Pedal for manpower vehicle

Abstract

A pedal (10) is provided for a human-powered vehicle V. The pedal (10) basically comprises a pedal shaft (12), a pedal body (14) and a coupling structure (60). The pedal body (14) is rotatably supported with respect to the pedal shaft (12) so as to rotate about a rotational center axis A1 of the pedal body (14). The pedal body (14) includes a pedal shaft receiving bore (28). The pedal shaft (12) is partially disposed in the pedal shaft receiving bore (28). The coupling structure (60) is configured to hold the pedal shaft (12) relative to the pedal body (14). The coupling structure (60) includes a seal support (66), a fastener (62), and a sealing member (64). The seal member (64) is provided between at least a portion of the seal support (66) and the fastener (62) in the axial direction X with respect to a rotational center axis A1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a pedal for a human powered vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pedal having a pedal shaft and a pedal body. Background Art

[0002] Many human-powered vehicles utilize a drive train that receives human driving force via a pair of pedals. Basically, a pedal typically includes a pedal axle and a pedal body, wherein the pedal axle rotatably supports the pedal body. In this type of pedal, one end of the pedal axle of each pedal is attached to one end of a crank arm of a crank of the drive train. The rider applies human driving force to the crank by stepping on the pedal body of the pedal. The human driving force rotates the crank. The rotation of the crank is then transmitted to one or more wheels of the human-powered vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0003] In general, the present invention relates to various features of a pedal for a human-powered vehicle. As used herein, the term "human-powered vehicle" refers to a vehicle that can be propelled by at least a human driving force to generate propulsion, but does not include vehicles that only use non-human driving forces. In particular, vehicles that only use internal combustion engines as driving forces are not included in human-powered vehicles. Human-powered vehicles are generally considered to be compact, light vehicles that sometimes do not require a license when traveling on public roads. The number of wheels on a human-powered vehicle is not limited. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, unicycles and vehicles with three or more wheels. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, and recumbent bikes, as well as electric-assisted bicycles (E-bikes).

[0004] In view of the state of the known technology and according to a first aspect of the present invention, a pedal for a human-powered vehicle is provided, wherein the pedal basically comprises a pedal shaft, a pedal body and a coupling structure. The pedal body is rotatably supported relative to the pedal shaft to rotate around the rotation center axis of the pedal body. The pedal body comprises a pedal shaft receiving hole. The pedal shaft is partially disposed in the pedal shaft receiving hole. The coupling structure is configured to hold the pedal shaft relative to the pedal body and is disposed to the pedal body. The coupling structure comprises a sealing support, a fastener and a sealing member. The sealing member is disposed between at least a portion of the sealing support and the fastener in an axial direction relative to the rotation center axis.

[0005] With the pedal according to the first aspect, the pedal shaft may be securely coupled to the pedal main body to reduce axial and radial looseness between the pedal shaft and the pedal main body.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to the first aspect is configured so that the seal support is non-rotatably engaged with the fastener. With the pedal according to the second aspect, wear of the seal member can be reduced.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to the first aspect or the second aspect is configured so that the seal support member includes a groove. With the pedal according to the third aspect, the seal support member can reliably support the seal member.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to the third aspect is configured so that the groove is at least partially defined by a non-circular annular surface, and the fastener includes an outer peripheral surface that cooperates with the non-circular annular surface. For the pedal according to the fourth aspect, the sealing support can be reliably prevented from rotating relative to the fastener.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to the third aspect or the fourth aspect is configured so that the sealing member is disposed in the groove. With the pedal according to the fifth aspect, the sealing member can be reliably protected by the sealing support.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to any one of the third to fifth aspects is configured so that the groove includes a first section and a second section adjacent to the first section in the axial direction. The sealing member is at least partially disposed in the first section. The fastener is at least partially disposed in the second section. For the pedal according to the sixth aspect, the sealing member can be reliably protected by the sealing support, and the fastener can be reliably engaged with the sealing support.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to the sixth aspect is configured so that the first section has a depth in the axial direction. The depth of the first section is less than the axial length of the sealing member. For the pedal according to the seventh aspect, the sealing member can be reliably compressed by the fastener.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect is configured so that the sealing member is compressed in the axial direction between at least a portion of the sealing support and the fastener. The sealing support includes an abutment surface provided in the axial direction between the first section and the second section to limit the compression of the sealing member in the axial direction between at least a portion of the sealing support and the fastener. For the pedal according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to suppress the sealing member from being excessively compressed in the axial direction.

[0013] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is configured so that the sealing member is compressed in the axial direction between at least a portion of the sealing support and the fastener. For the pedal according to the ninth aspect, the sealing member can be reliably compressed in the axial direction between at least a portion of the sealing support and the fastener.

[0014] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is configured so that the pedal shaft has a first end portion, a second end portion spaced apart from the first end portion in the axial direction, and an intermediate portion arranged between the first end portion and the second end portion. At least the first end portion of the pedal shaft is partially arranged in the pedal shaft receiving hole. The connecting structure is provided to the first end portion of the pedal shaft. For the pedal according to the tenth aspect, the pedal shaft can reliably support the pedal body and be firmly connected to the pedal body.

[0015] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to the tenth aspect is configured so that the first end portion of the pedal shaft includes an external thread. The fastener includes a first nut threadedly engaged with the external thread. For the pedal according to the eleventh aspect, the pedal shaft can be easily connected to the pedal body.

[0016] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to the eleventh aspect is configured so that the fastener includes a second nut threadedly engaged with the external thread. With the pedal according to the twelfth aspect, loosening of the first nut can be reliably suppressed.

[0017] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to the twelfth aspect is configured so that the second nut is adjacent to the first nut in the axial direction. With the pedal according to the thirteenth aspect, the second nut may engage the first nut to suppress loosening of the first nut.

[0018] According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to any one of the tenth to thirteenth aspects is configured so that the second end portion of the pedal shaft includes an additional external thread configured to engage with a crank. For the pedal according to the fourteenth aspect, the pedal can be easily attached to the crank.

[0019] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects further includes a first bushing, which is provided in the pedal shaft receiving hole between the middle portion of the pedal shaft and the pedal body in a radial direction relative to the rotation center axis. For the pedal according to the fifteenth aspect, the pedal body can be rotatably supported on the pedal shaft.

[0020] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to the fifteenth aspect further includes a second bushing, which is arranged in the pedal shaft receiving hole between the middle part of the pedal shaft and the pedal body in the radial direction. The first bushing is spaced apart from the second bushing in the axial direction. For the pedal according to the sixteenth aspect, the pedal body effectively rotates on the pedal shaft.

[0021] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to the sixteenth aspect is configured so that the first bushing has a first outer diameter and the second bushing has a second outer diameter. The first outer diameter is smaller than the second outer diameter. For the pedal according to the seventeenth aspect, the weight of the pedal can be reduced.

[0022] According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to any one of the tenth to seventeenth aspects is configured so that the pedal shaft receiving hole of the pedal body has a first end opening and a second end opening opposite to the first end opening in the axial direction. The first end portion of the pedal shaft is arranged inwardly from the first end opening in the axial direction. The second end portion of the pedal shaft is at least partially arranged outwardly from the second end opening in the axial direction. For the pedal according to the eighteenth aspect, the pedal shaft can be easily connected to the pedal body.

[0023] According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to any one of the fifteenth to seventeenth aspects is configured so that the seal support is configured to abut the first bush in the axial direction. With the pedal according to the nineteenth aspect, axial movement of the first bush can be suppressed.

[0024] According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects is configured so that the second section of the groove has an axially facing surface relative to the rotation center axis, and the fastener is provided to the pedal shaft so that a gap is formed between the fastener and the axially facing surface of the second section of the groove in the axial direction. For the pedal according to the twentieth aspect, the sealing member can be reliably compressed in the axial direction between at least a portion of the sealing support and the fastener.

[0025] According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, a pedal for a human-powered vehicle is provided, wherein the pedal basically comprises a pedal shaft, a pedal body and a coupling structure. The pedal body is rotatably supported relative to the pedal shaft to rotate around the rotation center axis of the pedal body. The pedal body comprises a pedal shaft receiving hole. The pedal shaft is partially disposed in the pedal shaft receiving hole. The coupling structure is configured to hold the pedal shaft relative to the pedal body and is disposed to the pedal shaft. The coupling structure comprises a fastener and a sealing member. The fastener comprises a first nut threadedly engaged with the external thread and a second nut threadedly engaged with the external thread. The sealing member is adjacent to the fastener in the axial direction relative to the rotation center axis.

[0026] With the pedal according to the twenty-first aspect, the pedal shaft may be securely coupled to the pedal main body to reduce axial and radial looseness between the pedal shaft and the pedal main body.

[0027] According to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to the twenty-first aspect is configured so that the second nut is adjacent to the first nut in the axial direction, so that the second nut is arranged closer to the first end of the pedal shaft than the first nut in the axial direction. For the pedal according to the twenty-second aspect, the first nut and the second nut can be easily mounted to the pedal shaft.

[0028] Furthermore, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed pedal will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the pedal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this original disclosure, and in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) equipped with a pair of pedals according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The profile of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) equipped with pedals illustrated in FIG. 1 , the profile being viewed from the front of the human-powered vehicle in a longitudinal direction to show a center plane vertically bisecting the frame of the human-powered vehicle;

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view of one of the pedals according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 for Figure 3 An enlarged top perspective view of the pedal illustrated in FIG.

[0034] Figure 5 for Figure 3 and 4 an end elevation view of the pedal illustrated in;

[0035] Figure 6 for Figures 3 to 5 A top plan view of the pedal illustrated in FIG.

[0036] Figure 7 for Figures 3 to 6 an inside elevation view of the pedal illustrated in;

[0037] Figure 8 for Figures 3 to 7 The pedal illustrated in FIG. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view as seen from section line 8-8;

[0038] Fig. 9 for Figures 3 to 8 The pedal illustrated in FIG. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view as viewed from section line 9-9;

[0039] Fig.10 for Figures 3 to 9 An exploded perspective view of the pedal illustrated in FIG.

[0040] Fig.11 for Figures 3 to 10 a perspective view of a pedal shaft of the pedal illustrated in , wherein a coupling structure has been provided to the pedal shaft;

[0041] Fig.12 for Fig.11 an exploded perspective view of a portion of the pedal shaft illustrated in , wherein the coupling structure has been exploded from the pedal shaft;

[0042] Fig.13 for Fig. 9 an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the pedal illustrated in;

[0043] Fig.14 for Figures 3 to 10 a partially exploded perspective view of a portion of the pedal illustrated in FIG. 1 , wherein the reflector has been exploded from the pedal body;

[0044] Fig.15 for Figures 3 to 10 The portion of the pedal illustrated in FIG. Fig.14 A cross-sectional view taken along section line 15-15, wherein the reflector has been disassembled from the pedal body; and

[0045] Fig.16 for Fig.15 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of the pedal illustrated in FIG. 1 , wherein the reflector has been coupled to the pedal body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the field of human-powered vehicles (eg, bicycles) from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0047] First reference Figure 1 , a human-powered vehicle V (e.g., a bicycle) is illustrated, and the human-powered vehicle V is equipped with a pair of pedals 10 according to the first embodiment. In other words, the pedal 10 is provided for the human-powered vehicle V. Here, for example, the human-powered vehicle V is a bicycle. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the human-powered vehicle V is an electric-assisted mountain bike (i.e., an off-road bicycle). Alternatively, the human-powered vehicle V can be a road bicycle, a city bicycle, a cargo bicycle, and a recumbent bicycle, or other types of off-road bicycles, such as a road off-road bicycle. The number of wheels on the human-powered vehicle V is not limited. The human-powered vehicle V includes, for example, a unicycle and a vehicle with three or more wheels. Here, the human-powered vehicle V is a bicycle that at least partially uses human power as a driving force for travel, and includes an electric drive unit that assists human power. In particular, a vehicle that uses only an internal combustion engine as a driving force is not included in the human-powered vehicle of the present disclosure. More specifically, in the embodiment described below, the human-powered vehicle V is an electric-assisted bicycle.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the human-powered vehicle V comprises a vehicle body VB equipped with a plurality of vehicle components. Figure 1As seen in FIG. 1 , the vehicle body VB has a front frame body FB and a rear frame body RB (swing arm) which is swingably mounted to the rear section of the front frame body FB so that the rear frame body RB can pivot relative to the front frame body FB. The rear wheel RW is mounted to the rear frame body RB, and the front wheel FW is mounted to the front frame body FB via the front suspension FS. The bicycle seat or saddle S is adjustably mounted to the front frame body FB through an adjustable seat post SP. The rear suspension 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 relative to the front frame body FB. That is, the rear suspension RS is configured to absorb the impact applied to the rear wheel RW. The front suspension FS is pivotally mounted to the head pipe of the front frame body FB. The handlebar H is mounted to the upper end of the steering column steering tube of the front suspension FS. The front suspension FS is configured to absorb the impact applied to the front wheel FW. The front wheel FW is mounted to the lower end of the front suspension FS. The rear wheel RW is mounted to the rear end of the rear frame body RB.

[0049] The human-powered vehicle V further includes a transmission system DT and a drive unit DU operatively connected to the transmission system DT. The drive unit DU is also referred to as an electric power-assisting unit. Here, for example, the transmission system DT is a chain-driven type, which includes a crank C, a front sprocket FSP, a plurality of rear sprockets RSP, and a chain CN. The crank C includes a pair of crank arms CA2. The crank shaft CA1 is rotatably supported to the front frame body FB via the electric power-assisting unit DU. The crank arms CA2 are disposed on opposite ends of the crank shaft CA1.

[0050] The pedal 10 is rotatably connected to the distal end of the crank arm CA2. The transmission system DT can be selected from any type and can be a belt drive type or a shaft drive type. Here, the human-powered vehicle V further includes a front derailleur FD attached to the front frame body FB for changing the chain CN between the front sprockets FSP, and a rear derailleur RD attached to the rear frame body RB for changing the chain CN between the rear sprockets RSP. The front derailleur FD and the rear derailleur RD are a gear changing device or a transmission device for changing the gear transmission ratio of the transmission system DT.

[0051] A front sprocket FSP is provided on the crank C to rotate integrally with the crankshaft CA1. A rear sprocket RSP is provided on the hub of the rear wheel RW. A chain CN runs around the front sprocket FSP and the rear sprocket RSP. A rider or user of the human-powered vehicle V applies a human driving force to the pedal 10 so that the driving force is transmitted to the rear wheel RW via the front sprocket FSP, the chain CN, and the rear sprocket RSP.

[0052] The drive unit DU is activated to help propel the human-powered vehicle V in a conventional manner. The drive unit DU is activated, for example, according to a human driving force applied to the pedals 10. The drive unit DU includes an electric motor operatively coupled to the front sprocket FSP. The drive unit DU is activated by electric power supplied from the power source PS.

[0053] refer to Figure 2 , illustrates the outline of the human-powered vehicle V, which is viewed from the front of the human-powered vehicle V in the longitudinal direction to show the center plane CP that vertically bisects the front frame body FB of the human-powered vehicle V. The center plane CP passes through the center of the frame F in the width direction of the front frame body FB. The center plane CP divides the left side from the right side of the human-powered vehicle V. The following directional terms "front", "rear", "forward", "backward", "left", "right", "lateral", "longitudinal", "upward" and "downward" and any other similar directional terms refer to those directions determined based on a rider sitting upright on the seat S of the human-powered vehicle V facing the handlebars H of the human-powered vehicle V.

[0054] exist Figures 3 to 16 In the embodiment, pedal 10 is the left pedal. The right pedal has the same structure as the left pedal except for the following. Figures 3 to 16 The description and examples of the pedal 10 shown in the figure are applicable to the left and right pedals of the human-powered vehicle V. Therefore, only one of the pedals is illustrated in the drawings and discussed below. The pedal 10 basically includes a pedal shaft 12 and a pedal body 14. The pedal shaft 12 has a rotation center axis A1. The pedal body 14 is rotatably supported relative to the pedal shaft 12 to rotate around the rotation center axis A1 of the pedal body 14. The rotation center axis A1 coincides with the center axis of the pedal shaft 12. The pedal shaft 12 also connects the pedal body 14 to the outer end of the crank arm CA2 so that the pedal body 14 can rotate around the pedal shaft 12 relative to the crank arm CA2.

[0055] like Figures 8 to 10 As seen in , the pedal body 14 is a rigid member. The pedal body 14 is preferably made of a hard, rigid material. Here, the pedal body 14 is made of a non-metallic material, such as a hard plastic material or a fiber-reinforced material. Alternatively, the pedal body 14 can be made of a metallic material. The pedal body 20 has a first shoe placement surface 16 and a second shoe placement surface 18. The second shoe placement surface 18 is opposite to the first shoe placement surface 16. Here, the pedal body 14 includes a plurality of spike pins 20 extending outward from the first shoe placement surface 16. Here, the second shoe placement surface 18 does not include spike pins. However, spike pins can be added to the second shoe placement surface 18 as needed and / or desired.

[0056] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, Figure 4 and6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the pedal body 14 includes a first body portion 22, a second body portion 24, and an intermediate body portion 26. Here, the first body portion 22, the second body portion 24, and the intermediate body portion 26 are integrally formed as a single-piece member. Preferably, as in the illustrated embodiment, the first body portion 22 and the second body portion 24 are connected together by the intermediate body portion 26 to form an annular tread frame. Figure 8 and 9 As seen in FIG. 1 , the pedal body 14 includes a pedal axle receiving hole 28. The pedal axle receiving hole 28 extends through the middle body portion 26. The pedal axle 12 is partially disposed in the pedal axle receiving hole 28.

[0057] refer to Figure 8 and 9 , the pedal shaft receiving hole 28 of the pedal body 14 has a first end opening 28a and a second end opening 28b. The second end opening 28b is opposite to the first end opening 28a in the axial direction X. The first end opening 28a is configured to provide a passage from the outside of the pedal body 14 to the pedal shaft 12. The second end opening 28b is configured to receive the pedal shaft 12 so that during the assembly process of the pedal 10, the pedal shaft 12 is inserted through the second end opening 28b toward the first end opening 28a.

[0058] like Figures 8 to 10 As seen in FIG. 1 , the pedal 10 further includes an end cap 30. The end cap 30 is disposed in the first end opening 28a. The end cap 30 is preferably press-fit into the first end opening 28a. In this way, the end cap 30 is removably coupled to the pedal body 14. The end cap 30 may also be referred to as a dust cover or dust cap because the end cap 30 prevents contaminants from entering the pedal shaft receiving hole 28 through the first end opening 28a. The end cap 30 may be made of a metallic material or a non-metallic material as needed and / or desired.

[0059] like Figures 8 to 12 As seen in , the pedal shaft 12 is a rigid member made of a hard rigid material such as a metal material or a fiber reinforced material. Basically, the pedal shaft 12 includes a first end portion 32, a second end portion 34, and a middle portion 36. The second end portion 34 is spaced apart from the first end portion 32 in the axial direction X. In other words, the first end portion 32 is located at the end of the pedal shaft 12 opposite to the second end portion 34. The middle portion 36 is disposed between the first end portion 32 and the second end portion 34. The middle portion 36 extends between the first end portion 32 and the second end portion 34. The first end portion 32 of the pedal shaft 12 is disposed inwardly from the first end opening 28a in the axial direction X. The second end portion 34 of the pedal shaft 12 is at least partially disposed outwardly from the second end opening 28b in the axial direction X.

[0060] At least the first end portion 32 of the pedal shaft 12 is partially disposed in the pedal shaft receiving hole 28. Here, the first end portion 32 of the pedal shaft 12 is completely disposed in the pedal shaft receiving hole 28. The first end portion 32 of the pedal shaft 12 includes an external thread 38. On the other hand, the second end portion 34 of the pedal shaft 12 at least partially extends out of the pedal body 14 from the second end opening 28b. The second end portion 34 is configured to be attached to one crank arm CA2 of the human-powered vehicle V. Here, the second end portion 34 of the pedal shaft 12 includes an additional external thread 40. The additional external thread 40 is configured to engage with the crank C. In the case where the pedal 10 is a left pedal configured to be screwed into the crank arm CA2 on the left side of the human-powered vehicle V, the external thread portion 40 includes a left-handed thread. On the other hand, in the case where the pedal 10 is a right pedal configured to be screwed into the crank arm CA2 on the right side of the human-powered vehicle V, the external thread portion 40 includes a right-handed thread. The second end portion 34 of the pedal shaft 12 further includes a tool engagement section 42. The tool engagement section 42 is configured to receive a tool such as a wrench so that the pedal shaft 12 can be rotated and screwed into the mounting hole of the crank arm CA2. Here, the tool engagement section 42 includes a pair of parallel flat surfaces.

[0061] Here, the outer surface of the middle portion 36 has three cylindrical sections, and the diameters of the three cylindrical sections decrease as the outer surface extends from the second end portion 34 to the first end portion 32. The middle portion 36 is configured to rotatably support the pedal body 14. In particular, the pedal 10 further includes a first bushing 44. The first bushing 44 is disposed in the pedal shaft receiving hole 28. The pedal 10 further includes a second bushing 46. The second bushing 46 is disposed in the pedal shaft receiving hole 28. The first bushing 44 is positioned against the first annular abutment surface 28c. The first annular abutment surface 28c limits the first bushing 44 from moving inwardly relative to the first end opening 28a. The second bushing 46 is positioned against the second annular abutment surface 28d. The second annular abutment surface 28d limits the second bushing 46 from moving inwardly relative to the second end opening 28b. The first bushing 44 and the second bushing 46 are located near the opposite ends of the middle portion 36. Therefore, the first bushing 44 is spaced apart from the second bushing 46 in the axial direction X.

[0062] The first bushing 44 is disposed between the middle portion 36 of the pedal shaft 12 and the pedal body 14 in the radial direction R1 relative to the rotation center axis A1. Similarly, the second bushing 46 is disposed between the middle portion 36 of the pedal shaft 12 and the pedal body 14 in the radial direction R1. In this way, the pedal body 14 is rotatably supported on the middle portion 36 of the pedal shaft 12 by the first bushing 44 and the second bushing 46. Preferably, the first bushing 44 and the second bushing 46 are both made of a non-metallic material having a low friction coefficient. For example, the first bushing 44 and the second bushing 46 are both made of ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene. Here, as Fig.10 As shown in , the first bushing 44 has a first outer diameter D1, and the second bushing 46 has a second outer diameter D2. The first outer diameter D1 is smaller than the second outer diameter D2. Therefore, the middle portion 36 includes a first section 48 and a second section 50. The first bushing 44 is disposed on the first section 48, and the second bushing 46 is disposed on the second section 50. Here, the middle portion 36 further includes an intermediate section 52 between the first section 48 and the second section 50. The first section 48, the intermediate section 52, and the second section 50 are cylindrical sections whose diameters increase as the outer surface extends from the first end portion 32 to the second end portion 34.

[0063] The pedal 10 further includes a sealing ring 54. The sealing ring 54 is disposed on a section of the second end portion 34 of the pedal shaft 12, the section being located adjacent to the second end opening 28b in the pedal shaft receiving hole 28. The sealing ring 54 is configured to close the space between the pedal shaft 12 and the pedal body 14 to prevent contaminants from entering the pedal shaft receiving hole 28 through the second end opening 28b. The sealing ring 54 is formed of an elastomeric material suitable for forming a seal, such as nitrile rubber.

[0064] The pedal 10 further includes a bushing sleeve 56. The bushing sleeve 56 is disposed on a section of the pedal shaft 12 between the second end portion 34 of the pedal shaft 12 and the second section 50 of the middle portion 36 of the pedal shaft 12. The bushing sleeve 56 serves as an axial abutment between the pedal shaft 12 and the second bushing 46. In particular, axial movement of the second bushing 46 is suppressed because the second bushing 46 is axially retained between the bushing sleeve 56 and the second annular abutment surface 28d of the pedal body 14. Preferably, the bushing sleeve 56 is made of a non-metallic material having a low friction coefficient.

[0065] Basically, if Figure 8 and 9As seen in , the pedal shaft 12 is configured to be retained to the pedal body 14. In particular, the pedal 10 further includes a connecting structure 60. The connecting structure 60 is provided to the first end portion 32 of the pedal shaft 12. In this way, the connecting structure 60 is configured to retain the pedal shaft 12 relative to the pedal body 14. More specifically, the connecting structure 60 basically includes a fastener 62 and a sealing member 64. Here, the connecting structure 60 further includes a sealing support 66. The fastener 62, the sealing member 64 and the sealing support 66 are all provided on the first end portion 32 of the pedal shaft 12. The fastener 62 is detachably connected to the first end portion 32 of the pedal shaft 12, as explained below. Basically, by fastening the fastener 62 to the first end portion 32 of the pedal shaft 12, the sealing member 64 and the sealing support 66 are retained on the first end portion 32 of the pedal shaft 12. The seal support 66 is configured to contact the first bushing 44 to prevent the pedal shaft 12 from being removed from the pedal shaft receiving hole 28 of the pedal body 14 .

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 62 includes a first nut 70 threadedly engaged with the external thread 38. In this way, the sealing member 64 and the sealing support 66 are retained on the first end portion 32 of the pedal shaft 12. Here, the fastener 62 includes a second nut 72 threadedly engaged with the external thread 38. In particular, the second nut 72 is adjacent to the first nut 70 in the axial direction X. Here, the second nut 72 is disposed closer to the first end of the pedal shaft 12 than the first nut 70 in the axial direction X. In this way, the second nut 72 contacts the first nut 70 to lock the first nut 70 and the second nut 72 on the external thread 38 of the first end portion 32 of the pedal shaft 12. The first nut 70 and the second nut 72 may be conventional hexagonal nuts. Alternatively, the first nut 70 and the second nut 72 may be locking nuts having a nylon insert wrapped around the external thread 38.

[0067] The sealing member 64 is adjacent to the fastener 62 in the axial direction X relative to the rotation center axis A1. The sealing member 64 is arranged between at least a portion of the sealing support 66 and the fastener 62 in the axial direction X relative to the rotation center axis A1. More specifically, the sealing member 64 is arranged to the first end portion 32 of the pedal shaft 12 so that the sealing member 64 is between the sealing support 66 and the first nut 70 in the axial direction X. Basically, the sealing member 64 is an O-ring. The sealing member 64 is made of an elastomeric material such as nitrile rubber. Therefore, the sealing member 64 is configured to be compressible. In the assembled state, the sealing member 64 is compressed between at least a portion of the sealing support 66 and the fastener 62 in the axial direction X. In this way, the sealing member 64 is configured to absorb axial forces during assembly. In addition, the sealing member 64 is configured to provide an axial force between the sealing support 66 and the first nut 70 in the axial direction X to reduce the loosening of the fastener 62.

[0068] As described above, the sealing support 66 is provided to the first end portion 32 of the pedal shaft 12. The sealing support 66 is configured to abut the first bushing 44 in the axial direction X. Here, the sealing support 66 is non-rotatably engaged with the fastener 62. The sealing support 66 is made of polyoxymethylene (POM), such as acetal, polyacetal, and polyoxymethylene. In particular, the sealing support 66 includes a groove 74. Preferably, the groove 74 is at least partially defined by a non-circular annular surface 74a. The fastener 62 includes an outer peripheral surface 70a matching the non-circular annular surface 74a. Specifically, the first nut 70 includes an outer peripheral surface 70a, and the first nut 70 is at least partially disposed in the groove 74. In this way, the sealing support 66 does not rotate relative to the first nut 70. Preferably, the outer peripheral surface 70a is hexagonal, and the non-circular annular surface 74a of the groove 74 is hexagonal in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation center axis A1.

[0069] In addition, the sealing member 64 is disposed in the groove 74. In particular, the groove 74 includes a first section 76 and a second section 78. The second section 78 is adjacent to the first section 76 in the axial direction X. The first section 76 and the second section 78 are annular sections concentrically disposed around the rotation center axis A1. The second section 78 has a larger diameter than the first section 76. Here, the second section 78 is at least partially defined by a non-circular annular surface 74a of the groove 74. Basically, the sealing member 64 is at least partially disposed in the first section 76. The fastener 62 is at least partially disposed in the second section 78.

[0070] The first section 76 has a depth in the axial direction X. The depth of the first section 76 is less than the axial length of the sealing member 64. In this way, the sealing member 64 is partially compressed between the sealing support 66 and the first nut 70 in the axial direction X. Preferably, the sealing support 66 includes an abutment surface 66a provided between the first section 76 and the second section 78 in the axial direction X to limit the compression of the sealing member 64 between at least a portion of the sealing support 66 and the fastener 62 in the axial direction X. In this way, the sealing member 64 is not overly compressed.

[0071] The second section 78 of the groove 74 has an axially facing surface 78a relative to the rotation center axis A1. The fastener 62 is disposed on the pedal shaft 12 so that a gap G is formed between the fastener 62 and the axially facing surface 78a of the second section 78 of the groove 74 in the axial direction X. In this way, the sealing member 64 can be further compressed during use of the pedal 10.

[0072] Here, the pedal 10 further includes a pair of reflective members 80. The reflective members 80 are preferably made of a hard plastic material suitable for reflecting light. A coating or base layer can be applied to the reflective members 80 to improve the reflective properties of the reflective members 80. The reflective members 80 are arranged at the front and rear ends of the pedal body 14. In particular, the front and rear ends of the pedal body 14 are each provided with a groove 82 for receiving one reflective member 80. The front and rear ends of the pedal body 14 are each provided with an opening 84, and the reflective members 80 are visible in the opening 84. Each groove 82 includes a notch 82a for receiving a protrusion 80a of the reflective member 80 at one end, and includes an opening 82b for inserting the reflective member 80 into the groove 82 at the other end. The notch 82a and the protrusion 80a are configured to form a press-fit connection between them to retain the reflective member 80 in the pedal body 14.

[0073] In understanding the scope of the present invention, as used herein, the term "comprise" and its derivatives are intended to be open terms, which specify the existence of stated features, elements, parts, groups, wholes, and / or steps, but do not exclude the existence of other unstated features, elements, parts, groups, wholes, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprise", "have" and their derivatives. In addition, when used in the singular, the terms "portion", "section", "part", "member" or "element" can have the dual meaning of a single portion or multiple portions, unless otherwise stated.

[0074] As used herein, the following directional terms "side facing the frame", "side not facing the frame", "forward", "rearward", "front", "rear", "up", "down", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical", "lateral", and any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) in an upright riding position and equipped with pedals. Therefore, these directional terms as used to describe the pedals should be interpreted relative to a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) in an upright riding position and equipped with pedals on a horizontal surface. The terms "left" and "right" are used to indicate "right" when referenced from the right side as viewed from the rear of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) and "left" when referenced from the left side as viewed from the rear of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle).

[0075] As used in the present disclosure, the phrase "at least one of..." means "one or more" of the desired options. For one example, as used in the present disclosure, the phrase "at least one of..." means "only one single option" or "two of two options" (if the number of its options is two). For another example, as used in the present disclosure, the phrase "at least one of..." means "only one single option" or "any combination of equal to or more than two options" (if the number of its options is equal to or more than three). In addition, as used in the present disclosure, the term "and / or" means "one or both of...". For example, the phrase "at least one of A and B" includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) both A and B. The phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all of A, B, and C. In other words, in the present disclosure, the phrase "at least one of A and B" does not mean "at least one of A and at least one of B".

[0076] In addition, it should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another component. Thus, for example, the first component discussed above may be referred to as the second component, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0077] As used herein, the term "attachment" includes a configuration in which one element is directly fixed to another element by attaching the element directly to the other element; a configuration in which the one element is indirectly fixed to the other element by attaching the one element to an intermediate member (one or more) that is in turn attached to the other element; and a configuration in which one element is integral with the other element, that is, one element is substantially a part of the other element. This definition also applies to words with similar meanings, for example, "coupled", "connected", "coupled", "mounted", "combined", "fixed", and their derivatives. Finally, as used herein, terms of degree, such as "substantially", "about", and "approximately" mean an amount of deviation from the modified term so that the end result is not significantly changed.

[0078] Although only selected embodiments have been selected to illustrate the present invention, it is obvious to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless otherwise expressly stated, the size, shape, position or orientation of various components may be changed as needed and / or desired, as long as these changes do not significantly affect their intended functions. Unless otherwise expressly stated, components that are shown to be directly connected or in contact with each other may have intermediate structures disposed between them, as long as these changes do not significantly affect their intended functions. The function of an element may be performed by two elements, and vice versa, unless otherwise expressly stated. The structure and function of one embodiment may be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to appear in a particular embodiment at the same time. Each feature that is different from the prior art, whether alone or in combination with other features, should be considered as a separate description of the applicant's further invention, including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by these features (one or more). Therefore, the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present invention is only for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to limit the present invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Reference numerals

[0079] 10 pedals / a pair of pedals

[0080] 12 pedal axle

[0081] 14 pedal body

[0082] 16. First shoe placement surface

[0083] 18 Second shoe placement surface

[0084] 20 spike pins / multiple spike pins

[0085] 22 The first main part

[0086] 24 Second main part

[0087] 26 Middle body part

[0088] 28 Pedal shaft receiving hole

[0089] 28a First end opening (of pedal shaft receiving hole)

[0090] 28b Second end opening (of pedal shaft receiving hole)

[0091] 28c first annular abutment surface

[0092] 28d second annular abutment surface

[0093] 30 End cap / dust cover / dust cap

[0094] 32 First end portion (of pedal shaft)

[0095] 34 Second end portion (of pedal shaft)

[0096] 36 Middle part (of pedal shaft)

[0097] 38 External thread (of the first end portion)

[0098] 40 Additional external thread / external thread section (of the second end portion)

[0099] 42 tool engagement section

[0100] 44 first bushing

[0101] 46 Second Bushing

[0102] 48 first section

[0103] 50 Second Section

[0104] 52 middle section

[0105] 54 sealing ring

[0106] 56 Bushing Sleeve

[0107] 60 connection structure

[0108] 62 Fasteners

[0109] 64 Sealing member / O-ring

[0110] 66 Sealing support

[0111] 66a Abutment surface (of seal support)

[0112] 70 First nut (of fastener)

[0113] 70a Outer surface (of fastener)

[0114] 72 Second nut (of fastener)

[0115] 74 Groove (of seal support)

[0116] 74a Non-circular annular surface

[0117] 76 first section (of groove)

[0118] 78 Second section (of groove)

[0119] 78a Axial facing surface (of the second section)

[0120] 80 reflectors / a pair of reflectors

[0121] 80a protrusion (of the reflector)

[0122] 82 grooves

[0123] 82a Notch (of groove)

[0124] 82b (groove) opening

[0125] 84 opening

[0126] A1 Rotation center axis

[0127] C crank

[0128] CA1 crankshaft

[0129] CA2 crank arms / a pair of crank arms

[0130] CN Chain

[0131] CP center plane

[0132] DT drive train

[0133] DU drive unit / electric power assist unit

[0134] D1 (first bushing) first outer diameter

[0135] D2 Second outer diameter (of the second bushing)

[0136] F-Frame

[0137] FB front frame body

[0138] FD front derailleur

[0139] FS front suspension

[0140] FSP front sprocket

[0141] FW front wheel

[0142] G Clearance

[0143] H handlebar

[0144] RB rear frame body / swing arm

[0145] RD rear derailleur

[0146] RSP rear sprocket / multiple rear sprockets

[0147] RW rear wheel

[0148] PS Power Supply

[0149] R1 radial direction

[0150] S Bicycle Seat / Saddle

[0151] SP adjustable seat post

[0152] V Human-powered vehicles

[0153] VB vehicle body

[0154] X-axis direction.

Claims

1. A pedal for a human-powered vehicle, the pedal comprising: Pedal shaft; a pedal body rotatably supported relative to the pedal shaft to rotate about a rotation center axis of the pedal body, the pedal body including a pedal shaft receiving hole in which the pedal shaft is partially disposed; as well as A coupling structure configured to hold the pedal shaft relative to the pedal body and provided to the pedal shaft, the coupling structure comprising: Sealing support; fastener; as well as A sealing member is provided between at least a portion of the seal support and the fastener in an axial direction relative to the rotation center axis.

2. The pedal according to claim 1, wherein: The seal support is non-rotatably engaged with the fastener.

3. The pedal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The seal support includes a groove.

4. The pedal according to claim 3, wherein: The groove is at least partially defined by a non-circular annular surface, and The fastener includes an outer peripheral surface that mates with the non-circular annular surface.

5. The pedal according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The sealing member is disposed in the groove.

6. The pedal according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The groove includes a first section and a second section adjacent to the first section in the axial direction, The sealing member is at least partially disposed in the first section, and The fastener is at least partially disposed in the second section.

7. The pedal according to claim 6, wherein: The first section has a depth in the axial direction, and The depth of the first section is less than an axial length of the sealing member.

8. The pedal according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The sealing member is compressed in the axial direction between the at least a portion of the sealing support and the fastener, and The seal support includes an abutment surface disposed between the first section and the second section in an axial direction to limit compression of the seal member between the at least a portion of the seal support and the fastener in an axial direction.

9. The pedal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The sealing member is compressed in an axial direction between the at least a portion of the seal support and the fastener.

10. The pedal according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The pedal shaft has a first end portion, a second end portion spaced apart from the first end portion in an axial direction, and an intermediate portion provided between the first end portion and the second end portion, At least the first end portion of the pedal shaft is partially disposed in the pedal shaft receiving hole, and The coupling structure is provided to a first end portion of the pedal shaft.

11. The pedal according to claim 10, wherein: The first end portion of the pedal shaft includes external threads, and The fastener includes a first nut threadably engaged with the external thread.

12. The pedal according to claim 11, wherein The fastener includes a second nut threadably engaged with the external thread.

13. The pedal according to claim 12, wherein: The second nut is adjacent to the first nut in the axial direction.

14. A pedal according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein: The second end portion of the pedal shaft includes additional external threads configured to engage with a crank.

15. The pedal according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising: A first bushing is provided in the pedal shaft receiving hole between a middle portion of the pedal shaft and the pedal main body in a radial direction with respect to the rotation center axis.

16. The pedal of claim 15, further comprising: a second bushing disposed in the pedal shaft receiving hole between the middle portion of the pedal shaft and the pedal body in a radial direction, and wherein The first bushing is spaced apart from the second bushing in an axial direction.

17. The pedal according to claim 16, wherein: The first bushing has a first outer diameter and the second bushing has a second outer diameter, and The first outer diameter is smaller than the second outer diameter.

18. A pedal according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein The pedal shaft receiving hole of the pedal body has a first end opening and a second end opening opposite to the first end opening in the axial direction. The first end portion of the pedal shaft is disposed inwardly from the first end opening in the axial direction, and The second end portion of the pedal shaft is at least partially disposed outwardly from the second end opening in the axial direction.

19. A pedal according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein: The seal support is configured to abut the first bushing in an axial direction.

20. A pedal according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein The second section of the groove has an axially facing surface relative to the rotational center axis, and The fastener is provided to the pedal shaft such that a gap is formed between the fastener and the axially facing surface of the second section of the groove in an axial direction.

21. A pedal for a human-powered vehicle, the pedal comprising: a pedal shaft, the pedal shaft comprising external threads; a pedal body rotatably supported relative to the pedal shaft to rotate about a rotation center axis of the pedal body, the pedal body including a pedal shaft receiving hole in which the pedal shaft is partially disposed; as well as A coupling structure configured to hold the pedal shaft relative to the pedal body and provided to the pedal shaft, the coupling structure comprising: a fastener comprising a first nut threadably engaged with the external thread and a second nut threadably engaged with the external thread; and A sealing member is adjacent to the fastener in an axial direction relative to the rotation center axis.

22. The pedal of claim 21, wherein: The second nut is adjacent to the first nut in the axial direction, so that the second nut is disposed closer to the first end of the pedal shaft in the axial direction than the first nut.

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