Pedal propulsion multi-speed gear system

Abstract

A multi-speed gear system (1) for a pedal propelled vehicle having multiple unique gear ratios, comprising: - a main shaft member (5); - a epicyclic gear section (10) having an input and an output; wherein the epicyclic gear section (10) is coaxially arranged on the main shaft member (5); wherein the epicyclic gear section comprises interconnected first and second epicyclic gear sets (11, 12); and wherein - the first and second epicyclic gear sets (11, 12) comprise: a sun gear (111, 121), a planet gear (112, 122) and a ring gear (113, 123); wherein the main shaft member (5) comprises an outwardly extending support protrusion (131); and wherein the second sun gear (121) is configured to be slidingly arranged on the main shaft member (5) and axially supported by the support protrusion (131) in a direction (D).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a rotating internal gear mechanism for pedal-driven vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Internal gear mechanisms used in scooter vehicles have regained popularity due to their robustness, long service life, and recent technological improvements. When shifting gears on the external gears (which are exposed and vulnerable to impact, deteriorate rapidly, and require frequent maintenance), the chain bends laterally and its bushings wear and stretch, resulting in premature wear of the teeth and chain links.

[0003] In this sense, internal gears are preferred, but typical multi-speed internal gears cannot handle the high torque of the rider and auxiliary motor. Most internal gears, such as those in EP1571077 A2, rely solely on pawls for shifting, or, in cases like DE19720796, utilize both pawls and an axial clutch for shifting, although US9279480 offers improvements on several levels. Further optimization is still desired to simplify, reduce costs, and improve functionality.

[0004] Some of the structural challenges involved in allowing higher torque have been addressed in WO2020130841A1, but several issues related to design tightness and processing, manufacturing, and logistics, such as reducing costs and improving usability, remain to be resolved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective of this invention is to provide a multi-speed gear system that is more compact, easier to process and manufacture, and easier to handle in logistics than existing technologies. This will help reduce life-cycle costs and may contribute to more environmentally friendly transportation. The multi-speed gear system according to the invention can be used in both manually operated pedal-driven vehicles and motor-assisted vehicles.

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention is a multi-speed gear system for a pedal-driven vehicle according to the independent claim.

[0007] The functionality of this multi-speed gear system has been improved compared to existing multi-speed gear systems. Furthermore, the number of components has been reduced, the weight has been decreased, and assembly and maintenance have been simplified. This, in turn, allows for a reduction in the overall cost of the gears.

[0008] In several specific embodiments, the multi-speed gear system of the present invention has seven independent gears with a gear ratio range of over 400%. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view is shown of some of the components of a multi-speed gear system (1) according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 A multi-speed gear system (1) with a gear shift actuator (9) according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective view.

[0011] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Some components of the multi-speed gear system (1) are shown in different perspective views, wherein the outer ring (103) includes a planetary gear section (hidden) and a first clutch assembly and a second clutch assembly (35, 45) disposed on opposite sides of the gear section. The first outward clutch element (71) may be a driving element and is connected to, for example, a gear. The second outward clutch element (72) may be a driven element and, in this particular embodiment, drives the first housing (170), as shown in… Figure 1 As seen in the image. The main shaft (5) can be rotatably fixed to the vehicle frame.

[0012] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of some internal components of a specific embodiment of the multi-speed gear system (1). As can be seen, the multiple components shown can be axially assembled in a specific order.

[0013] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of some of the intermediate and external components of a specific embodiment of the multi-speed gear system (1). As can be seen, the multiple components shown can be axially assembled in a specific order and are related to... Figure 4 The internal components are combined to form Figure 4 The card case shown in the image.

[0014] Figure 6 These are sectional, side, and schematic views of a combination of some of the components of a multi-speed gear system (1). More specifically, radially and axially interacting surfaces are shown using vertical and horizontal arrows, respectively. This allows for perfect alignment during assembly without the need for filler plates, etc.

[0015] Figure 7 The first inner, intermediate and outer clutch elements (351, 352, 353) of the multi-speed gear system (1) are shown in a perspective view. The first inner, intermediate and outer clutch elements are exactly the same as the second inner, intermediate and outer clutch elements (451, 452, 453).

[0016] Figure 8 An exploded perspective view illustrates the interaction between the second outward clutch element (72) and the housing cover (180). The claws (180a) and recesses in the housing cover mate with corresponding claws and recesses in the second outward clutch element (72). Furthermore, the housing cover (180) radially and axially locks the second outward clutch element (72) in direction (D).

[0017] Figure 9 A perspective view illustrates details of an indexing system according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. A first indexing device (220), shown here as having multiple grooves, is rotatably fixed relative to a shift shaft (200). A second indexing device (230), shown here as having multiple balls, is rotatably fixed relative to a multi-speed gear system. For example, in… Figure 10 and Figure 11 The elastic device (240) shown pushes the first and second indexing devices together. The thrust (F) from the elastic device is indicated by arrows. When a ball is pushed into the groove, it acts tangentially against the wall of the groove to provide torque (T). This torque drives the shift shaft (200) to rotate until the ball reaches the bottom of the groove, where torque balance is achieved and the shift shaft is in the indexing position (P). Furthermore, the groove is inclined in the axial direction, and the thrust (F) from the elastic device causes a continuous axial force to act on the shift shaft in the direction (D). This improves the seal of the end of the rotating shift shaft towards the adjacent element.

[0018] Figure 10 Showing the relationship with in a three-dimensional diagram Figure 9 The same indexing system and shift shaft (200) are partially located inside the main shaft (5) of the multi-speed gear system.

[0019] Figure 11 Shown with Figure 10 The same indexing system and shift shaft (200) are used, but without a main shaft component and are shown in a different perspective view. In this case, the shift shaft has first and second shift cams (211, 212) and a shift actuator interface (260) in the form of a spline connection at one end along the direction (D).

[0020] Figure 12 Shown in section CC Figure 11 The indexing system is shown in the figure. Here, the second indexing device (230) includes a first indexing element and a second indexing element (231, 232), both of which are radially pressed inward by an elastic device (240). Here, the shift shaft is located in the end indexing position (P) because the second indexing device (232) is adjacent to the end stop (250) on the first side.

[0021] Figure 13 Shown with Figure 12 The same cross-section is shown, in which the shift shaft has been rotated clockwise until the second side of the end stop opposite the first side abuts the first indexing device (231). The indexing device shown here includes seven available indexing positions and is generally used for indexing shifts in a multi-speed gear system with seven unique gear ratios.

[0022] Figure 14 A multi-speed gear system (1001) according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is shown in a combined schematic and sectional view, which includes a vent passage that prevents leakage when the pressure difference between the inner and outer sides of the housing changes (for example) due to atmospheric or temperature changes. Detailed Implementation

[0023] In the following description, various embodiments and specific examples of the invention are illustrated to provide those skilled in the art with a more comprehensive understanding of the invention. However, the invention is not intended to be construed as limiting in the content of the various specific embodiments and the specific details described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0024] The specific embodiments described below are numbered. Additionally, supplementary specific embodiments are described with respect to the definitions of the numbered specific embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, any specific embodiment that can be combined with one or more numbered specific embodiments may also be directly combined with any of the supplementary specific embodiments of the mentioned numbered specific embodiments.

[0025] In a separate specific embodiment EM 1, the present invention is a multi-speed gear system (1) for a pedal-driven vehicle with multiple unique gear ratios, comprising:

[0026] -Main spindle component (5),

[0027] - A rotary gear section (10) having an input section and an output section; wherein the rotary gear section (10) is coaxially arranged on the main shaft (5); wherein the rotary gear section includes interconnected first rotary gear sets and second rotary gear sets (11, 12); and wherein the first rotary gear set (11) includes a first sun gear (111), a first planetary gear (112) and a first ring gear (113), and

[0028] - The second planetary gear set (12) includes a second sun gear (121), a second planetary gear (122), and a second ring gear (123), wherein

[0029] - The multi-speed gear system (1) includes a first clutch assembly and a second clutch assembly (35, 45) disposed on corresponding sides of the planetary gear section (10), wherein

[0030] - The first clutch assembly (35) includes a first outward clutch element (71) and radially stacked, axially movable first inner, intermediate, and outer clutch elements (351, 352, 353).

[0031] - The second clutch assembly (45) includes a second outward clutch element (72) and radially stacked, axially movable second inner, intermediate, and outer clutch elements (451, 452, 453), wherein the rotary gear section (10) further includes:

[0032] - A first carrier (101) holds a second planetary gear (122), wherein a first end (101a) is releasably connected to a first internal clutch element (351), and a second end (101b) opposite to the first end is releasably connected to a second internal clutch element (451), wherein a first sun gear (111) is configured to be rotatably fixed to the first carrier (101) between the first end (101a) and the second planetary gear (122), and wherein the inner diameter of the first sun gear (111) is greater than the outer diameter of the first end (101a).

[0033] In the first subsidiary embodiment, the second sun gear (121) is configured to be rotatably fixed on the main shaft (5), and the inner diameter of the second end (101b) is greater than the outer diameter of the second sun gear (121).

[0034] In a second subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with the first subsidiary embodiment, the revolving gear section (10) further includes:

[0035] - A second carrier (102) holds a first planetary gear (112), wherein a first end (102a) of the second carrier is releasably connected to a first intermediate clutch element (352), and a second end (102b) opposite to the first end is releasably connected to a second intermediate clutch element (452), wherein a second ring gear (123) is configured to be rotatably fixed to the second carrier (102) between the second end (102b) and the second planetary gear (122), and wherein the inner diameter of the second end (102b) is greater than the outer diameter of the second ring gear (123).

[0036] In a third subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with the first or second subsidiary embodiments, the revolving gear section (10) further includes:

[0037] - Outer ring (103), wherein a first end (103a) is releasably connected to a first external clutch element (353), and a second end (103b) opposite to the first end is releasably connected to a second external clutch element (453), wherein a first ring gear (113) is configured to be rotatably fixed to the outer ring (103) between a first end and a second planetary gear set (12), and wherein a first end (102a) of a second carrier (102) is smaller than the inner diameter of the first ring gear (113).

[0038] In a fourth subsidiary embodiment, which can be combined with any of the first to third subsidiary embodiments, the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear (112, 122) are identical.

[0039] In a fifth subsidiary embodiment, which can be combined with any of the first to fourth subsidiary embodiments, the first and second inner clutch elements (351, 451) are identical and symmetrically arranged around the rotary gear section (10).

[0040] In a sixth subsidiary embodiment, which can be combined with any of the first to fifth subsidiary embodiments, the first and second intermediate clutch elements (352, 452) are identical and symmetrically arranged around the rotary gear section (10).

[0041] In a seventh subsidiary embodiment, which can be combined with any of the first to sixth subsidiary embodiments, the first and second outer clutch elements (353, 453) are identical and symmetrically arranged around the rotary gear section (10).

[0042] In an eighth subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with any of the first to seventh subsidiary embodiments, the first clutch group and the second clutch group (35, 45) respectively include a first dynamic shift ring and a second dynamic shift ring, a first static shift ring and a second static shift ring (331, 431, 341, 441), and one or more shift balls (312, 412), wherein these shift balls are configured to move radially and abut against the inclined surface of one of the first static and dynamic shift ring pairs and the second static and dynamic shift ring pair (331, 431, 341, 441) such that the dynamic shift ring (341, 441) moves axially inward toward the planetary gear section (10) as it extends radially.

[0043] In a ninth subsidiary embodiment, which can be combined with any of the first to eighth subsidiary embodiments, the first clutch assembly (35) is configured to sequentially release the first inner and intermediate clutch elements (351, 352) as the first dynamic shift ring (341) moves inward, and the second clutch assembly (45) is configured to sequentially release the outer and intermediate clutch elements (453, 452) as the second dynamic shift ring (441) moves inward. A thrust plate (411) is used to operate the second clutch assembly (45) from the outside to the center.

[0044] In a separate specific embodiment EM 2, which can also be combined with EM 1, a multi-speed gear system (1) for a pedal-driven vehicle with multiple unique gear ratios includes:

[0045] -Main spindle component (5),

[0046] - A rotary gear section (10) having an input section and an output section; wherein the rotary gear section (10) is coaxially arranged on the main shaft (5); wherein the rotary gear section includes interconnected first rotary gear sets and second rotary gear sets (11, 12); and wherein

[0047] - The first planetary gear set (11) includes a first sun gear (111), a first planetary gear (112), and a first ring gear (113), and

[0048] - The second planetary gear set (12) includes a second sun gear (121), a second planetary gear (122), and a second ring gear (123), wherein the main shaft member (5) includes an outwardly extending support protrusion (131), and wherein

[0049] The second sun gear (121) is configured to be slidably disposed on the main shaft (5) and axially supported in the direction (D) by the support protrusion (131).

[0050] In a first subsidiary embodiment, the multi-speed gear system (1) includes a first carrier (101) holding the second planetary gear (122), wherein the first carrier is configured to slide on the main shaft in the axial direction (D) until it is axially supported by the second sun gear (121).

[0051] In a second subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with the first subsidiary embodiment, the multi-speed gear system (1) includes a second carrier (102) for holding the first planetary gear (112), wherein the second carrier is configured to be slidably disposed on the main shaft in the axial direction (D) until it is axially supported by the first carrier (101).

[0052] In a third subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with the second subsidiary embodiment, the multi-speed gear system (1) includes an internally configured first ring gear (113), wherein an outer ring (103) is configured to slide on a main shaft in the axial direction (D) until the first ring gear (113) is axially supported by a second carrier (102).

[0053] In a fourth subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with the third subsidiary embodiment, the multi-speed gear system (1) includes: a first thrust ring (134) configured to be slidably disposed on the main shaft in the axial direction (D) until it is axially supported by an outer ring (103).

[0054] In a fifth subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with the fourth subsidiary embodiment, the multi-speed gear system (1) includes: a first housing (170) configured to be slidably disposed on the main shaft in the axial direction (D) until it is axially supported by a first thrust ring (134).

[0055] In a sixth subsidiary embodiment, which can be combined with the fifth subsidiary embodiment, the multi-speed gear system (1) includes: a housing cover (180) configured to be slidably disposed on the main shaft (5) in a direction opposite to the axial direction (D), and configured to apply a force to the main shaft in the direction opposite to the axial direction (D). Further, the housing cover (180) is configured to rotate relative to the main shaft (5). Figure 6 In the diagram, the assembly of the housing cover (180) and the bearing is shown as a line for simplification. At the opposite end of the spindle (5), the first housing is axially locked to the spindle by ball bearings as shown, wherein a first outward clutch element (71) is disposed between the spindle (5) and the first housing (170) and is axially fixed in the direction (D).

[0056] When the housing cover is in the proper position, all internal parts of the gear are axially locked in both directions.

[0057] Some of the interactions with the axial support are indicated by horizontal arrows. Some of these interactions are rotational, while others are stationary.

[0058] In a seventh subsidiary embodiment, which can be combined with any of the first to sixth subsidiary embodiments, the first thrust ring (134) may comprise a plastic material.

[0059] In a separate specific embodiment EM 3, which can also be combined with EM 1 or EM 2, a multi-speed gear system (1) for a pedal-driven vehicle with multiple unique gear ratios includes:

[0060] -Main spindle component (5),

[0061] - A rotary gear section (10) having an input section and an output section; wherein the rotary gear section (10) is coaxially arranged on the main shaft (5); wherein the rotary gear section includes interconnected first rotary gear sets and second rotary gear sets (11, 12); and wherein the first rotary gear set (11) includes a first sun gear (111), a first planetary gear (112) and a first ring gear (113), and

[0062] - The second planetary gear set (12) includes a second sun gear (121), a second planetary gear (122), and a second ring gear (123), wherein

[0063] - The second sun gear (121) is disposed on the main shaft (5), and wherein the second planetary gear set (12) is radially supported by the main shaft (5).

[0064] In the first subsidiary embodiment, the first sun gear (111) is disposed on the first carrier (101), and wherein the multi-speed gear system (1) includes an inner support ring (132) disposed between the main shaft (5) and the first carrier (101), wherein the first rotary gear set (11) is radially supported by the inner support ring (132).

[0065] In a first subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with a first subsidiary embodiment, the multi-speed gear system (1) includes an outer ring (103) including a first ring gear (113); wherein the outer ring is radially supported by the first ring gear (113); and wherein the multi-speed gear system (1) further includes an intermediate support ring (133) disposed between the second carrier (102) and the outer ring (103); wherein the outer ring (103) is radially supported by the intermediate support ring (133).

[0066] In a second subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with the first subsidiary embodiment, the multi-speed gear system (1) includes: a first housing (170); and a first outer support ring and a second outer support ring (135, 136) disposed between the housing and the outer ring (103) and axially spaced apart; wherein the outer ring (103) is radially supported by the first outer support ring and the second outer support ring (135, 136) through the first housing (170).

[0067] In a third subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with the second subsidiary embodiment, the multi-speed gear system (1) includes a housing cover (180) fixed to the first housing (170) and rotatably fixed to the main shaft (5). Figure 6 In the diagram, the assembly of the housing cover (180) and the bearing is indicated by a line for simplification.

[0068] When the housing cover is in the proper position, one end of the first housing (170) is radially locked to the main shaft (5). At the opposite end, the first housing is radially locked to the main shaft by ball bearings as shown; wherein a first outward clutch element (71) is disposed between the main shaft (5) and the first housing (170) and rotates relative to the main shaft and the first housing.

[0069] Some of the interactions with the radial support are indicated by vertical arrows. Some of these interactions are rotational, while others are stationary.

[0070] In a fourth subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with any of the first to third subsidiary embodiments, any of the inner support ring (132), the intermediate support ring (133), the first outer support ring, and the second outer support ring (135, 136) may comprise a plastic material.

[0071] In a separate specific embodiment EM 4, which can also be combined with any of EM 1 to EM 3, a multi-speed gear system (1) for a pedal-driven vehicle with multiple unique gear ratios includes:

[0072] -Main spindle component (5),

[0073] - A rotary gear section (10) having an input section and an output section; wherein the rotary gear section (10) is coaxially arranged on the main shaft (5); wherein the rotary gear section includes interconnected first rotary gear sets and second rotary gear sets (11, 12); and wherein

[0074] - The first planetary gear set (11) includes a first sun gear (111), a first planetary gear (112), and a first ring gear (113), and

[0075] - The second planetary gear set (12) includes a second sun gear (121), a second planetary gear (122), and a second ring gear (123), wherein

[0076] - The gear ratio between the first sun gear (111) and the first ring gear (113) is 0.7+ / -0.1, and the gear ratio between the second sun gear (111) and the second ring gear (113) is 0.6+ / -0.1.

[0077] In the first subsidiary embodiment, the tooth ratio between the second ring gear (123) and the first ring gear (113) is 0.82 + / - 0.15.

[0078] In a second subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with the first subsidiary embodiment, the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear (112, 122) have the same number of teeth.

[0079] In a separate specific embodiment EM 5, which can also be combined with any of EM 1 to EM 4, a multi-speed gear system (1) for a pedal-driven vehicle with multiple unique gear ratios includes:

[0080] -Main spindle component (5),

[0081] - A rotary gear section (10) having an input section and an output section; wherein the rotary gear section (10) is coaxially arranged on the main shaft (5), and

[0082] - The first clutch assembly and the second clutch assembly (35, 45) are configured on the corresponding sides of the rotary gear set (10), wherein

[0083] The main shaft (5) has a uniform inner diameter on the inner side of the rotary gear section (10) and on the inner side of the first clutch group and the second clutch group (35, 45).

[0084] In the first subsidiary embodiment, the spindle (5) comprises aluminum.

[0085] In a second subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with the first subsidiary embodiment, the spindle (5) includes a longitudinal spline (137) configured to rotatably lock either of the sun gears to the spindle (5).

[0086] In a third subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with the first subsidiary embodiment or the second subsidiary embodiment, the spindle member (5) includes a support protrusion (131) that extends radially outside the spline to lock one of the sun gears in an axial direction.

[0087] In a fourth subsidiary embodiment, which can be combined with any of the first to third subsidiary embodiments, the spline (137) can be configured to rotatably hold any of the following:

[0088] - An elastic device (240) is configured to elastically push the first indexing device and the second indexing device radially into the hole in the spindle (5).

[0089] - Shaft end sleeve, configured to be rotatably fixed to the vehicle frame.

[0090] - First dynamic shift ring and second dynamic shift ring (341, 441).

[0091] In a fifth subsidiary embodiment, which can be combined with any of the first to fourth subsidiary embodiments, the spindle (5) includes one or more through holes (313, 413) for configuring one or more shift balls (312, 412) to move radially relative to one or more holes.

[0092] In a separate specific embodiment EM 6, which can also be combined with any of EM 1 to EM 5, a multi-speed gear system (1, 1001) for a pedal-driven vehicle with multiple unique gear ratios includes:

[0093] -Shell (170, 1170),

[0094] -First seal (51),

[0095] - A first shaft (200) extends through the walls of the first seal (51) and the housing (170, 1170); wherein the first shaft (200) is configured to rotate relative to the housing, and

[0096] - Ventilation channels are configured to release the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing in any three-dimensional rotational position of the multi-speed gear system.

[0097] The first shaft can be a shift shaft.

[0098] In a first subsidiary embodiment, the housing is configured to be partially filled with a liquid lubricant; wherein the venting channel has a first end (31) and a second end (32); wherein the first end (31) is outside the housing and the second end (32) is inside the housing; and wherein the second end is configured to remain above the liquid lubricant in any three-dimensional rotational position of the multi-speed gear system.

[0099] In a second subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with the first subsidiary embodiment, the first shaft (200) is hollow; and wherein at least some portions of the first shaft (200) constitute at least a portion of a ventilation channel.

[0100] In a third subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with the first or second subsidiary embodiment, the second end (32) is a vent hole in the wall of the first shaft (200).

[0101] In a fourth subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with any of the first to third embodiments, the gear system includes a main shaft (5) coaxially disposed outside the shift shaft (200) and configured to rotate relative to the shift shaft; wherein the main shaft includes a first bore (313); wherein a fluid passage is maintained between a second end (32) and the first bore, regardless of the rotational position of the main shaft and the shift shaft.

[0102] The second end of the ventilation channel can be substantially positioned in the middle of the housing.

[0103] exist Figure 14 A specific embodiment of the ventilation passage is shown in the diagram. Inside the housing (1170) are a rotary gear section (10) and a first clutch assembly and a second clutch assembly (35, 45), as described elsewhere herein. A main shaft (5) extends through the housing. Inside the main shaft is a shift shaft (200), which is hollow to allow through bolts (45) to pass through to secure the main shaft (5) to a frame such as a bicycle frame.

[0104] Here, the second sun gear (121) is rotatably fixed to the main shaft (5). The gear can be shifted by rotating the shift shaft (200) via an actuator (290).

[0105] The first and second seals (51, 52) are respectively disposed between the shift shaft and the main shaft. The area between the seals can be considered as part of the housing and is sealed to isolate external dust, contaminants, etc. Similarly, the seals prevent any fluid (such as lubricant between the seals) from leaking from the housing.

[0106] To allow rotation of the shift shaft (200), the inner diameter of the shift shaft is larger than the outer diameter of the through bolt (45). This provides space for a venting channel between the second end (32) and the first end (31) located at the end of the main shaft (5), which serves as a vent through the wall of the shift shaft (200). Dust covers (37) or similar elements may be present at both ends of the venting channel to protect the gears from dirt and dust without impeding the alignment of pressure through the venting channel.

[0107] Furthermore, the vent passage is in fluid communication with the rest of the interior of the housing (1170) (i.e., the space outside the shift shaft (200)) via the first and second holes (313, 413). These holes are used to accommodate a plurality of shift balls (312, 412) disposed between the shift cams (211, 212) of the shift shaft (200) and the first and second clutch groups, but in this case, they also allow fluid to pass through.

[0108] In this case, the first and second holes (313, 413) can be described as having multiple functions. First, these holes allow the clutch to be operated by the shift shaft in the internal gears. Second, these holes allow for the lubrication of the shift cam. And third, these holes are part of the ventilation channels between the inside and outside of the housing, allowing for constant pressure alignment and reducing wear on internal components.

[0109] In this specific embodiment, it is assumed that the housing contains a liquid lubricant and the liquid level (L) is indicated. In this position, the mechanical power transmission device is vented, as explained above.

[0110] exist Figure 14 In the diagram, the multi-speed gear system is shown tilted to the side. As the gear system tilts, the liquid level (L) changes relative to the housing, and the main shaft can be covered by liquid. Liquid can enter the first or second hole (313, 413) that interconnects the annular area between the main shaft and the shift shaft with the internal gear cavity of the housing. However, as long as the second end (32) of the vent passage is substantially positioned in the middle of the housing, the liquid is generally unable to escape from the gear system.

[0111] It should also be understood that, in this case, the fluid that has reached its annular zone is discharged into the main housing through the first or second hole (313, 413) after the gear system rotates back to its normal position where the main shaft is substantially horizontal.

[0112] Furthermore, since the first and second seals (51, 52) are configured to be adjacent to the outside of the first and second holes (313, 413) respectively, liquid will not accumulate in the annular area at the multiple ends between the main shaft and the shift shaft.

[0113] exist Figure 11As can be seen, the guide cam configured to radially guide the shift shaft (200) inside the second shaft (42) may have one or more radial recesses to allow ventilation between the main bore at the second end (32) and the first and second shift cams (44a, 44b).

[0114] In a separate specific embodiment EI 1, which can also be combined with any of EM 1 to EM 6, a multi-speed gear system (1) for a pedal-driven vehicle with multiple unique gear ratios includes:

[0115] - A shift shaft (200) configured to rotate between multiple indexing positions (P); wherein each indexing position corresponds to a unique gear ratio of a multi-speed gear system.

[0116] - An indexing system configured to rotate the shift shaft to the nearest indexed position in the direction of rotation, and further configured to provide continuous axial drive of the shift shaft in a first direction (D).

[0117] In a first subsidiary embodiment, the indexing system (210) includes:

[0118] - The first indexing device (220) is rotatably fixed relative to the shift shaft.

[0119] - The second indexing device (230) is rotatably fixed relative to the multi-speed gear system, and

[0120] - An elastic device (240) is configured to elastically push the first indexing device and the second indexing device together.

[0121] In a second subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with the first subsidiary embodiment, the first indexing device (220) includes a plurality of recesses disposed along at least a portion of the periphery of a first cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the shift shaft (200), and the second indexing device (230) is configured to interact with the walls of these recesses to provide a torque to rotate the shift shaft to the nearest indexing position (P) in the rotational direction.

[0122] In a third subsidiary embodiment, which can be combined with the first or second subsidiary embodiments, the indexing system is in torque balance when the shift shaft is in the indexed position. That is, when the shift shaft is in the indexed position, the torque from the indexing system is zero. However, once rotational force begins to act on the shift shaft, causing the shift shaft in that indexed position to rotate in any direction, the indexing system will build up a counter-torque to attempt to maintain balance. The gear shifting torque acting on the shift shaft must overcome the counter-torque to transition to the next indexed position. Once the next indexed position is closer in the direction of rotation than the previous indexed position, the indexing system will provide a torque to achieve torque balance in the next indexed position.

[0123] In the fourth subsidiary embodiment, the first indexing device (220) may be configured to interact with the second indexing device (230) at a first interaction point (241) having a first radius when the shift shaft is in torque equilibrium in the first profile, and to interact with the second indexing device (230) at a second interaction point (241) having a second radius when the shift shaft is in torque equilibrium in the second profile, wherein the second profile is located in a first direction (D) relative to the first profile, and the second radius is greater than the first radius. Further, the first profile and the second profile are separated by a distance greater than zero.

[0124] In a fourth subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with any of the above subsidiary embodiments, the shift shaft (200) is configured to rotate between a lower indexing position and an upper indexing position, wherein, between the lower indexing position and the upper indexing position, the radius of any point on the periphery of the first indexing device increases in a first direction (D).

[0125] In a specific embodiment EI 2 that can be combined with EI 1, the indexing system includes a rotatable end stop (250) configured to prevent the shift shaft (200) from rotating below the lower indexing position and above the upper indexing position.

[0126] In the first subsidiary embodiment, the end stop (250) is a protrusion of the shift shaft, which is configured to abut against the first indexing device (220) when the shift shaft (200) reaches the lower indexing position and the upper indexing position.

[0127] In a specific embodiment EI 3 that can be combined with EI 1 or EI 2, the multi-speed gear system includes a plurality of unique gear ratios, wherein the second indexing device includes a first indexing element and a second indexing element (231, 232) separated by a first number of indexing positions (P), the first number being equal to the number of unique gear ratios.

[0128] In a first subsidiary embodiment, the first indexing device includes X number of recesses, wherein the number of X is less than the number of unique gear ratios multiplied by two.

[0129] In a second subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with the first subsidiary embodiment, either the first indexing element or the second indexing element (231, 232) is a ball bearing.

[0130] In a specific embodiment EI 4, which can be combined with any of EI 1 to EI 3, the elastic device (240) is a clamping spring that clamps more than half of the periphery of the shift shaft.

[0131] In a specific embodiment, the multi-speed gear system includes a main shaft (5), wherein a shift shaft (200) is disposed inside the main shaft, and wherein the main shaft includes one or more holes for a second indexing device (230), wherein the second indexing device (230) is pressed into these holes by an elastic device clamped around the main shaft (5).

[0132] In any of the above specific embodiments, the shift shaft (200) may be configured to internally and coaxially support a through bolt or through shaft to easily install and remove a wheel with a multi-speed gear hub onto the vehicle.

[0133] In a separate specific embodiment EM 7, the present invention is a method for generating a multi-speed gear system (1) for a pedal-driven vehicle such as EM 1 to EM 6 and EI to EI 4, wherein the gear system includes a second outward clutch element (72) and a housing cover (180), wherein the second outward clutch element (72) is configured to drive the housing cover (180) by means of mating pawls, and the housing cover (180) includes internal first and second support columnar surfaces (181, 182) respectively disposed below and above the pawls, wherein the method includes:

[0134] - Cast or forge the housing cover (180) such that the first cylindrical surface (181) and these claws extend sufficiently high to easily remove the housing cover from the mold.

[0135] - The upper part of these jaws is machined on a lathe to create the second cylindrical surface.

[0136] Therefore, the production of driven housing covers with radial and axial supports can be simplified, and expensive milling operations are not required.

[0137] In the exemplary embodiments, various features and details are shown in combination. The fact that multiple features are described in a particular embodiment should not be construed as implying that these features must be included together in all embodiments of the invention. Rather, features described with reference to different embodiments should not be construed as mutually exclusive. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that any specific embodiment incorporated into any subset of the features described herein that is not explicitly interdependent has been conceived by the inventors and is part of the established disclosure. However, a detailed description of all embodiments will not aid in understanding the principles of the invention, and therefore some arrangements of features have been omitted for simplicity or brevity.

Claims

1. A multi-speed gear system for a pedal-driven vehicle with multiple unique gear ratios, comprising: - Main spindle (5) - A rotary gear section (10) having an input section and an output section; wherein the rotary gear section (10) is coaxially disposed on the main shaft (5); wherein the rotary gear section includes interconnected first rotary gear set (11) and second rotary gear set (12); and wherein - The first planetary gear set (11) includes a first sun gear (111), a first planetary gear (112), and a first ring gear (113), and - The second planetary gear set (12) includes a second sun gear (121), a second planetary gear (122), and a second ring gear (123), wherein the main shaft member (5) includes an outwardly extending support protrusion (131), and wherein The second sun gear (121) is configured to be slidably disposed on the main shaft (5) and axially supported in the direction (D) by the support protrusion (131), wherein the multi-speed gear system (1) includes a first carrier (101) for holding the second planetary gear (122); wherein the first carrier is configured to be slidably disposed on the main shaft in the axial direction (D) until the first carrier is axially supported by the second sun gear (121).

2. The multi-speed gear system (1) of the pedal-driven vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The multi-speed gear system (1) includes a second carrier (102) that holds the first planetary gear (112); wherein the second carrier is configured to slide on the main shaft in the axial direction (D) until the second carrier is axially supported by the first carrier (101).

3. The multi-speed gear system (1) of the pedal-driven vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The multi-speed gear system (1) includes an internally configured first ring gear (113); wherein an outer ring (103) is configured to slide on the main shaft in the axial direction (D) until the first ring gear (113) is axially supported by the second carrier (102).

4. The multi-speed gear system (1) of the pedal-driven vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the multi-speed gear system comprises: The first thrust ring (134) is configured to slide on the main shaft in the axial direction (D) until the first thrust ring is axially supported by the outer ring (103).

5. The multi-speed gear system (1) of the pedal-driven vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the multi-speed gear system comprises: The first housing (170) is configured to slide on the main shaft in the axial direction (D) until the first housing is axially supported by the first thrust ring (134).

6. The multi-speed gear system (1) of the pedal-driven vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The second sun gear (121) is disposed on the main shaft (5), and wherein the second rotary gear set (12) is radially supported by the main shaft (5); wherein the first sun gear (111) is disposed on the first carrier (101); and wherein the multi-speed gear system (1) includes an inner support ring (132) disposed between the main shaft (5) and the first carrier (101); wherein the first rotary gear set (11) is radially supported by the inner support ring (132).

7. The multi-speed gear system (1) of the pedal-driven vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the multi-speed gear system includes an outer ring (103), the outer ring including the first ring gear (113); wherein, The outer ring is radially supported by the first ring gear (113); and wherein the multi-speed gear system (1) further includes an intermediate support ring (133) disposed between the second carrier (102) and the outer ring (103); wherein the outer ring (103) is radially supported by the intermediate support ring (133).

8. The multi-speed gear system (1) of the pedal-driven vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the multi-speed gear system comprises: First shell (170); A first outer support ring (135) and a second outer support ring (136) spaced apart axially are disposed between the housing and the outer ring (103); wherein the outer ring (103) is radially supported by the first outer support ring (135) and the second outer support ring (136) through the first housing (170).

9. The multi-speed gear system (1) of the pedal-driven vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, said multi-speed gear system comprising: - Housing (170, 1170). - First seal (51) - A shift shaft (200) extends through the walls of the first seal (51) and the housing (170, 1170); wherein the shift shaft (200) is configured to rotate relative to the housing, and - Ventilation passage configured to release the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing in any three-dimensional rotational position of the multi-speed gear system.

10. The multi-speed gear system (1) of the pedal-driven vehicle according to claim 9, wherein: - The shift shaft (200) is configured to rotate between multiple indexing positions (P), wherein each indexing position corresponds to a unique gear ratio of the multi-speed gear system, wherein the multi-speed gear system (1) of the pedal-driven vehicle further includes: - An indexing system configured to rotate the shift shaft to the nearest indexing position in the direction of rotation, and further configured to provide continuous axial drive of the shift shaft in a first direction (D).

11. The multi-speed gear system (1) of the pedal-driven vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The indexing system (210) includes: - The first indexing device (220) is rotatably fixed relative to the shift shaft. - The second indexing device (230) is rotatably fixed relative to the multi-speed gear system, and - An elastic device (240) is configured to elastically push the first indexing device and the second indexing device together.

12. The multi-speed gear system (1) of the pedal-driven vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, The first indexing device (220) is configured to interact with the second indexing device (230) at a first interaction point having a first radius when the shift shaft is in torque balance in the first profile, and to interact with the second indexing device (230) at a second interaction point having a second radius when the shift shaft is in torque balance in the second profile, wherein the second profile is located in the first direction (D) relative to the first profile, and the second radius is greater than the first radius, and further, the first profile and the second profile are separated by a distance greater than zero.

13. The multi-speed gear system (1) of the pedal-driven vehicle according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The shift shaft (200) is configured to rotate between a lower indexing position and an upper indexing position, wherein, between the lower indexing position and the upper indexing position, the radius of any point on the periphery of the first indexing device increases in the first direction (D).

14. The multi-speed gear system (1) of the pedal-driven vehicle according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The multi-speed gear system includes a plurality of unique gear ratios, and wherein the second indexing device includes a first indexing element (231) and a second indexing element (232) separated by a first number of indexing positions (P), the first number being equal to the number of the unique gear ratios.

15. A method for generating a multi-speed gear system (1) for a pedal-driven vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The gear system includes a second outward clutch element (72) and a housing cover (180), wherein the second outward clutch element (72) is configured to drive the housing cover (180) using mating pawls, and the housing cover (180) includes an internal first support cylindrical surface (181) and a second support cylindrical surface (182) respectively disposed below and above the pawls, wherein the method includes: - Cast or forge the housing cover (180) such that the first support columnar surface (181) and the claws extend sufficiently high to easily remove the housing cover from the mold. - The upper part of the chuck is machined on a lathe to produce the second support columnar surface.

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