60 which couples the pawls 52A, 52B and 52C to the pawl support body 50 such that each pawl 52A, 52B and 52C is movable between a driving position Figure 6 ) and a non-driving position Figure 7 ). In particular, the biasing element 60 biases the pawls 52A, 52B and 52C into engagement with the ratchet teeth 56 of the ratchet body 54. The biasing element 60 presses the pawls 52A, 52B and 52C against the pawl support body 50 such that the pawls 52A, 52B and 52C are pivoted in a direction of engagement with the ratchet teeth 56 of the ratchet body 54. In case the sprocket support body 26 is rotated in the non-driving rotational direction D2, the ratchet teeth 56 push the pawls 52A, 52B and 52C and cause the pawls 52A, 52B and 52C to pivot against the pawl support body 50 into the non-driving (retracted) position. Thus, the sprocket support body 26 is configured to rotate relative to the hub body 14 in the non-driving rotational direction D2 about the central axis of rotation Al.

[0078] Further, at least one of the at least one pawl 52 and the plurality of ratchet teeth 56 overlaps the hub body 14 as seen in radial direction with respect to the central axis of rotation Al. In the first embodiment, the ratchet teeth 56 as well as each of the pawls 52A, 52B and 52C overlap the hub body 14 as seen in radial direction with respect to the central axis of rotation Al.

[0079] As shown in Figures 5 to 8 , the ratchet body 54 is connected to the sprocket support body 26. As a result, the ratchet body 54 is configured to rotate relative to the central axis of rotation Al together with the sprocket support body 26. Here, the ratchet body 54 is integrally formed with the sprocket support body 26 as a unified one-piece member. Thus, the sprocket support body 26 and the ratchet body 54 are a single member which transmits torque from the sprocket support body 26 to the pawl support body 50 via the pawls 52A, 52B and 52C. Typically, the sprocket support body 26 and the ratchet body 54 are made of a suitable hard and rigid material, for example, a metallic material or a fiber-reinforced plastic material.

[0080] Basically, the ratchet teeth 56 are provided to the ratchet body 54 for engagement with the at least one pawl 52 to transmit the driving force from the sprocket support body 26 to the hub body 14 while rotating around the rotational center axis Al in the driving rotation direction Dl. Also, here, in the first embodiment, the plurality of ratchet teeth 56 are provided on the inner surface of the ratchet body 54. Accordingly, the plurality of ratchet teeth 56 are provided on the outer peripheral side of the at least one pawl 52.

[0081] Also, the sprocket support body 26 and the plurality of ratchet teeth 56 are a single one-piece member. In particular, as described above, the ratchet body 54 is integrally formed with the sprocket support body 26 as a unified one-piece member. Accordingly, the ratchet teeth 56 are integrally formed with the sprocket support body 26 as a unified integral member. Preferably, the ratchet teeth 56 are provided on the outer side of the spline region 26a in the axial direction. Also, preferably, the plurality of ratchet teeth 56 are provided on the hub body side at the end portion of the sprocket support body 26.

[0082] Now referring to Figure 8 , a hub assembly 110 is shown in accordance with a second embodiment. In view of the similarities between the first and second embodiments, the description of the portions of the second embodiment that are identical to those of the first embodiment can be omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0083] The hub assembly 110 mainly includes a hub shaft 112 and a hub body 114. The hub shaft 112 is identical to the hub shaft 12 of the first embodiment. As described below, the hub body 114 has been slightly modified from the hub body 14. The hub assembly 110 also includes at least one hub body bearing 120 that rotatably supports the hub body 114 on the hub shaft 112. Preferably, the hub body 114 is rotatably supported on the hub shaft 112 by a pair of hub bearings in the same manner as the first embodiment.

[0084] The hub assembly 110 further includes a sprocket support body 126 rotatably disposed on the hub shaft 112 for rotation about the central axis of rotation Al. The sprocket support body 126 is identical to the sprocket support body 26 of the first embodiment. The hub assembly 110 further includes at least one sprocket support bearing rotatably supporting the sprocket support body 126 to the hub shaft 112. Here, the sprocket support body 126 is rotatably supported on the hub shaft 112 by a first sprocket support bearing 130 and a second sprocket support bearing 132. The first sprocket support bearing 130 is identical to the first sprocket support bearing 30 of the first embodiment. The second sprocket support bearing 132 is identical to the second sprocket support bearing 32 of the first embodiment. A first tubular spacer element 134 is disposed on the hub shaft 112 between the first sprocket support bearing 130 and the second sprocket support bearing 132. The first tubular spacer element 134 is identical to the first tubular spacer element 34 of the first embodiment. A second tubular spacer element 136 is disposed on the hub shaft 112 between the first tubular spacer element 134 and the first hub body bearing 120. The second tubular spacer element 136 is identical to the second tubular spacer element 36 of the first embodiment.

[0085] The hub assembly 110 further includes an end cap 138 threadably coupled to one end of the hub shaft 112 and in contact with the first sprocket support bearing 130 to retain the sprocket support body 126 on the hub shaft 112, similar to the first embodiment. Also, similar to the first embodiment, a second end cap is mounted to the other end of the hub shaft 112.

[0086] The hub assembly 110 further includes a pawl support body 150, at least one pawl 152, a ratchet body 154, and a plurality of ratchet teeth 156. Essentially, similar to the first embodiment, the pawl support body 150, the at least one pawl 152, the ratchet body 154, and the ratchet teeth 156 form a one-way clutch 158 operably disposed between the hub body 114 and the sprocket support body 126. However, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the pawl support body 150 is integrally formed with the hub body 114 as a unitary one-piece member. Similar to the first embodiment, the at least one pawl 152 includes a plurality of pawls movably coupled to the pawl support body 150 in the same manner as the first embodiment. The remainder of the one-way clutch 158 (e.g., the biasing element 160) is identical to the first embodiment.

[0087] Reference is now made to Figure 9 a hub assembly 210 is shown in accordance with a third embodiment. In view of the similarities between the first and third embodiments, the description of portions of the third embodiment that are identical to portions of the first embodiment can be omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0088] The hub assembly 210 mainly includes a hub shaft 212 and a hub body 214. The hub shaft 212 is identical to the hub shaft 12 of the first embodiment. The hub body 214 is identical to the hub body 14 of the first embodiment. The hub assembly 210 further includes at least one hub body bearing 220 rotatably supporting the hub body 214 on the hub shaft 212. Preferably, the hub body 214 is rotatably supported on the hub shaft 212 by a pair of hub body bearings in the same manner as the first embodiment.

[0089] The hub assembly 210 further includes a sprocket support 226 rotatably disposed on the hub shaft 212 for rotation about the rotational center axis Al. The sprocket support 226 has been slightly modified from the sprocket support 26 of the first embodiment, as will be described below. The hub assembly 210 further includes at least one sprocket support bearing rotatably supporting the sprocket support 226 to the hub shaft 212. Here, the sprocket support 226 is rotatably supported on the hub shaft 212 by a first sprocket support bearing 230 and a second sprocket support bearing 232. The first sprocket support bearing 230 is identical to the first sprocket support bearing 30 of the first embodiment. The second sprocket support bearing 232 is identical to the second sprocket support bearing 32 of the first embodiment. A first tubular spacer element 234 is disposed on the hub shaft 212 between the first sprocket support bearing 230 and the second sprocket support bearing 232. The first tubular spacer element 234 is identical to the first tubular spacer element 34 of the first embodiment. A second tubular spacer element 236 is disposed on the hub shaft 212 between the first tubular spacer element 234 and the first hub body bearing 220. The second tubular spacer element 236 is identical to the second tubular spacer element 36 of the first embodiment.

[0090] The hub assembly 210 further includes an end cap 238 threadably coupled to one end of the hub shaft 212 and in contact with the first sprocket support bearing 230 to retain the sprocket support 226 on the hub shaft 212, similar to the first embodiment. Also, similar to the first embodiment, a second end cap is mounted to the other end of the hub shaft 112.

[0091] The hub assembly 210 also includes a pawl support 250, at least one pawl 252, a ratchet body 254, and a plurality of ratchet teeth 256. Essentially, similar to the first embodiment, the pawl support 250, at least one pawl 252, ratchet body 254, and ratchet teeth 256 form a one-way clutch 258 that is operably disposed between the hub body 214 and the sprocket support 226. However, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the ratchet body 254 is a separate member from the sprocket support 226. For example, the ratchet body 254 is threadably attached to the sprocket support 226. Similar to the first embodiment, the at least one pawl 252 includes a plurality of pawls that are movably coupled to the pawl support 250 in the same manner as the first embodiment. The remainder of the one-way clutch 258 (e.g., the biasing element 260) is the same as the first embodiment.

[0092] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” as used herein is intentionally used to denote that the specification encompasses both open- and closed-ended transitions and that the inclusion of other features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps is not a limitation. The foregoing applies regardless of whether the term “comprising” or the term “including” is used. Further, the terms “part,” “component,” “portion,” “member,” or “element” when used in singular form can have the dual meaning of a single part or multiple parts unless otherwise stated.

[0093] As used herein, the directional terms “frame-facing side,” “non-frame-facing side,” “forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “back,” “up,” “down,” “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “perpendicular,” and “transverse,” and any other like directional terms refer to the orientation of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) that is in an upright riding position and equipped with the hub assembly. Accordingly, these directional terms used to describe the hub assembly should be interpreted with respect to a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) that is in an upright riding position on a horizontal plane and equipped with the hub assembly. The terms “left” and “right” are used to denote “right” when referenced from the right side when viewed from the rear of the human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) and “left” when referenced from the left side when viewed from the rear of the human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle).

[0094] The phrase "at least one", as used in the present disclosure, means "one or more" of the desired selection. For example, the phrase "at least one", as used in the present disclosure, means "only one single selection" or "two out of two selections", if the number of selections is two. For another example, the phrase "at least one", as used in the present disclosure, means "only one single selection" or "any combination of equal to or more than two selections", if the number of selections is equal to or more than three. Furthermore, the term "and / or", as used in the present disclosure, means "one or both".

[0095] Also, it should be understood that, although the terms "first" and "second" can be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, a first component discussed above could be termed a second component, and, similarly, a second component could be termed a first component without departing from the teachings of the present application.

[0096] As used herein, the term "attached" or "attach" includes configurations wherein one member is directly secured to another member by fixation of the one member to the other member; configurations wherein one member is indirectly secured to another member by fixation of the one member to an intermediate member that is in turn secured to the other member; and configurations wherein one member is integral with the other member (i.e., the one member is substantially a part of the other member). This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, such as "engage," "connect," "couple," "mount," "bond," "secure," and their derivatives. Finally, as used herein, the degree terms "substantially", "about", and "approximately" mean amounts that are acceptable

[0097] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present application, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the present application as defined in the appended claims and that the scope of the application is not limited to the specifically recited embodiments. For example, dimensions, types of materials, shapes, locations and / or orientations of the various components can be changed as needed or desired, unless described otherwise herein. Unless otherwise stated, the components shown in the various figures together with the captions and components therefor can have intermediate structures and / or components disposed therebetween and they can be integrated structures and / or components, unless described otherwise herein. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be employed in another embodiment. Not all of the described advantages or features need be achieved in a particular embodiment. Each feature and combination of features introduced above, either singly or in combination, should be considered as having been described by the Applicant for the purpose of applying the prior art. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present application are presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the application and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the application. It is intended that the scope of the application be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A hub assembly for a human-powered vehicle, the hub assembly comprising: a hub shaft; a hub body rotatably mounted on the hub shaft to rotate about a central axis of rotation of the hub assembly; a pawl support connected to the hub body; at least one pawl movably provided to the pawl support to move between a driving position and a non-driving position; a sprocket support rotatably disposed on the hub shaft to rotate about the central axis of rotation; at least one sprocket support bearing rotatably supporting the sprocket support on the hub shaft; a ratchet body connected to the sprocket support; a plurality of ratchet teeth provided to the ratchet body for engagement with the at least one pawl to transmit a driving force from the sprocket support to the hub body while rotating in a driving rotation direction about the central axis of rotation, each of the at least one sprocket support bearing being oppositely disposed from the hub body in an axial direction relative to the central axis of rotation with respect to the plurality of ratchet teeth; and at least one hub bearing rotatably supporting the hub body on the hub shaft, each of the at least one hub bearing being oppositely disposed from the at least one sprocket support bearing in the axial direction with respect to the plurality of ratchet teeth, one of the at least one hub bearing being in contact with the pawl support.

2. The hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of ratchet teeth are disposed on an outer peripheral side of the at least one pawl.

3. The hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein the pawl support is integrally formed as a unitary one-piece member with the hub body.

4. The hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein the pawl support is a separate member from the hub body.

5. The hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein the ratchet body is integrally formed as a unitary one-piece member with the sprocket support.

6. The hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein the ratchet body is a separate member from the sprocket support.

7. The hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sprocket support has a spline region including a plurality of splines; and the plurality of ratchet teeth are disposed outside the spline region in the axial direction.

8. The hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one pawl and the plurality of ratchet teeth overlaps the hub body from a radial direction relative to the central axis of rotation.

9. The hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of ratchet teeth are disposed at an end portion of the sprocket support on a hub body side.

10. The hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pawl is axially disposed between each of the at least one hub bearing and each of the at least one sprocket support bearing in the axial direction. ​ 11. The wheel hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The pawl support is non-rotatably coupled to the hub body and supports at least one pawl.

12. The wheel hub assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The pawl support is coupled to the hub body in a non-rotatable manner via a spline connection.

13. The wheel hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one pawl includes a plurality of pawls.

14. The wheel hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of ratchet teeth are disposed on the inner surface of the ratchet body.

15. The wheel hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein, At least one pawl is located inside the hub body.

16. The wheel hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The sprocket support and the plurality of ratchet teeth are a single one-piece component.

17. The wheel hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one sprocket support bearing includes a first sprocket support bearing and a second sprocket support bearing spaced axially along the hub shaft.

18. The wheel hub assembly of claim 17, further comprising: An end cap is threadedly coupled to a first end of the hub shaft and contacts the first sprocket support bearing to hold the sprocket support on the hub shaft.

19. The wheel hub assembly according to claim 17, wherein, The sprocket support includes a first bearing adjacent portion that contacts the first outer ring of the first sprocket support bearing and a second bearing adjacent portion that contacts the second outer ring of the second sprocket support bearing. The first bearing adjacent portion faces a direction opposite to that of the second bearing adjacent portion relative to the rotation center axis.

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