Bicycle hub unit

Abstract

Provided is a bicycle hub unit capable of being stably mounted to a frame of a bicycle. The bicycle hub unit includes a hub shaft connected to the frame of the bicycle, and a rotation restriction member that connects the hub shaft and the frame in a manner that restricts relative rotation of the hub shaft and the frame. A structure capable of guiding a cable electrically connected to an electrical component and an electronic part is provided to at least one of the hub shaft and the rotation restriction member in a region of the rotation restriction member in an axial direction along a central axis of the hub shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hub unit for bicycles. Background Technology

[0002] A bicycle hub unit that supports the wheel of a bicycle is known. The bicycle hub unit includes a hub axle connected to the bicycle frame and a hub body mounted on the hub axle, supporting the bicycle wheel and capable of rotating around the hub axle. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional bicycle hub unit.

[0003] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-82847.

[0004] The goal is to develop a bicycle hub unit that can be stably mounted on a bicycle frame. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a bicycle hub unit that can be stably mounted on a bicycle frame.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle hub unit includes a hub axle and a rotation limiting member. The hub axle is connected to the bicycle frame. The rotation limiting member connects the hub axle and the frame in a manner that limits relative rotation with respect to the hub axle and the frame. A structure that allows cables electrically connected to electrical components and electronic parts to be guided is provided in at least one of the hub axle and the rotation limiting member in the region where the rotation limiting member exists along the axial direction of the hub axle's central axis.

[0007] The hub axle is connected to the frame in such a way that its rotation relative to the frame is limited by a rotation limiting component, thus ensuring that the bicycle hub unit is stably mounted on the frame. Furthermore, the cable is guided by a cable-guiding structure, making it difficult for the cable to interfere with the various components that make up the bicycle hub unit.

[0008] In the second embodiment of the bicycle hub unit according to the first embodiment, the aforementioned electronic component is also included, which is electrically connected to the aforementioned electrical component and fixed to the aforementioned hub axle.

[0009] The rotational phase of the hub axle relative to the frame is set to a predetermined phase by means of a rotation limiting component, so that when the bicycle hub unit is mounted on the frame, the position of the electronic components relative to the frame is determined to a predetermined position. Therefore, the bicycle hub unit can be mounted on the frame in such a way that the electronic components are positioned appropriately.

[0010] In the bicycle hub unit according to the third embodiment of the first or second embodiment mentioned above, the aforementioned rotation limiting member is detachably mounted on the aforementioned hub axle.

[0011] Therefore, the availability of bicycle hub units has increased.

[0012] In the fourth embodiment of the bicycle hub unit according to one of the first to third embodiments mentioned above, a hub body and a power generation unit are further included. The hub body is disposed on the hub axle in a state that allows it to rotate around the hub axle. The power generation unit generates electricity by rotating the hub body relative to the hub axle and supplies the generated electricity to the electronic components.

[0013] Therefore, the electricity generated by the power generation unit is stably supplied to the electronic components.

[0014] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle hub unit includes a hub axle and a rotation limiting member. The hub axle is connected to the bicycle frame and has a recess. The rotation limiting member has a first engaging portion that engages with the recess of the hub axle. The hub axle and the frame are connected in a manner that restricts relative rotation with respect to the hub axle and the frame. The hub axle is detachably mounted on the hub axle.

[0015] The hub axle is connected to the frame in such a way that the rotation of the hub axle relative to the frame is limited by a rotation limiting component, so that the bicycle hub unit is stably mounted to the frame.

[0016] In the bicycle hub unit according to the sixth embodiment of the fifth embodiment, the aforementioned recess is a groove provided on the outer peripheral surface of the aforementioned hub shaft in such a way that it extends axially along the central axis of the aforementioned hub shaft.

[0017] Therefore, engagement of the first engaging portion relative to the recess is easy.

[0018] In the seventh embodiment of the bicycle hub unit according to the aforementioned fifth or sixth embodiment, the aforementioned recess has a structure capable of guiding the cable of the aforementioned bicycle.

[0019] The cable is guided by a structure that allows it to be guided, making it difficult for the cable to interfere with the various parts that make up the hub unit of a bicycle.

[0020] In the bicycle hub unit according to one of the aforementioned 5th to 7th embodiments, the aforementioned rotation limiting member has a structure capable of guiding the cable of the aforementioned bicycle.

[0021] The cable is guided by a structure that allows it to be guided, making it difficult for the cable to interfere with the various parts that make up the hub unit of a bicycle.

[0022] In a bicycle hub unit according to one of the aforementioned 1 to 4 embodiments or the aforementioned 8 embodiment 9 embodiment, the aforementioned rotation limiting member has a structure that can guide the aforementioned cable, such that the aforementioned cable is arranged on the inner surface of the aforementioned frame, which is closer to the center line of the aforementioned frame than the axial direction along the central axis of the aforementioned hub axle.

[0023] Therefore, the cable is unlikely to interfere with the various parts that make up the hub unit of a bicycle.

[0024] In the bicycle hub unit according to the 10th embodiment of the aforementioned 9th embodiment, the aforementioned rotation limiting member has a structure that enables the aforementioned cable to be guided radially in the aforementioned hub shaft between the aforementioned inner surface of the aforementioned frame and the outer surface opposite to the aforementioned inner surface.

[0025] Therefore, the cable is unlikely to interfere with external components.

[0026] In the bicycle hub unit according to one of the aforementioned 1st to 4th embodiments or one of the aforementioned 8th to 10th embodiments, the aforementioned rotation limiting member includes a groove capable of guiding the aforementioned cable.

[0027] Therefore, the cable is properly guided by the groove of the rotation limiting component.

[0028] According to the 12th aspect of the present invention, a bicycle hub unit includes a hub axle, a hub body, a power generation unit, and a guide member. The hub axle is connected to the bicycle frame. The hub body is disposed on the hub axle in a state where it can rotate around the hub axle. The power generation unit generates electricity by rotating the hub body relative to the hub axle. The guide member is disposed on the hub axle in a manner that restricts relative rotation with respect to the hub axle. A cable electrically connected to the power generation unit is arranged on the outer side of the inner surface of the frame, which is closer to the centerline of the frame than the axial direction of the hub axle, and has a structure that can guide the cable.

[0029] The hub axle can be connected to the frame while the cable is guided by the guide component, so the bicycle hub unit is stably mounted on the frame. Furthermore, because the cable is guided by the guide component in a manner that places it further outward than the inner surface of the frame, it is difficult for the cable to interfere with the various components that make up the bicycle hub unit.

[0030] In the bicycle hub unit according to the 13th embodiment of the aforementioned 12th embodiment, the aforementioned guide member has a structure that enables the aforementioned cable to be guided radially in the aforementioned hub shaft between the aforementioned inner surface of the aforementioned frame and the outer surface opposite to the aforementioned inner surface.

[0031] Therefore, the cable is unlikely to interfere with external components.

[0032] In the 14th embodiment of the bicycle hub unit according to the aforementioned 12th or 13th embodiment, the aforementioned guide member includes a groove capable of guiding the aforementioned cable.

[0033] Therefore, the cable is properly guided by the groove of the guiding component.

[0034] In the bicycle hub unit according to one of the aforementioned 12 to 14 embodiments, the aforementioned guide member is detachably mounted on the aforementioned hub axle.

[0035] Therefore, the availability of bicycle hub units has increased.

[0036] In the bicycle hub unit according to one of the aforementioned 12 to 15 embodiments, the aforementioned guide member is a rotation limiting member that connects the aforementioned hub axle and the aforementioned frame in a manner that restricts relative rotation with respect to the aforementioned hub axle and the aforementioned frame.

[0037] The hub axle is connected to the frame in such a way that the rotation of the hub axle relative to the frame is limited by a rotation limiting component, so that the bicycle hub unit is stably mounted to the frame.

[0038] In a bicycle hub unit according to one of the aforementioned 1 to 4 embodiments or the aforementioned 17 embodiment of the 16th embodiment, the aforementioned rotation limiting member includes a first engaging portion that engages with the aforementioned hub axle in a manner that limits the rotation of the aforementioned hub axle.

[0039] Therefore, the rotation of the hub axle is appropriately limited by the rotation limiting component.

[0040] In a bicycle hub unit according to one of the aforementioned schemes 5 to 8 or the aforementioned scheme 17 to 18, the aforementioned first engaging portion includes a first protrusion that restricts rotation of the aforementioned hub shaft in one direction and a second protrusion that restricts rotation of the aforementioned hub shaft in another direction.

[0041] Therefore, the rotation of the hub axle is appropriately limited by the rotation limiting component.

[0042] In a bicycle hub unit according to one of the aforementioned schemes 5 to 8, the aforementioned scheme 17, or the aforementioned scheme 18, the aforementioned hub axle includes a second engaging portion that engages with the aforementioned first engaging portion.

[0043] Therefore, the rotation of the hub axle is appropriately limited by the rotation limiting component.

[0044] In the 20th embodiment of the bicycle hub unit according to one of the aforementioned embodiments 1 to 11 or one of the aforementioned embodiments 16 to 19, the aforementioned rotation limiting member has a shape that is fitted into a groove in the aforementioned frame in a manner that limits rotation relative to the aforementioned frame.

[0045] Therefore, the rotation of the rotation limiting component relative to the frame is appropriately limited.

[0046] In the bicycle hub unit according to the aforementioned 20th embodiment, the groove of the aforementioned frame allows the aforementioned hub axle to pass through when the aforementioned hub axle is connected to the aforementioned frame.

[0047] Therefore, the connection between the wheel hub and the frame is relatively easy.

[0048] In the bicycle hub unit according to one of the aforementioned 1 to 21 embodiments, the aforementioned hub axle is disposed on the rear wheel of the aforementioned bicycle.

[0049] Therefore, the bicycle hub unit is stably mounted to the frame.

[0050] In the 23rd embodiment of the bicycle hub unit according to one of the aforementioned embodiments 1 to 11 or one of the aforementioned embodiments 16 to 21, the aforementioned hub axle is provided on the rear wheel of the aforementioned bicycle, and the aforementioned rotation limiting member is provided on the aforementioned hub axle in such a way as to be connected to the aforementioned frame near the rear sprocket teeth of the aforementioned bicycle.

[0051] Therefore, the cables routed to the bicycle hub unit are unlikely to interfere with the rear sprocket teeth.

[0052] The bicycle hub unit according to one of the aforementioned schemes 1 to 4 or one of the aforementioned schemes 7 to 17 in scheme 24 also includes the aforementioned cable.

[0053] Therefore, the cable is unlikely to interfere with the various parts that make up the hub unit of a bicycle.

[0054] In the bicycle hub unit according to one of the aforementioned 1 to 24 embodiments, the aforementioned hub axle has a structure that allows it to be fixed to the aforementioned frame using a wheel retaining mechanism.

[0055] Therefore, the bicycle hub unit is stably mounted to the frame.

[0056] Invention Effects

[0057] The bicycle hub unit according to the present invention can be stably mounted on the bicycle frame. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1This is a side view of a bicycle equipped with a bicycle hub unit according to the embodiment.

[0059] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial sectional view of a bicycle hub unit.

[0060] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the rotation limiting component.

[0061] Figure 4 It means Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the rotation limiting component and its surroundings.

[0062] Figure 5 It means Figure 2 Side view of the rotation limiting component and its surrounding area. Detailed Implementation

[0063] (Implementation Method)

[0064] Reference Figure 1 The bicycle 10, including the bicycle hub unit 50, will be described.

[0065] The bicycle 10 includes a bicycle hub unit 50 (hereinafter referred to as "hub unit 50"). The bicycle 10 shown is a mountain bike. In one example, the bicycle 10 also includes a frame 12, a front wheel 18, a rear wheel 20, and a drivetrain 22. The hub unit 50 is located at the rear end 12A of the frame 12.

[0066] The drivetrain 22 includes a crank assembly 24, a front sprocket tooth assembly 32, a rear sprocket tooth assembly 34, and a chain 36. The crank assembly 24 includes a crankshaft 26, a pair of crank arms 28, and a pair of pedals 30. The pair of pedals 30 are rotatably mounted to the ends of the crank arms 28.

[0067] The front sprocket assembly 32 includes one or more front sprocket teeth 32A, disposed on the crank assembly 24 in a manner capable of rotating integrally with the crankshaft 26. The rear sprocket assembly 34 includes one or more rear sprocket teeth 34A, disposed on the hub unit 50. The chain 36 is wound around a front sprocket tooth 32A in the front sprocket assembly 32 and a rear sprocket tooth 34A in the rear sprocket assembly 34. The combination of the front sprocket teeth 32A and the rear sprocket teeth 34A of the chain 36 is switched, thereby changing the gear ratio of the bicycle 10. The driving force applied to the pedal 30 is transmitted to the rear wheel 20 via the front sprocket assembly 32, the chain 36, and the rear sprocket assembly 34.

[0068] The bicycle 10 also includes bicycle components 38. Bicycle components 38 include an electric derailleur 40, an electric suspension 42, an electrically adjustable seatpost 44, an electric power assist device (not shown), a light 46, and a bicycle computer 48. The electric derailleur 40 includes a first derailleur 40A and a second derailleur 40B. The first derailleur 40A is a rear derailleur located at the rear end 12A of the frame 12. The second derailleur 40B is a front derailleur located near the crankshaft 26 of the frame 12. The electric suspension 42 is a front suspension that absorbs impacts from the ground to the front wheel 18. The electrically adjustable seatpost 44 operates to change the height of the saddle S relative to the frame 12. The electric power assist device operates to assist in the propulsion of the bicycle 10. Some of the components included in bicycle components 38 are driven by electricity supplied from a battery B mounted on the bicycle 10.

[0069] Reference Figure 2 The structure of hub unit 50 is described.

[0070] The hub unit 50 includes a hub axle 52 and a rotation limiting component 70. The hub axle 52 is mounted on the rear wheel 20 of the bicycle 10 (see reference). Figure 1 The hub axle 52 is connected to the frame 12 of the bicycle 10. In one example, the hub axle 52 is connected to the rear end 12A of the frame 12. A rotation limiting member 70 connects the hub axle 52 and the frame 12 in a manner that limits relative rotation with respect to the hub axle 52 and the frame 12. The rotation limiting member 70 is detachably provided on the hub axle 52. The rotation limiting member 70 is provided on the hub axle 52 in a manner that connects to the frame 12 near the rear sprocket tooth 34A of the bicycle 10.

[0071] The hub unit 50 also includes a hub body 60, a generator 62A, a flywheel 64, electronic components 66, and cables 68. The hub body 60 is mounted on the hub axle 52 in a rotatable manner. The hub body 60 has a structure that can support the rear wheel 20 via multiple spokes (not shown).

[0072] The generator unit 62A generates electricity by rotating the hub body 60 relative to the hub axle 52, and supplies the generated electricity to the electronic component 66. The generator unit 62A is, for example, disposed radially between the hub axle 52 and the hub body 60. The generator unit 62A and the electronic component 66 are electrically connected by a cable 68. The generator unit 62A is an example of an electrical assembly 62 mounted on the bicycle 10.

[0073] The flywheel 64 is arranged axially with the hub body 60 along the central axis DA of the hub shaft 52. The flywheel 64 is rotatably connected to the hub body 60 about the hub shaft 52. The flywheel 64 has a configuration capable of supporting multiple rear sprocket teeth 34A. In one example, the flywheel 64 is connected via a transmission system 22 (see reference 22). Figure 1 The driving force transmitted by the various components to the rear sprocket teeth 34A is transmitted to the hub body 60, and the flywheel 64 rotates together with the hub body 60 around the hub shaft 52. The flywheel 64 has a ratchet mechanism 64A that functions as a one-way clutch. The flywheel 64 is capable of transmitting rotation in the first rotational direction to the hub body 60, but cannot transmit rotation in the second rotational direction, which is the opposite direction to the first rotational direction, to the hub body 60.

[0074] Electronic component 66 is electrically connected to electrical assembly 62 and fixed to hub axle 52. In one example, electronic component 66 is electrically connected to generator 62A via cable 68 and is disposed radially between hub axle 52 and flywheel 64.

[0075] The hub unit 50 also includes a cable 80. The cable 80 is routed on the bicycle 10 and electrically connected to the generator unit 62A and electronic components 66. The cable 80 electrically connects the electronic components 66 and the bicycle assembly 38 to be used. An example of the bicycle assembly 38 to be used is the first derailleur 40A (see reference). Figure 1 The power generated by the generator 62A is supplied to the first gearbox 40A via cable 68, electronic component 66, and cable 80, and the first gearbox 40A is driven by this power. Furthermore, the electronic component 66 has, for example, a control circuit for controlling the first gearbox 40A (not shown). The first gearbox 40A is driven by the control circuit of the electronic component 66, and the first gearbox 40A is driven by changing the rear sprocket teeth 34A of the winding chain 36. The electronic component 66 and the first gearbox 40A are close together, so the length of the cable 80 can be shortened. Cables 68 and 80 are electrically connected to the electronic component 66 via a female interface 69. Reference numeral 66A is a connector.

[0076] The structure capable of guiding the cable 80 is provided in the region where the rotation limiting member 70 exists in the axial direction DA of the hub shaft 52, at least one of the hub shaft 52 and the rotation limiting member 70. In one example, the structure capable of guiding the cable 80 is provided on both the hub shaft 52 and the rotation limiting member 70.

[0077] The rotation limiting member 70 has a configuration capable of guiding the cable 80. The rotation limiting member 70 is configured such that the cable 80 is positioned on the outer side of the inner surface 14A of the frame 12, closer to the centerline CL of the frame 12 than the axial direction DA of the hub axle 52, enabling the cable 80 to be guided. The rotation limiting member 70 has a configuration capable of guiding the cable 80 radially between the inner surface 14A and the outer surface 14B opposite to the inner surface 14A of the frame 12. Figure 2 In the example shown, cable 80 is guided by rotation limiting member 70, thereby passing through the region between the inner surface 14A and the outer surface 14B of the frame 12 along the axial direction DA of hub axle 52. Rotation limiting member 70 corresponds to guide member 70 having a configuration capable of guiding cable 80. In this embodiment, guide member 70 is a rotation limiting member 70 that connects hub axle 52 and frame 12 in a manner that restricts relative rotation with respect to hub axle 52 and frame 12.

[0078] The hub axle 52 has a structure that allows it to be fixed to the frame 12 using a wheel retaining mechanism 90. The hub axle 52 includes an axle body 54 and a connecting hole 55. The connecting hole 55 is provided in the axle body 54 extending along the axial direction DA of the hub axle 52.

[0079] The wheel retaining mechanism 90 includes a rod 92, a support portion 94, a shaft 96, and a retaining portion 98. The rod 92 is disposed on the support portion 94 in a manner movable relative to the support portion 94. The shaft 96 is disposed on the support portion 94 extending from it. The retaining portion 98 is detachable relative to the shaft 96. In one example, the rod 92 is operated, thereby causing the shaft 96 to extend or retract relative to the support portion 94 in a manner that changes the distance between the support portion 94 and the retaining portion 98.

[0080] The rotation limiting member 70 is mounted to the hub axle 52 via a cable 80 guided by the rotation limiting member 70. The hub axle 52 is connected to the frame 12 via the rotation limiting member 70. The axle 96 of the wheel retaining mechanism 90 is inserted into the communicating hole 55 of the hub axle 52. After the retaining part 98 is mounted on the axle 96, the operating lever 92 is activated, thereby fixing the wheel retaining mechanism 90 to the frame 12 and the hub axle 52 to the frame 12. In this way, the hub unit 50 is mounted on the frame 12.

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, the rotation limiting member 70 includes a first portion 72, a second portion 78, and a groove 74. The first portion 72 and the second portion 78 are, for example, integrally formed. When the rotation limiting member 70 is mounted on the hub shaft 52, the first portion 72 is positioned outside the hub shaft 52 along the axial direction DA of the hub shaft 52, compared to the second portion 78 (see reference). Figure 4Part 2, 78, has a structure capable of supporting the hub axle 52. Part 2, 78 includes a through hole 78A through which the hub axle 52 can be inserted. An example of the shape of part 2, 78, is cylindrical. A groove 74 guides the cable 80 (see reference). Figure 4 Slot 74 is, for example, located in part 1, 72.

[0082] Part 1 72 includes a groove 74 and a pair of limiting portions 75. The groove 74 is disposed between the pair of limiting portions 75. The groove 74 includes a first groove 74A and a second groove 74B. The first groove 74A extends axially along the hub shaft 52 in a manner that allows the cable 80 to be guided axially along the hub shaft 52. The second groove 74B extends radially along the hub shaft 52 in a manner that allows the cable 80 to be guided radially along the hub shaft 52. In one example, the second groove 74B is configured to allow the cable 80 to be guided axially along the hub shaft 52. (Refer to bicycle 10) Figure 1 The cable 80 is guided in the height direction of the bicycle 10. The first groove 74A and the second groove 74B are continuous. The first groove 74A is shorter than the limiting part 75 in the axial direction DA of the hub axle 52. The second groove 74B guides the cable 80 radially between the inner surface 14A and the outer surface 14B of the frame 12. Specifically, the second groove 74B is located between the inner surface 14A and the outer surface 14B of the frame 12 and between a pair of limiting parts 75. From electronic component 66 (see reference) Figure 2 The extended cable 80 is arranged along the first slot 74A and the second slot 74B, thereby being guided approximately downwards from the bicycle 10 (see reference). Figure 4 The cable 80, which is guided downwards to the bicycle 10, is connected to the first derailleur 40A (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0083] The limiting part 75 is provided such that it extends from the second part 78 in the axial direction DA of the hub shaft 52. The limiting part 75 includes a contact surface 75A and a support surface 75B. The contact surface 75A is the surface that contacts the frame 12 when the rotation limiting member 70 is connected to the frame 12. The support surface 75B is the surface that supports the hub shaft 52 when the hub shaft 52 is inserted into the through hole 78A of the second part 78.

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown, the rotation limiting member 70 has a shape that allows it to be inserted into a slot 16 of the frame 12 in a manner that restricts rotation relative to the frame 12. In one example, the first portion 72 has a shape that allows it to be inserted into the slot 16 of the frame 12. The slot 16 of the frame 12 allows the hub axle 52 to pass through when it is connected to the frame 12. The first portion 72 of the rotation limiting member 70 is inserted into the slot 16 of the frame 12, and the contact surface 75A of each limiting portion 75 contacts the inner surface 16A of the slot 16, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotation limiting member 70 relative to the frame 12.

[0085] like Figure 5 As shown, the rotation limiting member 70 also includes a first engaging portion 76. The first engaging portion 76 engages with the hub shaft 52 in a manner that limits the rotation of the hub shaft 52. The first engaging portion 76 includes a first protrusion 76A and a second protrusion 76B. The first protrusion 76A limits rotation of the hub shaft 52 in one direction. In one example, the first protrusion 76A is disposed on the support surface 75B of one limiting portion 75. The second protrusion 76B limits rotation of the hub shaft 52 in the other direction. In one example, the second protrusion 76B is disposed on the support surface 75B of the limiting portion 75 in the other direction.

[0086] The hub shaft 52 has a recess 56. The recess 56 has a structure capable of guiding the cable 80. The recess 56 is provided as a groove 56A on the outer peripheral surface 54A of the hub shaft 52, extending in the axial direction DA of the hub shaft 52. The groove 56A extends, for example, from one end 52A of the hub shaft 52 to the other end 52B on the outer peripheral surface 54A of the hub shaft 52 (see reference). Figure 2 The rotation limiting member 70 is mounted on the hub shaft 52, thereby forming a guide hole 100 through which the cable 80 can be inserted via the groove 56A of the hub shaft 52 and the groove 74 of the rotation limiting member 70. The size of the guide hole 100 is larger than that of the electronic component 66 (see reference). Figure 2 Connector 82 of cable 80 (refer to) Figure 2 The size of the cable 80 is small. Therefore, the connector 82 of the cable 80 is prevented from falling off by means of the guide hole 100.

[0087] The hub axle 52 also includes a second engaging portion 58. The second engaging portion 58 engages with the first engaging portion 76 of the rotation limiting member 70. The second engaging portion 58 includes a first protrusion 58A and a second protrusion 58B. The first protrusion 58A engages, for example, with the first protrusion 76A of the first engaging portion 76. The first protrusion 58A includes one edge of the groove 56A of the hub axle 52. The second protrusion 58B engages, for example, with the second protrusion 76B of the first engaging portion 76. The second protrusion 58B includes the other edge of the groove 56A of the hub axle 52. With the first engaging portion 76 and the second engaging portion 58 engaged, the rotation limiting member 70 is mounted on the hub axle 52, thereby limiting the rotation of the hub axle 52 relative to the rotation limiting member 70.

[0088] (Modified Example)

[0089] The description of the above embodiments is an example of the possible arrangements of the bicycle hub unit according to the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments. The bicycle hub unit according to the present invention can be arranged in the manner of, for example, the variations of the above embodiments shown below, and combinations of at least two non-contradictory variations. In the following variations, the parts common to the embodiments are labeled with the same reference numerals as in the embodiments, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0090] The bicycle component 38, which is electrically connected to the cable 80, can be arbitrarily changed. In one example, the bicycle component 38 may replace the first derailleur 40A or include at least one of the following: a second derailleur 40B, an electric suspension 42, an electric adjustable seatpost 44, an electric power assist device, a lamp 46, and a bicycle computer 48.

[0091] The structure of the first engaging portion 76 can be arbitrarily changed. In one example, the first engaging portion 76 includes a protrusion that restricts rotation of the hub shaft 52 in one direction and rotation in another direction. According to this example, the second engaging portion 58 includes a recess that engages with a protrusion.

[0092] The relationship between the rotation limiting member 70 and the hub axle 52 can be changed arbitrarily. In the first example, the rotation limiting member 70 is fixed to the hub axle 52. In the second example, the rotation limiting member 70 is integrally provided with the hub axle 52. In the third example, the rotation limiting member 70 is fixed to the frame 12.

[0093] • The mounting position of the rotation limiting member 70 can be changed arbitrarily. In one example, the rotation limiting member 70 is mounted on the hub axle 52 in a manner that connects to the frame 12, which is farther away from the rear sprocket tooth 34A of the bicycle 10.

[0094] The shape of the rotation limiting member 70 can be arbitrarily changed. In the first example, the rotation limiting member 70 has a shape that does not embed in the slot 16 of the frame 12. According to this example, the rotation limiting member 70 includes a component that can be connected to the frame 12 in a manner that limits relative rotation with respect to the frame 12. In the second example, the rotation limiting member 70 has a shape that embeds in the slot 16 of the frame 12 in a manner that does not limit rotation with respect to the frame 12. According to this example, the rotation limiting member 70 functions as a guide member 70. The guide member 70 is provided on the hub axle 52 in a manner that limits relative rotation with respect to the hub axle 52, and has a configuration that allows the cable 80 to be guided in a manner that places the cable 80 outside the axial direction DA of the hub axle 52, beyond the inner surface 14A of the frame 12. In one example, the hub axle 52 is fixed to the frame 12 using a wheel retaining mechanism 90, thereby limiting rotation of the hub axle 52 and the guide member 70 with respect to the frame 12.

[0095] The configuration of the rotation limiting member 70 can be arbitrarily changed. In the first example, the rotation limiting member 70 has a configuration that guides the cable 80, such that the cable 80 protrudes from the outer surface 14B of the frame 12 toward the outer side of the axial direction DA of the hub axle 52. In the second example, the rotation limiting member 70 has a configuration that guides the cable 80, such that the cable 80 is positioned inside the axial direction DA of the hub axle 52, closer to the inner surface 14A of the frame 12. In the third example, the rotation limiting member 70 does not include a configuration that guides the cable 80.

[0096] The construction of the recess 56 of the hub axle 52 can be arbitrarily changed. In one example, the recess 56 does not include a construction that can guide the cable 80.

[0097] The area of ​​the groove 56A relative to the outer peripheral surface 54A of the hub shaft 52 can be arbitrarily changed. In one example, the groove 56A is provided only in the area on the outer peripheral surface 54A of the hub shaft 52 where the rotation limiting member 70 on the axial direction DA of the hub shaft 52 exists.

[0098] The method of fixing the hub axle 52 can be changed arbitrarily. In one example, the hub axle 52 has a structure that can be fixed to the frame 12 using a nut (not shown).

[0099] The mounting position of the hub axle 52 can be changed arbitrarily. In one example, the hub axle 52 is mounted on the front wheel 18 of the bicycle 10.

[0100] The hub unit 50 can be designed to omit at least one of the following components: generator 62A, electronic component 66, cable 68, and cable 80. In a first example, generator 62A is omitted from the hub unit 50. In this example, electronic component 66 and battery B are electrically connected via cable 68. In a second example, generator 62A, electronic component 66, and cable 68 are omitted from the hub unit 50. In this example, bicycle assembly 38 and battery B are electrically connected via cable 80. In a third example, generator 62A, electronic component 66, cable 68, and cable 80 are omitted from the hub unit 50. In this example, the structure that guides cable 80 can also be omitted from the hub axle 52 and rotation limiting member 70.

[0101] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0102] 10…bicycle, 12…frame, 14A…inner surface, 14B…outer surface, 16…groove, 20…rear wheel, 34A…rear sprocket tooth, 50…bicycle hub unit, 52…hub shaft, 54A…outer circumferential surface, 56…recess, 56A…groove, 58…second engaging part, 60…hub body, 62…electrical components, 62A…power generation part, 66…electronic components, 70…rotation limiting component (guide component), 74…groove, 76…first engaging part, 76A…first protrusion, 76B…second protrusion, 80…cable, 90…wheel retaining mechanism, CL…centerline, DA…axial direction.

Claims

1. A hub unit for bicycles, characterized in that, have: The hub axle connects to the bicycle frame; The hub body is mounted on the aforementioned hub axle in a state where it can rotate around the aforementioned hub axle; The power generation unit generates electricity through the rotation of the aforementioned hub body relative to the aforementioned hub shaft; as well as A guide member is provided on the aforementioned hub axle in a manner that restricts relative rotation with respect to the aforementioned hub axle. A cable electrically connected to the aforementioned power generation unit and routed along the rear sprocket teeth is positioned on the inner surface of the aforementioned frame, closer to the centerline of the aforementioned frame than the inner surface along the central axis of the aforementioned hub axle, and is arranged to guide the aforementioned cable. The aforementioned hub axle is located on the rear wheel of the aforementioned bicycle. The aforementioned guide component is provided on the aforementioned hub axle in such a way as to connect with the aforementioned frame that is close to the aforementioned rear sprocket teeth of the aforementioned bicycle.

2. The bicycle hub unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also has electronic components (66).

3. The bicycle hub unit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned electronic component (66) includes a control circuit, and the first transmission (40A) is driven by means of the control circuit of the electronic component (66), and the first transmission (40A) is driven by changing the rear sprocket teeth (34A) of the winding chain (36).

4. The bicycle hub unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned guide member has a structure that enables the aforementioned cable to be guided radially in the aforementioned hub shaft between the aforementioned inner surface of the aforementioned frame and the outer surface opposite to the aforementioned inner surface.

5. The bicycle hub unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned guiding component includes a groove capable of guiding the aforementioned cable.

6. The bicycle hub unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned guide component is detachably mounted on the aforementioned hub axle.

7. The bicycle hub unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned guide component is a rotation limiting component that connects the aforementioned wheel hub axle and the aforementioned vehicle frame in a manner that restricts relative rotation with respect to the aforementioned wheel hub axle and the aforementioned vehicle frame.

8. The bicycle hub unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also has the aforementioned cables.

9. The bicycle hub unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned hub axle has a structure that allows it to be fixed to the aforementioned vehicle frame using a wheel retaining mechanism.

10. The bicycle hub unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also has a hub body and a power generation unit. The aforementioned hub body is mounted on the aforementioned hub axle in a state where it can rotate around the aforementioned hub axle. The aforementioned power generation unit generates electricity through the rotation of the aforementioned hub body relative to the aforementioned hub shaft, and supplies the generated electricity to the aforementioned electronic components.

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