Drive for transmitting torque from set sprocket having different number of teeth to

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a drive for transmitting torque from a set of sprockets having different numbers of teeth to a wheel of a bicycle. The drive has an axis of rotation and includes a coupling profile for coupling the set of sprockets thereto. The coupling profile includes a first support structure and a further support structure. The first support profile is arranged at a first radius from the axis of rotation and is configured for carrying a smallest sprocket of the set of sprockets and supporting the set of sprockets only in a radial direction. A further support structure is arranged at a further radius greater than the first radius from the axis of rotation and is configured for supporting the set of sprockets in a tangential direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drive for a bicycle, the drive being configured to receive a set of sprockets and to transfer torque from the set of sprockets to a wheel of the bicycle. Background Art

[0002] A wheel assembly for a driven wheel of a bicycle typically includes a drive for mounting a set of sprockets. The drive is coupled to a hub of the wheel assembly for transferring torque from the set of sprockets to the hub. A freewheel mechanism is typically provided between the drive and the hub, allowing torque to be transferred in one direction of rotation (forward drive direction), while the drive is rotationally decoupled from the hub in a direction of rotation opposite to the rear wheel hub.

[0003] By means of a derailleur, a chain can be switched to a thread above a selected sprocket in the set to change the transmission ratio of a bicycle transmission. The set of sprockets is typically interchangeable. Conventional systems include a cylindrical drive provided with axial splines, onto which the set of sprockets can be axially slid and axially locked by a locking element typically threaded to the drive. The axial splines support the set of sprockets in a tangential direction to transfer torque about the axis of rotation of the drive, which corresponds to the axis of rotation of the wheel of the bicycle.

[0004] Modern systems including an internal transmission partially accommodated by the drive can include a non-cylindrical drive. An example of such a non-cylindrical drive is disclosed, for example, in WO2017 / 039442, which has a coupling profile for coupling a set of sprockets thereto. The coupling profile includes different interfaces for supporting the set of sprockets at different ratios. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The aim is to propose a drive, in particular for a bicycle including an internal hub transmission, which has an improved coupling profile for coupling to a set of sprockets. In particular, the aim is to provide a drive configured to receive various different sets of sprockets. In addition, the aim is to facilitate the user in replacing the set of sprockets. In a more general sense, the aim is to overcome or reduce at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. Alternatively, the aim is to at least provide a useful alternative.

[0006] One aspect provides a drive for transferring torque from a set of sprockets having different numbers of teeth to a wheel of a bicycle. The drive has a rotational axis and includes a coupling profile for coupling the set of sprockets thereto. The rotational axis corresponds in use to the rotational axis of the wheel of the bicycle. The coupling profile includes a first support structure and an additional support structure. The first support structure is arranged at a first outer radius from the rotational axis. The first support structure is configured to carry the smallest sprocket of the set of sprockets. The first support structure is configured to support the set of sprockets only in the radial direction and / or the axial direction. The additional support structure is arranged at an additional radius from the rotational axis that is greater than the first radius and is configured to support the set of sprockets in the tangential direction. The additional support structure may comprise or be one or more of the second support structure, the third support structure, and the fourth support structure as described herein. The additional support structure may be axially spaced apart from the first support structure. Preferably, the minimum outer radius at the axial position of the additional support structure is greater than the first outer radius. Thus, tangential support for such a set of sprockets is provided at a location where the material exists continuously circumferentially at a radius greater than the first radius, i.e., the tangential support for transferring torque from the set of sprockets to the drive. Thus, torque can be transferred at such a location of the additional support structure where the drive is stronger than at the location of the first support structure. Such strength is not required at the first support structure, it can be seen that the first support structure only needs to carry the smallest sprocket of the set of sprockets and support the set of sprockets only in the radial direction and / or the axial direction.

[0007] Optionally, the drive includes one or more bearings for supporting the drive to a wheel bridge, such as one or more roller bearings. The drive may include one or more bearing mounting surfaces for mounting the one or more bearings. Each of the one or more bearing mounting surfaces may include an inner cylindrical surface of the drive.

[0008] Optionally, the first support structure is positioned axially spaced apart from the one or more bearings. Optionally, the first support structure is positioned axially offset towards the drive side relative to the drive side bearing of the one or more bearings. Optionally, the first support structure is positioned axially spaced apart from the one or more bearing mounting surfaces. Optionally, the first support structure is positioned axially offset towards the drive side relative to the drive side bearing mounting surface of the one or more bearing mounting surfaces.

[0009] Optionally, the first outer radius is less than the outer radius of at least one of the one or more bearings. Optionally, the first outer radius is less than the outer radius of the drive side bearing among the one or more bearings. Optionally, the first outer radius is less than the inner radius of at least one of the one or more bearing mounting surfaces. Preferably, the first outer radius is less than the inner radius of the drive side bearing mounting surface among the one or more bearing mounting surfaces.

[0010] Optionally, an additional support structure is axially positioned at the location of at least one of the one or more bearings, or between the one or more bearings. Preferably, the minimum outer radius at the axial position of the additional support structure is greater than the outer radius of at least one of the one or more bearings. Optionally, an additional support structure is axially positioned at the location of at least one of the one or more bearing mounting surfaces, or between the one or more bearing mounting surfaces. Preferably, the minimum outer radius at the axial position of the additional support structure is greater than the inner radius of at least one of the one or more bearing mounting surfaces.

[0011] Optionally, the drive is arranged such that one or more bearings are mounted from the non-drive side. Mounting the bearings from the non-drive side allows the first support structure to be positioned axially offset towards the drive side relative to the drive side bearing of the one or more bearings.

[0012] Optionally, the first support structure has an associated first cylindrical inner surface at the axial position of the first support structure. Optionally, the inner diameter of the first cylindrical inner surface is less than the inner diameter of at least one of the one or more bearing mounting surfaces. Preferably, the inner diameter of the first cylindrical inner surface is less than the inner diameter of the drive side bearing mounting surface among the one or more bearing mounting surfaces.

[0013] Preferably, the smallest sprocket in the set of sprockets has at most 11 teeth, or at most 10 teeth. Such a sprocket is not radially supported on a conventional drive. In a conventional drive, the outer diameter of the drive side bearing is too large to allow radial support of a sprocket having at most 11 or at most 10 teeth on the drive. However, a drive having some or all of the features disclosed herein allows radial support of a sprocket having at most 11 or at most 10 teeth on the drive.

[0014] Thus, the first support structure is configured to support only the set of sprockets in one or both of the radial and axial directions. The first support structure can thus be configured to support the set of sprockets only in the radial direction. The first support structure can thus be configured to support the set of sprockets only in the axial direction. The first support structure can thus be configured to support the set of sprockets in both the radial and axial directions. The first support structure can thus be configured not to support the set of sprockets in the tangential direction. Thus, no torque can be transmitted from the set of sprockets to the drive via the first support structure. Instead, torque can be transmitted from the set of sprockets to the drive via an additional support structure. The first support structure can carry the smallest sprocket in the set, i.e., support the smallest sprocket radially. The smallest sprocket in the set carried by the first support structure can transmit torque to the second support structure via adjacent sprockets. It will be appreciated that the drive can be coupled to various sets of sprockets.

[0015] The first support structure can be arranged at an axial end of the drive. By radially supporting the smallest sprocket in the set, a firm and durable connection between the set of sprockets and the drive can be obtained, particularly since the smallest sprocket is well radially defined before axially locking the set of sprockets. This further facilitates the connection and disconnection of the set of sprockets, as well as axially locking the set to the drive, since one or more of the smallest sprockets are not self-supporting and are thus less prone to misalignment.

[0016] This aspect can thus provide a drive for transmitting torque from a set of sprockets having different numbers of teeth to a wheel of a bicycle, the drive having a rotational axis and including a coupling profile for coupling the set of sprockets thereto, wherein the coupling profile includes such a first support profile that is arranged at a first radius from the rotational axis and is configured to carry the smallest sprocket in the set of sprockets and not to support the set of sprockets in the tangential direction.

[0017] It will be appreciated that this aspect can include some or all of the options and features of the aspects described below.

[0018] One aspect provides a drive, such as described herein, for transmitting torque from a set of sprockets having different numbers of teeth to a wheel of a bicycle, the drive including a coupling profile for coupling the set of sprockets thereto and a thread, particularly an internal thread, for cooperating with a locking element, wherein, for example, the nominal diameter of the thread of the internal thread is at most 26 mm, particularly at most 25 mm. The thread of the internal thread of the drive can, for example, be a standard M25 thread.

[0019] The internal thread may have a minimum diameter that is less than the internal diameter of at least one of the one or more bearing mounting surfaces. Preferably, the internal thread may have a minimum diameter that is less than the internal diameter of the drive-side bearing mounting surface of the one or more bearing mounting surfaces. The internal thread may be axially offset relative to the drive-side bearing mounting surface.

[0020] A particular aspect provides a drive, such as described herein, for transferring torque from a set of sprockets to a bicycle wheel, the drive having a rotational axis and including a coupling profile for coupling the set of sprockets thereto, wherein the coupling profile includes a first support structure at a first radius from the rotational axis, the first support structure configured to support the set of sprockets only in a radial direction; a second support structure at a second radius from the rotational axis, the second radius being greater than the first radius, the second support structure configured to support the set of sprockets in both a radial direction and a tangential direction; a third support structure at a third radius from the rotational axis, the third radius being greater than the second radius, the third support structure configured to support the set of sprockets only in an axial direction; and a fourth support structure at a fourth radius from the rotational axis, the fourth radius being greater than the third radius, the fourth support structure configured to support the set of sprockets in both a radial direction and a tangential direction. The first, second, third, and fourth support structures may be spaced apart from each other in an axial direction. Preferably, the minimum outer radius at the axial positions of the second, third, and fourth support structures is greater than the first outer radius..

[0021] One aspect provides a drive for transferring torque from a set of sprockets to a bicycle wheel, the drive having a rotational axis and including a coupling profile for coupling the set of sprockets thereto, wherein the coupling profile includes a first adapter support surface and a second adapter support surface, the first adapter support surface and the second adapter support surface each configured to support a first adapter and a second adapter, respectively, in a radial direction, wherein the radius of the first adapter support surface from the rotational axis is less than that of the second adapter support surface. The first adapter support surface and the second adapter support surface may be particularly configured to support the first adapter and the second adapter, respectively, only in a radial direction.

[0022] One aspect provides a component that includes a drive for transferring torque from a set of sprockets to a bicycle wheel. The drive has a rotational axis and includes a coupling profile for coupling the set of sprockets thereto. The coupling profile includes a first adapter support surface and a second adapter support surface, each configured to support a first adapter and a second adapter, respectively, in a radial direction. The radius of the first adapter support surface from the rotational axis is less than that of the second adapter support surface. The component in a first configuration includes the first adapter supported by the first adapter support surface, and the component in a second configuration includes the second adapter supported by the second adapter support surface. The component in the first configuration may be configured to support a first set of sprockets, and the component in the second configuration is configured to support a second set of sprockets different from the first set of sprockets.

[0023] One aspect provides a component that includes a set of sprockets having different numbers of teeth. The smallest sprocket in the set forms an integral sprocket subset that is fixed to each other such that they move integrally. The integral subset includes the smallest sprocket in the set of sprockets having at most 11 teeth or at most 10 teeth; and a drive as described herein for transferring torque to a bicycle wheel. The drive has a rotational axis and includes a coupling profile for coupling the set of sprockets thereto. The coupling profile includes a first support structure at a first radius from the rotational axis, and the first support structure is configured to support only the integral subset in a radial direction.

[0024] One aspect provides a component that includes a drive as described herein for transferring torque in a forward drive direction from a set of sprockets having different numbers of teeth to a bicycle wheel, and an adapter for coupling to the drive. The drive includes a rotational axis and a coupling profile having a second support structure with a second axial spline, and the second support structure is configured to support the set of sprockets at least in a tangential direction; and the adapter is releasably coupled to the drive and includes a first axial spline. The coupling interface between the drive and the adapter is configured such that, in a coupled state, the first axial spline and the second axial spline are aligned respectively. With the adapter, the drive can be compatible with a wider range of different sets of sprockets.

[0025] One aspect provides a component including a drive as described herein for transferring torque in a forward drive direction from a set of sprockets having different numbers of teeth to a bicycle wheel, and an adapter for coupling to the drive, the drive including a rotational axis and a coupling profile having a support structure, such as a second support structure as described herein, the support structure configured to support the set of sprockets at least in a tangential direction; and the adapter configured to releasably couple to the drive, wherein the coupling interface between the drive and the adapter is configured to not transfer torque from the adapter to the drive in the forward drive direction. Thus, the set of sprockets can be carried by the adapter and, for example, radially supported, while torque can be transferred to the drive only from those sprockets carried by the adapter via adjacent sprockets in the set. This allows for an even load distribution on the drive.

[0026] One aspect provides a component including a set of sprockets having different numbers of teeth; and a drive, such as described herein, for transferring torque in a forward drive direction from the set of sprockets to a bicycle wheel, the drive having a rotational axis and including a coupling profile for coupling the set of sprockets thereto. The coupling profile includes a second support structure at a second radius from the rotational axis, the second support structure configured to support the set of sprockets only in a radial direction and a tangential direction; and a fourth support structure at a fourth radius from the rotational axis, the fourth radius being greater than the second radius, the fourth support structure configured to support the set of sprockets only in a radial direction and a tangential direction; wherein the set of sprockets is coupled to the drive overlapping the second support structure and the fourth support structure such that the set of sprockets is supported by the drive only in a tangential direction by the fourth support structure. Although the drive may have two tangential support structures, it is preferred to transfer torque at only one of the tangential support structures, such as only at the tangential support structure at the greatest radius from the rotational axis. The second support structure can thus not carry the set of sprockets. The second support structure can thus be bypassed.

[0027] One aspect provides a set of sprockets including a plurality of sprockets having different numbers of teeth, the plurality of sprockets configured to be supported by a drive as described herein.

[0028] One aspect provides a component including a drive, such as described herein, for transferring torque about a rotational axis to a wheel of a bicycle and configured to be coupled to a first set of sprockets and a different second set of sprockets, wherein the component in a first configuration includes a first locking element coupled to the drive to axially engage a smallest sprocket of the first set of sprockets to axially lock the first set of sprockets, and wherein the component in a second configuration includes a second locking element different from the first locking element coupled to the drive to engage a smallest sprocket of the different second set of sprockets to axially lock the second set of sprockets.

[0029] One aspect provides a component including a drive, such as described herein, for transferring torque about a rotational axis to a wheel of a bicycle and configured to be coupled to a first set of sprockets having a different number of teeth, the first set of sprockets including a smallest sprocket having at most 10 teeth, wherein the component in a first configuration includes a first locking element coupled to the drive for axially engaging the smallest sprocket of the first set of sprockets to axially lock the first set of sprockets, and wherein the component in a second configuration includes an adapter and a second locking element, the adapter releasably coupled to the drive such that the drive can support a second set of sprockets having a different number of teeth, the second set of sprockets including a smallest sprocket having 11 or more teeth, the second locking element different from the first locking element and releasably coupled to the drive for engaging the smallest sprocket of the second set of sprockets to axially lock the second set of sprockets.

[0030] One aspect provides a component including a drive, such as described herein, for transferring torque from a set of sprockets having a different number of teeth to a wheel of a bicycle, the drive including a coupling profile and an external thread for coupling the set of sprockets thereto; and wherein the component includes a locking element having an internal thread for mating with the external thread of the drive, wherein the locking element forms a first support structure at its radial exterior disposed at a first radius from the rotational axis and configured to carry the smallest sprocket of the set of sprockets and support the set of sprockets only in a radial direction and / or an axial direction. The external thread of the drive can be, for example, a standard M25 thread.

[0031] One aspect provides a hub assembly for a wheel of a bicycle including a hub and a drive, the drive as described herein connected to the hub, optionally via an internal transmission at least partially received by the drive. The transmission can include, for example, a planetary gear set having an input for connection to the drive and an output for connection to the hub.

[0032] One aspect provides a bicycle including a drive as described herein.

[0033] The features and options described below can be applied to any of the above aspects. It is understood that the optional features described below are not optional for those aspects described above where the same features are expressly defined as being included.

[0034] Optionally, the first radius is less than 16 mm, such as between 12 mm and 17 mm, preferably between 14 mm and 16 mm, and more preferably about 15 mm. The outer diameter of the first support structure can thus be less than 32 mm, such as between 25 mm and 32 mm, preferably between 27 mm and 31 mm, and more preferably about 30 mm.

[0035] Optionally, the smallest sprocket has at most 11 teeth, or at most 10 teeth.

[0036] Optionally, the first support structure has no splines.

[0037] Optionally, the first support structure is arranged at an axial end of the drive, and the drive includes a thread at the axial end for mating with a complementary thread of a locking element. Optionally, the drive includes an internal thread for mating with an external thread of a locking element. Optionally, the drive includes an external thread for mating with an internal thread of a locking element. Optionally, the nominal diameter of the thread, such as the internal thread, is at most 26 mm, preferably at most 25 mm. The thread of the drive can be, for example, a standard M25 thread.

[0038] Optionally, the smallest sprocket in the set forms, with at least the second smallest sprocket, an integral subset of sprockets fixed to move together. The integral subset of sprockets includes a plurality of sprockets fixed to each other in a durable manner, even when separated from the drive. The sprockets in the integral subset can be machined, for example, from a single block of material, or can include sprockets mounted to each other in a durable manner.

[0039] Optionally, the integral subset includes the third smallest sprocket in the set.

[0040] Optionally, the additional support structure includes or is a second support structure at a second radius from the axis of rotation, the second radius being greater than the first radius.

[0041] Optionally, the second support structure is configured to support the set of sprockets in the tangential and radial directions.

[0042] Optionally, the coupling profile is configured such that the second support structure does not support the set of sprockets in the axial direction.

[0043] Optionally, the second support structure includes one or more splines. The minimum outer radius of the second support structure at the base of the one or more splines can be greater than the first outer radius.

[0044] Optionally, the second support structure includes axial splines, each axial spline extending longitudinally parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0045] Optionally, the axial splines extend longitudinally from a first end near the first support structure to a second end remote from the first support structure, and wherein one or more of the axial splines in each axial spline have a first width at the first end and a second width at the second end, the first width being less than the second width. The varying width allows the drive to be coupled to, for example, an adapter, in particular such that the axial splines extend from the adapter. It will be appreciated that the length of the axial spline corresponds to the axial dimension of the axial spline, and the width corresponds to the dimension transverse to the length, in particular in the tangential direction.

[0046] Optionally, one or more of the axial splines in each axial spline are recessed at the first end.

[0047] Optionally, each axial spline includes a drive side configured to transmit torque to the drive in a forward drive direction, and a non-drive side opposite the drive side, and wherein the non-drive side of one or more of the axial splines is recessed at the axial end of the one or more axial splines near the first support structure. Bicycles are generally not driven in reverse, such that in practice there is little need to transmit torque through the non-drive side of the axial splines. Some bicycles, for example, include a freewheel mechanism between the wheels of the bicycle and the drive to allow the drive to rotate backwards without transmitting torque to the wheels of the bicycle. Thus, in practice, the non-drive side of the axial splines is loaded at a lower frequency and to a lesser extent than the drive side. By providing a recess at the non-drive side, no torque can be transmitted from the adapter to the drive in the forward drive direction. The torque is thus transmitted through those sprockets in the set carried by the second support structure, thus providing a uniform load distribution on the drive side of the axial splines.

[0048] Optionally, the longitudinal dimension of the axial splines is at most 10 mm, preferably in the range of 1 mm and 8 mm, more preferably in the range of 3 mm and 6 mm.

[0049] Optionally, the additional support structure includes or is a third support structure at a third radius from the axis of rotation, the third radius being greater than the first radius and preferably greater than the second radius. The third support structure can be configured to support a sprocket in the set of sprockets in the axial direction, in particular only in the axial direction. Thus, the third support structure can be configured not to support the set of sprockets in the tangential and radial directions.

[0050] Optionally, the second radius is in the range of 30 mm and 35 mm, such as between 32 mm and 34 mm.

[0051] Optionally, the coupling profile is configured to support the set of sprockets only in the axial direction by means of the third support structure. Thus, the set of sprockets can be statically defined in the axial direction.

[0052] Optionally, the coupling profile is configured to support the set of sprockets only in the axial direction by means of the first support structure.

[0053] Optionally, the coupling profile is configured to support the set of sprockets only in the axial direction by means of the second support structure.

[0054] Optionally, the coupling profile is configured to support the set of sprockets only in the axial direction by means of the fourth support structure.

[0055] Optionally, the third support structure includes an axially adjacent surface to axially abut against a sprocket in the set of sprockets.

[0056] Optionally, the axially abutting surface faces the axial direction, in particular towards the first axial end of the drive, is annular in shape and coaxial with the axis of rotation. This annular shape allows the axially applied load force to be evenly distributed over the axially adjacent surface.

[0057] Optionally, the additional support structure includes or is a fourth support structure at a fourth outer radius from the axis of rotation, the fourth radius being greater than the first radius, and preferably greater than the second radius, and preferably greater than the third radius, the fourth support structure being configured to support the sprockets in the set of sprockets only in the radial and tangential directions.

[0058] Optionally, the fourth support structure includes a plurality of axial spline pairs, each pair of splines being angularly spaced apart to receive the complementary support structure of the sprocket, wherein the angular spacing between each pair of splines is greater than the angular spacing between the splines within the spline pair.

[0059] Optionally, the fourth support structure includes six spline pairs, such as six spline pairs angularly regularly spaced apart at an angle of 60 degrees.

[0060] Optionally, the spacing between the splines in each spline pair can be between 3 mm and 5 mm, such as about 4 mm.

[0061] Optionally, the coupling interface between the drive and the adapter is arranged to provide a form-closed connection between the drive and the adapter.

[0062] Optionally, the coupling interface between the drive and the adapter is configured not to transmit torque in the forward drive direction.

[0063] Optionally, the coupling interface between the drive and the adapter is configured to transfer torque from the adapter to the drive only in one rotational direction about the axis of rotation.

[0064] Optionally, the coupling interface between the drive and the adapter is configured to transfer torque only in the backward direction of the drive, for example in a freewheel direction opposite to the forward drive direction.

[0065] Optionally, the coupling profile includes a first support structure that is at a radius from the axis of rotation that is less than a second support structure, and the first interface is configured to support the set of sprockets only in the radial direction, in particular to carry the smallest sprocket in the set of sprockets.

[0066] Optionally, the adapter is carried by the first support structure for supporting the set of sprockets using the adapter.

[0067] Optionally, the first support structure supports the adapter only in the radial direction.

[0068] Optionally, the adapter can be omitted from the assembly to expose the first support structure such that the first support structure can support the set of sprockets, in particular the smallest sprocket in the set of sprockets.

[0069] Optionally, the axial extent of the first spline is greater than the axial extent of the second spline. The length of the first spline can be in the range of, for example, 10 mm and 15 mm, such as approximately 12 mm. The length of the second spline can be in the range of, for example, 2 mm and 5 mm, such as approximately 3 mm or 4 mm.

[0070] Optionally, the depth of the first axial spline and / or the second axial spline is approximately 2 mm. It will be understood that the length of the axial spline corresponds to the axial dimension of the axial spline, and the depth corresponds to the dimension transverse to the length, in particular in the radial direction.

[0071] Optionally, the second support structure includes 6 to 12 axial splines, such as 8 to 10 axial splines, such as 9 axial splines.

[0072] Optionally, the adapter includes the same number of axial splines as the second support structure.

[0073] Optionally, in the coupled state, the combined axial extent of the first axial spline and the second axial spline is between 10 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 12 mm and 17 mm, such as approximately 15 mm.

[0074] Optionally, in the coupled state, the adapter extends axially beyond the drive.

[0075] Optionally, the assembly includes the set of sprockets. The sprockets can be coupled to a drive and an adapter.

[0076] Optionally, the set of sprockets is coupled to the drive, overlaps a second support structure, and is at least partially carried by the adapter, wherein the set of sprockets is not supported by the second support structure in the tangential direction.

[0077] Optionally, the second support structure is at a second radius from the axis of rotation, and the coupling profile includes a first support structure at a first radius less than the second radius from the axis of rotation, and the adapter is supported by the first support structure only in the radial direction.

[0078] Optionally, the adapter described herein can be a first adapter or a second adapter. The adapter can thus have a radius corresponding to the radius of the first adapter support surface. The adapter can also have a radius corresponding to the radius of the second adapter support surface.

[0079] Optionally, either the first adapter support surface or the second adapter support surface corresponds to any surface of any support structure of the drive. For example, the first adapter support surface can correspond to the surface of one of the first, second, third, or fourth support structures. The first adapter support surface can particularly correspond to the surface of the first support structure. The second adapter support surface can particularly correspond to the surface of the second support structure.

[0080] Optionally, the coupling profile includes a fourth support structure at a fourth radius from the axis of rotation, the fourth radius being greater than the second radius, the fourth support structure being configured to support the set of sprockets in the tangential direction; wherein the set of sprockets is coupled to the drive, overlaps the second support structure and the fourth support structure, such that the set of sprockets is supported by the fourth support structure only in the tangential direction by the drive.

[0081] Optionally, the fourth radius is greater than 35 mm.

[0082] Optionally, the set of sprockets includes a complementary first support structure at a first radius from the axis of rotation for cooperating with the first support structure of the drive; and / or a complementary second support structure at a second radius from the axis of rotation for cooperating with the second support structure of the drive; and / or a complementary third support structure at a third radius from the axis of rotation for cooperating with the third support structure; and / or a complementary fourth support structure at a fourth radius from the axis of rotation for cooperating with the fourth support structure.

[0083] Optionally, the set of sprockets includes ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, or fifteen sprockets of different sizes.

[0084] Optionally, the set of sprockets includes a first integral sprocket subset and a second integral sprocket subset, each of the first integral sprocket subset and the second integral sprocket subset including a respective plurality of sprockets fixed to each other to move integrally, wherein the first integral sprocket subset includes a complementary first support structure for cooperating with a first support structure of a driver, and a complementary second support structure for cooperating with a second support structure of the driver, and wherein the second integral sprocket subset includes a complementary second support structure for cooperating with the second support structure of the driver.

[0085] Optionally, the second integral sprocket subset includes a complementary third support structure configured to cooperate with a third support structure of the driver.

[0086] Optionally, the second integral sprocket subset includes a complementary fourth support structure configured to cooperate with a fourth support structure of the driver.

[0087] Optionally, the set of sprockets includes a third integral sprocket subset and a fourth integral sprocket subset, each of the third integral sprocket subset and the fourth integral sprocket subset including a respective plurality of sprockets fixed to each other to move integrally, wherein the third integral sprocket subset includes a complementary third support structure for cooperating with a third support structure of the driver, and wherein the fourth integral sprocket subset includes a complementary fourth support structure for cooperating with a fourth support structure of the driver.

[0088] Optionally, the third integral sprocket subset does not have a complementary second support structure for cooperating with the second support structure.

[0089] Optionally, the third integral sprocket subset is configured to be supported by the driver in a tangential direction via an adjacent sprocket or sprocket subset.

[0090] Optionally, the third integral sprocket subset is configured to be supported by the driver in a tangential direction using only the second support structure or only the fourth support structure.

[0091] Optionally, the third integral sprocket subset includes a engagement structure configured to support in a tangential direction to an adjacent sprocket or sprocket subset, thereby transmitting torque to the driver via the adjacent sprocket or sprocket subset.

[0092] Optionally, the first set of sprockets has a different number of teeth, the first set of sprockets including the smallest sprocket having at most 11 teeth or at most 10 teeth, and the second set of sprockets has a different number of teeth, the second set of sprockets including the smallest sprocket having more than 10 teeth or more than 11 teeth.

[0093] Optionally, the system includes an adapter configured to be releasably coupled to the drive such that if coupled to the drive, the adapter can support the second set of sprockets.

[0094] Optionally, the drive includes an internal thread, and the first locking element and the second locking element each include an external thread complementary to the internal thread for coupling the first coupling element or the second locking element to the drive.

[0095] Optionally, the drive includes an external thread, and the first locking element and the second locking element each include an internal thread complementary to the external thread for coupling the first coupling element or the second locking element to the drive.

[0096] Optionally, the first locking element and the second locking element respectively include a radially extending first flange and a radially extending second flange for axially abutting against the first set of sprockets and the second set of sprockets respectively in use when coupled to a drive extending radially relative to the axis of rotation, and wherein the radial extent of the first flange is less than the radial extent of the second flange.

[0097] Optionally, the radial extent of the second flange is such that in use when coupled to the drive, the second flange extends radially beyond the adapter.

[0098] Optionally, the first adapter includes an axial spline and the second adapter does not have an axial spline.

[0099] Optionally, the coupling interfaces between the drive and the first adapter and between the drive and the second adapter are configured not to transfer torque from the first adapter and the second adapter in the forward drive direction.

[0100] Optionally, the coupling interfaces between the drive and the first adapter and between the drive and the second adapter are arranged to transfer torque from the first adapter to the drive only in the reverse direction opposite to the forward drive direction, and wherein the coupling interface between the drive and the second adapter is configured not to transfer torque from the second adapter to the drive either in the forward drive direction or in the reverse direction.

[0101] It should be understood that the aspects, features, and options described herein can be combined in any combination. It will be particularly understood that any feature and option described in relation to the drive is equally applicable to any aspect, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0102] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0103] Figure 1A and 1B shows an exemplary driver;

[0104] Figure 2 shows components of a driver with an exemplary first type of adapter;

[0105] Figure 3 shows a side view of a component including a driver, an exemplary second type of adapter, and a set of sprockets;

[0106] Figure 4 shows a side view of a component including a driver, an exemplary third type of adapter, and a set of sprockets;

[0107] Figure 5 shows a side view of a component including a driver, a first type of adapter, and a set of sprockets;

[0108] Figures 6 - 8 shows Figure 5 an exploded view of the exemplary component shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0109] Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a driver 100 that includes a coupling profile 10 for coupling a set of sprockets 50 thereto. Figure 1B shows a side view of the driver 100 with a cutaway to partially show the cross-section of the driver 100. The driver 100 is in a generally conical shape in this example to provide an internal space to accommodate an internal hub transmission. The internal hub transmission can be interconnected between the driver 100 and the hub of a bicycle. The driver 100 has a rotational axis A that corresponds to the rotational axis of a bicycle wheel in use. Here, spatial indications are generally given with respect to the rotational axis, such as axial and radial. For example, the "axial direction" as used herein represents a direction along or parallel to the rotational axis A, while the "radial direction" represents a direction radially outward and transverse to the rotational axis A.

[0110] The coupling profile 10 is configured to support a set of sprockets 50 having different numbers of teeth. The set of sprockets 50 may include an integral subset of one or more sprockets that are fixed to move together. For example, all of the sprockets of the set of sprockets may be formed as an integral set of sprockets that are fixed to move together. The coupling profile is configured to support the set of sprockets 50, which includes the smallest sprocket in the set of sprockets having at most 11 teeth or at most 10 teeth. The coupling profile 10 is configured to support the set of sprockets 50, particularly in the tangential direction, such that torque about the axis of rotation A from the set of sprockets 50 can be transmitted to the drive 100. The coupling profile 10 is also configured to support the set of sprockets 50 in the axial direction, for example, allowing the set of sprockets 50 to be axially locked in a predetermined position. The coupling profile 10 is also configured to support the set of sprockets in the radial direction such that the sprockets are centered and aligned relative to the axis of rotation A.

[0111] The coupling profile 10 includes a first support structure 1, which is configured to support the set of sprockets 50, particularly the smallest sprocket in the set of sprockets 50, in the radial direction. The first support profile 1 is particularly arranged to support the set of sprockets 50 only in the radial direction. The first support profile 1 thus cannot support the set of sprockets 50 in the tangential direction and, therefore, cannot transmit torque from the set of sprockets 50 to the drive 100. The first support profile 1 also cannot support the set of sprockets 50 in the axial direction. In this example, the first support structure 1 is formed by the outer surface of a smooth tubular section of the drive 100 without splines.

[0112] The first support structure 1 is arranged at a first radius R1 from the axis of rotation A. The first radius R1 is relatively small such that the first support structure 1 is configured to support the smallest sprocket in the group having 11 teeth or 10 teeth. The outer diameter of the first support structure can thus be less than 30 mm to accommodate such a small sprocket.

[0113] The coupling profile 10 also includes a second support structure 2 here. The second support structure 2 is configured to support the set of sprockets 50 in the tangential direction. Thus, torque can be transmitted from the set of sprockets 50 to the drive 100 about the axis of rotation A through the second support structure 2. Thus, a sprocket in the set of sprockets 50 not carried by the second support structure 2 can transmit torque through the second structure 2 via one or more adjacent sprockets, for example. The second support structure 2 is also configured to support the set of sprockets 50 in the radial direction. In this example, the second support structure 2 is particularly arranged to support the set of sprockets 50 only in the tangential and radial directions. The second support structure 2 thus cannot support the set of sprockets 50 in the axial direction.

[0114] The coupling profile 10 also includes a third support structure 3 here. The third support structure 3 is configured to support the set of sprockets 50 in the axial direction. In this example, the third support structure 3 is particularly arranged to support the set of sprockets 50 only in the axial direction. Here, the set of sprockets is supported only by the third support structure 3 in the axial direction. Thus, no other support structure supports the set of sprockets 50 in the axial direction. The third support structure 3 cannot support the set of sprockets 50 in the tangential direction and thus cannot transfer torque from the set of sprockets 50 to the drive 100. The third support structure 3 also cannot support the set of sprockets 50 in the radial direction.

[0115] The coupling profile 10 also includes a fourth support structure 4 here. The fourth support structure 4 is configured to support the set of sprockets 50 in the tangential direction. The fourth support structure 4 is also configured to support the set of sprockets 50 in the radial direction. In this example, the fourth support structure 4 is particularly arranged to support the set of sprockets 50 only in the tangential and radial directions. Thus, here, the fourth support structure 4 cannot support the set of sprockets 50 in the axial direction and thus there is no means for axially locking the set of sprockets 50.

[0116] The first, second, third, and fourth support structures 1 - 4 are arranged at different radii from the rotational axis A. The first support structure 1 is arranged at a first radius R1 from the rotational axis. The second support structure 2 is arranged at a second radius R2 from the rotational axis A, and the second radius is greater than the first radius R1. The third support structure 3 is arranged at a third radius R3 from the rotational axis A, and the third radius is greater than the second radius R2. The fourth support structure 4 is arranged at a fourth radius R4 from the rotational axis A, and the fourth radius is greater than the third radius R3.

[0117] In this example, the first, second, third, and fourth support structures 1 - 4 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. Here, the first support structure 1 is axially positioned at the drive - side end of the drive 100. The second support structure 2 is axially positioned deviating towards the non - drive side relative to the first support structure 1. The third support structure 3 is axially positioned deviating towards the non - drive side relative to the second support structure 2. The fourth support structure 4 is axially positioned deviating towards the non - drive side relative to the third support structure 3. Here, the fourth support structure 1 is axially positioned near the non - drive - side end of the drive 100.

[0118] Here, the first support structure 1 is formed by a tubular section of the drive 100 and has a smooth exterior. The first support structure 1 thus has no splines. The interior of the tubular section includes an internal thread for mating with a complementary thread of the locking element 70. The locking element 70 can thus be threadedly coupled to the drive 100 to axially lock the set of sprockets 50.

[0119] Typically, the drive 100 is supported on the wheel bridge by one or more bearings, such as roller bearings. The drive 100 thereon includes one or more bearing mounting surfaces for mounting one or more bearings to the drive 100. The one or more bearing mounting surfaces may each include an inner cylindrical surface of the drive 100. As Figure 1B visible, the first support structure 1 is positioned axially offset from the drive-side bearing mounting surface 23 towards the drive side. Further, as Figure 1B visible, the first outer radius R1 here is smaller than the inner radius of the drive-side bearing mounting surface 23. It can be seen that the inner diameter of the thread of the tubular section of the first support structure 1 is smaller than the diameter of the drive-side bearing mounting surface 23. Clearly, the inner diameter of the first support structure 1 is smaller than the drive-side bearing mounting surface 23, and the drive-side bearing must be mounted from the non-drive side.

[0120] Here, the second support structure 2 includes axial splines 21 that extend longitudinally parallel to the rotational axis A. The minimum radius of the second support structure 2, here the minimum radius at the base of the axial splines 21, is greater than the first outer radius R1. More generally, the minimum outer radius at the axial position of the second support structure 2 is greater than the first outer radius R1. As Figure 1B visible, the second support structure 2 is axially positioned at the location of the drive-side bearing mounting surface 23. Here, the minimum outer radius of the second support structure 2 is greater than the inner radius of the drive-side bearing mounting surface 23. The axial splines 21 extend longitudinally from a first end near the first support structure 1 to a second end away from the first support structure 1, here near the third support structure 3. Each of the axial splines 21 includes a drive side and a non-drive side. In use, when the bicycle is driven forward by the user, torque is transmitted from the set of sprockets 50 via the drive to the bicycle wheel, thereby tangentially loading the drive side of the axial splines 21. Since bicycles typically do not travel in reverse, in practice there is little need to transmit torque through the non-drive side of the axial splines 21. Some bicycles, for example, include a freewheel mechanism between the bicycle wheel and the drive to allow the drive to rotate backwards without transmitting torque to the bicycle wheel. Thus, the non-drive side of the axial splines 21 is loaded at a lower frequency and to a lesser extent than the drive side.

[0121] Some of the axial splines 21 are wider at the second end than at the first end. In particular, here, one or more of the axial splines 21 are recessed at the axial ends. The recesses 22 are arranged to receive complementary protrusions, such as protrusions of an adapter that can be releasably coupled to the drive 100. In particular, the recesses 22 are arranged at the non-driving side of the axial splines 21. Thus, in this example, the driving side of the axial splines 21 includes a flat abutment surface facing the tangential forward driving direction of the drive, which is indicated by the arrow D, and the non-driving side of at least some of the axial splines 21 includes a stepped abutment surface generally facing the tangential backward direction. In this example, every two splines are recessed, but other configurations are also conceivable.

[0122] Here, the third support structure 3 has no splines. The third support structure 3 includes an axial abutment surface 31, which is designed in a ring shape here. Here, the third support structure 3 is axially positioned axially offset towards the non-driving side relative to the driving-side bearing mounting surface 23. The axial abutment surface 31 is configured to axially abut a set of sprockets 50, in particular a sprocket in the set that is neither the largest nor the smallest sprocket. In this example, the third support structure 3 is the only axial support for the set of sprockets 50. Thus, the set of sprockets 50 can be axially clamped between the axial abutment surface 31 and the locking element 70, obtaining a reliable mechanically defined arrangement.

[0123] In this example, the third support structure 3 includes a conical section 32 that is close to the second support structure and diverges towards the fourth support structure, and a cylindrical section 33 that is close to the fourth support mechanism. The cylindrical section 33 and the conical section 32 are interconnected by the axial abutment surface 31.

[0124] Here, the fourth support structure 3 includes multiple pairs of splines 41. Each pair of splines 41 includes two such splines that are spaced apart from each other to define a spacing for receiving a compensating support structure for the set of sprockets. Here, the fourth support structure 4 is axially positioned axially offset towards the non-driving side relative to the third support structure 3. The fourth support structure is particularly arranged to support one or more of the largest sprockets in the set. In this example, the pairs of splines 41 are sparsely distributed around the rotational axis A at uniform intervals, in particular such that the interval between adjacent pairs is greater than the interval between a pair of splines.

[0125] Figure 2 As shown Figure 1APerspective view of the shown drive 100, and an exemplary adapter for releasably coupling to the drive 100. The adapter in this example is a first type of adapter 61, which includes axial splines 66 herein. The first type of adapter 61 is radially supported by the first support structure 1. The first type of adapter 61 and the drive 100 are constructed such that when the first type of adapter 61 is coupled to the drive 100, the axial splines 21 of the first type of adapter 61 and the axial splines 21 of the second support structure 2 are aligned correspondingly. In this example, the first type of adapter 61 includes a protrusion 67 for mating with the recess 22 of the axial splines 21 of the second support structure 2 correspondingly. The first type of adapter 61 can thus cause the second support structure to extend in the axial direction. Since the recess 22 of the axial splines 21 and the protrusion 67 of the first type of adapter 61 are arranged at the non-driving side of the axial splines 21, the first type of adapter 60 is not configured to transmit torque to the drive 100 in the forward driving direction D. Therefore, the set of sprockets radially supported by the first type of adapter 61 will not transmit torque to the drive 100 via the first type of adapter during use. Instead, the set of sprockets radially supported by the first type of adapter 61 is tangentially supported by the second support structure. Therefore, these sprockets can transmit torque to the drive 100 via the adjacent sprockets through the second support structure 2 during use. Thus, for example, the set of sprockets 50 can be adapted to the drive 100 and the first type of adapter 61 such that a plurality of sprockets in the set are formed as an integral subset of sprockets configured to move integrally. In a specific example, the set of sprockets 50 can be completely integral. The set of sprockets 50 can thus be formed as a single piece to move integrally. However, some of the sprockets in the set can be separated from each other and coupled to each other when coupled to the drive 100. When supported by the drive 100, adjacent individual sprockets or integral subsets of sprockets can be releasably coupled to each other, for example, such that torque can be transmitted to the drive 100 via the adjacent coupled sprockets or integral subsets of sprockets.

[0126] Figures 3 - 5 A cross-sectional side view of the assembly 200 is shown, the assembly 200 including the drive 100 and the respective sets of sprockets supported by the drive 100. In Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the drive 100 is coupled to the adapter. In Figure 5 example, the adapter is the first type of adapter 61 as shown in Figure 2 , in Figure 3 example, the adapter is the second type of adapter 62, and in Figure 4 example, the adapter is the third type of adapter 63. The set of sprockets 50 is at least partially supported by the adapter. However, clearly, embodiments are also envisioned in which no adapter is used.

[0127] In Figure 3 the example of Figure 3 , the set of sprockets 50 includes two integral subsets of sprockets. The first integral subset of sprockets 51 includes the smallest sprockets in the set, which in this example are three sprockets having ten, eleven, and twelve teeth respectively. The second integral subset of sprockets 52 includes the largest sprockets in the set, which in this case includes ten sprockets. In Figure 3 the example of Figure 3 , the assembly includes an adapter, which in this case is a second type of adapter 62. The second type of adapter 62 radially supports the set of sprockets 50. The second type of adapter 62 is annular in shape and has a smooth radially inner surface for contacting the adapter support surface 5 of the drive 100, which in this case is the portion of the second support structure 2 adjacent to the third support structure 3. The second type of adapter 62 has a smooth radially outer surface for contacting the set of sprockets 50. Here, the first integral subset of sprockets 51 is radially supported by the adapter support surface 5 of the drive 100 via the second type of adapter 62.

[0128] The first integral subset of sprockets 51 is tangentially supported by the second support structure 2. Thus, torque can be transmitted from the first integral subset of sprockets 51 to the drive 100 through the second support structure 2 rather than through the first support structure 1. The second integral subset of sprockets 52 is tangentially supported by the fourth support structure 4. In this example, the second integral subset of sprockets 52 is not tangentially supported by the second support structure 2, particularly because the second type of adapter 62 is not tangentially supported by the second support member 2 of the drive 100. Thus, in use, torque is transmitted from the second integral subset 52 to the drive 100 through the fourth support structure 4 rather than the second support structure 2. The second integral subset of sprockets 52 is axially supported by the third support structure 3, in this case axially by abutting against the axial abutment surface 31. The first integral subset of sprockets 51 is also axially supported by the third support structure 3, axially by abutting against the second integral subset of sprockets 52. Here, the assembly 200 also includes a spacer. The spacer is arranged in this example near the second support structure to radially support the set of sprockets 50, in this case particularly the second integral subset of sprockets 52.

[0129] In Figure 4In the example, a set of sprockets 50 is formed by a single integral subset of the sprockets 50. Here, the entire set of sprockets 50 is machined from a single piece of material. In this example, the set of sprockets 50 includes the smallest sprocket having twelve teeth. The set of sprockets 50 is radially supported by the first support structure 1, here via an adapter. In this example, the adapter is a third type of adapter 63, which is annular in shape and has a smooth radially inner surface for contacting the first support structure and a smooth radially outer surface for contacting the set of sprockets 50. The third type of adapter 63 extends the first support structure 1 in the radial direction for supporting the sprockets at a larger radius from the axis of rotation A. The third type of adapter 63 can be omitted to enable the use of the first support structure 1 to support the sprockets at a smaller radius from the axis of rotation A, particularly for supporting smaller sprockets, such as a sprocket with ten teeth.

[0130] The first support structure does not support the third type of adapter 63 and thus does not tangentially support the set of sprockets 50, and therefore does not transfer torque in the forward drive direction D to the driver 100. Instead, the set of sprockets 50 is only tangentially supported by the fourth support structure. Even though the set of sprockets 50 overlaps with the second support structure 2, the set of sprockets 50 is not tangentially supported by the second support mechanism 2. Thus, in this example, torque is only transferred from the set of sprockets 50 to the driver through the fourth support structure 4. The set of sprockets 50 is also only axially supported by the third support structure 3.

[0131] In Figure 5 the example, the set of sprockets 50 includes three integral sprocket subsets, namely a first integral sprocket subset 51, a second integral sprocket subset 52, and a third integral sprocket subset 53. The combined three integral sprocket subsets include the largest sprocket in the set of sprockets 50, which is ten here. Here, the second integral sprocket subset 52 includes four sprockets, which are the four largest sprockets in the group, and the first integral sprocket subset 51 and the third integral sprocket subset 53 each include three sprockets. The two smallest sprockets 54, 55 in the group are separate sprockets. Figures 6 - 8 Shows Figure 5 an exploded view of the assembly 200 shown.

[0132] In this example, the first support structure 1 radially supports the adapter, which in turn radially supports the two smallest sprockets. The smallest sprocket and the second smallest sprocket in the group are thus radially supported by the first support structure 1 of the drive 100. In this example, the third smallest sprocket is part of an integral sprocket subset and is tangentially supported by the second support structure 2. In particular, the third smallest sprocket in the group is supported by the axial spline 21 of the second support structure 2, at the recessed axial end of the axial spline 21, at which end the axial spline 21 of the drive 100 overlaps with the spline of the adapter 61 of the first type. Thus, the adapter 61 of the first type can transfer torque to the third smallest sprocket, which in turn can transfer the torque to the second support structure. The smallest and second smallest sprockets coupled to the spline of the adapter are thus tangentially supported by the second support structure 2 via the third smallest sprocket.

[0133] In this example, the second integral sprocket subset 52 is tangentially supported by the fourth support structure 4, here via the first integral sprocket subset 51. Thus, in this example, the first integral sprocket subset 51 and the second integral sprocket subset 52 include complementary engagement structures configured to enable transfer of torque from the second integral sprocket subset 52 to the first integral sprocket subset 51. The third integral sprocket subset 53 is tangentially supported by the second support structure.

[0134] Figures 3 - 5 An assembly 200 is shown including a locking element 70 to axially lock the group of sprockets 50. The locking element 70 is threadedly coupled to the drive 100, specifically by threading into an internal thread 72 at a tubular section of the drive 100. In this example, the internal thread 72 of the drive 100 overlaps the first support structure 1 in the axial direction, i.e., the axial extent of the internal thread 72 and the axial extent of the first support structure 2 overlap, such that if viewed from the radial direction, the first support structure 3 is at least partially behind the internal thread 72, or vice versa. The internal thread 72 can thus be radially disposed inside the tubular section 6 of the drive 100, while the first support structure 1 is disposed radially outside the tubular section 6. The drive 100, specifically the tubular section 6, can thus be radially disposed between the locking element 70 and the group of sprockets 50 in use.

[0135] Alternatively, the drive may include an external thread, and the locking element 70 may include an internal thread. The locking element 70 may thus be arranged radially outside the drive 100 such that the radially outer surface of the locking element 70 may carry the set of sprockets, in particular one or more of the smallest sprockets in the set. The locking element 70 may thus form a first support structure 1 for supporting the set of sprockets only in the radial direction. In this alternative arrangement, the external thread of the drive 100 is arranged radially outside the tubular section 6 such that, in use, the locking element 70 is arranged between the drive 100, in particular the tubular section 6, and the set of sprockets 50. The set of sprockets may thus be supported radially by the locking element 70.

[0136] The locking element 70 has a radially extending flange 71 that extends radially to the axis of rotation A in use. The flange 71 abuts axially against the set of sprockets 50 to axially clamp the set of sprockets 50 between the flange 71 and the third support structure 3. Figure 3 The locking element 70 of the example shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 is different from the locking element 70 in the example shown in Figure 3 In particular, the locking element 70 shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 has a flange 71 with a radial extent that is less than that of the locking element 70 shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the examples of Figure 3 the flange 71 extends radially beyond the corresponding third type of adapter 63 and first type of adapter 61 for engaging the smallest sprocket in the set. In the example of Figure 3 the assembly 200 does not include an adapter supported by the first support structure 1 such that the radial extent of the flange 71 can be reduced to engage the smallest ten-tooth sprocket in the set.

[0137] In the example, the drive 100 may be coupled to a pulley for driving a belt. The pulley may be tangentially supported by a second support structure 2.

[0138] In this document, the invention is described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. However, it is obvious that various modifications and changes can be made therein without departing from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clear and concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments. However, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also contemplated.

[0139] However, other modifications, variations and alternatives are also possible. Therefore, the specification, drawings and examples should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0140] In a claim, any reference signs in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Further, the terms "a" and "an" shall not be construed as limited to "only one", but rather are used to denote "at least one", and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A drive for transmitting torque from a set of sprockets having different numbers of teeth to a wheel of a bicycle, the drive having an axis of rotation and comprising a coupling profile for coupling the set of sprockets thereto, wherein: The connection profile comprises: a first bearing structure, which is configured to carry the smallest sprocket of the set of sprockets at a first outer radius from the rotation axis and to support the set of sprockets only in radial and / or axial directions, and A further support structure is spaced apart from the first support structure in the axial direction, wherein a minimum outer radius from the rotation axis at an axial position of the further support structure is greater than the first radius, and the further support structure is configured to support the set of sprockets in a tangential direction.

2. The driver according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer diameter of the first support structure is less than 32 mm, such as between 25 mm and 32 mm, preferably between 27 mm and 31 mm, more preferably about 30 mm.

3. The driver according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The smallest sprocket has at most 11 teeth or at most 10 teeth.

4. A drive according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first support structure has no splines.

5. A drive according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first bearing structure is arranged at an axial end of the driver and wherein the driver comprises at the axial end a thread for cooperating with a complementary thread of a locking element, wherein optionally the nominal diameter of the internal thread is at most 26 mm, preferably at most 25 mm.

6. A drive according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The smallest sprocket in the set together with the second smallest sprocket and optionally the third smallest sprocket form an integral sprocket subset fixed to each other for integral movement.

7. A drive according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The further support structure comprises or is a second support structure at a second outer radius from the rotation axis, the second outer radius being greater than the first outer radius, wherein the second support structure is configured for supporting the set of sprockets in a tangential direction and optionally in a radial direction.

8. The driver according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second bearing structure includes axial splines, each of which extends lengthwise parallel to the rotational axis.

9. The driver according to claim 8, characterized in that: The axial splines extend lengthwise from a first end proximate to the first support structure to a second end distal to the first support structure, and wherein one or more of the axial splines have a first width at the first end and a second width at the second end, the first width being smaller than the second width.

10. The driver according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The longitudinal dimension of the axial spline is at most 10 mm, preferably in the range of 1 mm and 8 mm, more preferably in the range of 3 mm and 6 mm.

11. A drive according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The further support structure comprises or is a third support structure at a third outer radius from the rotation axis, the third outer radius being larger than the first outer radius and preferably larger than the second outer radius, the third support structure being configured to support a sprocket of the set of sprockets in an axial direction.

12. The driver according to claim 11, characterized in that The coupling profile is configured to support only the set of sprockets in the axial direction with the third bearing structure, for example using an axial abutment surface which is preferably annular in shape and coaxial with the rotation axis.

13. Actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The further support structure comprises or is a fourth support structure at a fourth outer radius from the rotation axis, the fourth outer radius being larger than the first outer radius and preferably larger than the second outer radius and preferably larger than the third outer radius, the fourth support structure being configured to support a sprocket of the set of sprockets only in radial and tangential directions.

14. The driver according to claim 13, characterized in that: The fourth support structure includes a plurality of axial spline pairs, each pair of splines being angularly spaced apart to accommodate a complementary support structure of a sprocket, wherein the spline pairs are angularly spaced apart by a distance greater than the angular spacing between the splines in the spline pairs.

15. A drive for transmitting torque from a set of sprockets having a different number of teeth to a wheel of a bicycle, the drive comprising a coupling profile for coupling the set of sprockets thereto, and an internal thread for cooperating with a locking element, wherein The nominal diameter of the internal thread is at most 26 mm, in particular at most 25 mm.

16. A drive for transmitting torque from a set of sprockets to a wheel of a bicycle, the drive having an axis of rotation and comprising a coupling profile for coupling the set of sprockets thereto, wherein the coupling profile comprises: a first support structure at a first outer radius from the rotation axis, the first support structure being configured to support the set of sprockets in a radial direction only, a second support structure at a second outer radius from the rotation axis, the second outer radius being greater than the first outer radius, the second support structure being configured to support the set of sprockets only in the radial direction and the tangential direction, a third support structure at a third outer radius from the rotation axis, the third outer radius being greater than the second outer radius, the third support structure being configured to support the set of sprockets in an axial direction only, A fourth support structure is at a fourth outer radius from the rotation axis, the fourth outer radius being greater than the third outer radius, the fourth support structure being configured to support the set of sprockets only in the radial direction and the tangential direction.

17. A drive for transmitting torque from a set of sprockets to a wheel of a bicycle, the drive having an axis of rotation and comprising a coupling profile for coupling the set of sprockets thereto, wherein: The coupling contour comprises a first adapter bearing surface configured for bearing the first adapter in a radial direction and a second adapter bearing surface configured for bearing the second adapter, for example only in a radial direction, The radius between the first adapter support surface and the rotation axis is smaller than that between the first adapter support surface and the rotation axis.

18. An assembly comprising a drive according to claim 17, wherein the assembly in a first configuration comprises the first adapter supported by the first adapter support surface and configured to support a first set of sprockets, and wherein, The assembly in the second configuration includes the second adapter supported by the second adapter support surface and configured to support a second set of sprockets that is different from the first set of sprockets.

19. An assembly comprising: a set of sprockets having different numbers of teeth, wherein the smallest sprockets in the set form an integral subset of sprockets fixed to each other so as to move as one, the integral subset comprising the smallest sprocket in the set having at most 11 teeth or at most 10 teeth; as well as A drive for transmitting torque to a wheel of a bicycle, such as according to any of the preceding claims, having an axis of rotation and comprising a coupling profile for coupling the set of sprockets thereto, wherein the coupling profile comprises: A first support structure is provided at a first outer radius from the axis of rotation, the first support structure being configured to support the entire subset in a radial direction only.

20. An assembly comprising a driver for transmitting torque in a forward driving direction from a set of sprockets having different numbers of teeth to a wheel of a bicycle, and an adapter for coupling to the driver, The drive comprises an axis of rotation and a coupling profile having a second bearing structure with a second axial spline, the second bearing structure being configured for supporting the set of sprockets at least in a tangential direction; and The adapter is releasably coupled to the driver and includes a first axial spline, in, The coupling interface between the driver and the adapter is configured such that in a coupled state, the first axial splines and the second axial splines are respectively aligned.

21. The assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that The coupling interface between the driver and the adapter is arranged for providing a form-closed coupling between the driver and the adapter.

22. The assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that The coupling interface between the drive and the adapter is designed for transmitting torque from the adapter to the drive only in one rotational direction about the rotational axis, in particular only in a rearward direction of the drive, for example in a freewheel direction opposite to the forward drive direction.

23. An assembly according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that The coupling contour comprises a first bearing structure having a smaller outer radius from the rotation axis than the second bearing structure, the first bearing structure being designed to support the set of sprockets, in particular the smallest sprocket of the set of sprockets, only in radial direction.

24. An assembly comprising a driver for transmitting torque in a forward driving direction from a set of sprockets having different numbers of teeth to a wheel of a bicycle, and an adapter for coupling to the driver, The drive comprises an axis of rotation and a coupling profile having a support structure configured for supporting the set of sprockets in at least a tangential direction; and The adapter is releasably coupled to the driver and is configured to support the set of sprockets in a radial direction, in, The coupling interface between the driver and the adapter is configured to not transmit torque from the adapter to the driver in a forward driving direction.

25. A set of sprockets comprising a plurality of sprockets having different numbers of teeth, configured for support by a drive according to any one of the preceding claims.

26. The group according to claim 25, characterized in that comprising a complementary first support structure for cooperating with the first support structure of the driver at a first radius from the rotation axis; and / or a complementary second supporting structure, wherein the complementary second supporting structure is located at a second radius from the rotation axis for cooperating with the second supporting structure of the drive; and / or a complementary third supporting structure, wherein the complementary third supporting structure is located at a third radius from the rotation axis for cooperating with the third supporting structure; and / or a complementary fourth supporting structure, wherein the complementary fourth supporting structure is located at a fourth radius from the rotation axis for cooperating with the fourth supporting structure.

27. The group according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that including a first integral sprocket subset and a second integral sprocket subset, each of the first integral sprocket subset and the second integral sprocket subset including a respective plurality of sprockets fixed to each other to move as one, wherein the first integral sprocket subset includes a complementary first support structure for cooperating with the first support structure of the driver and a complementary second support structure for cooperating with the second support structure of the driver, and Wherein, the second integral sprocket subset includes a complementary second supporting structure for cooperating with the second supporting structure of the drive, and optionally, a complementary third supporting structure configured to cooperate with the third supporting structure of the drive, and / or optionally, a complementary fourth supporting structure configured to cooperate with the fourth supporting structure of the drive.

28. An assembly comprising: A drive, such as a drive according to any of the preceding claims, for transmitting a torque to a wheel of a bicycle about an axis of rotation and configured for coupling to a first set of sprockets and a second, different set of sprockets, wherein the assembly in the first configuration includes a first locking element coupled to the driver so as to axially engage a smallest sprocket of the first set of sprockets to axially lock the first set of sprockets, and Wherein the assembly in the second configuration includes a second locking element different from the first locking element, the second locking element being configured to be coupled to the driver to engage the smallest sprocket of a second different set of sprockets to axially lock the second set of sprockets.

29. The assembly according to claim 28, characterized in that The first set of sprockets has a different number of teeth, the first set of sprockets including the smallest sprocket having at most 11 teeth or at most 10 teeth, and the second set of sprockets has a different number of teeth, the second set of sprockets including the smallest sprocket having more than 10 teeth or more than 11 teeth.

30. An assembly comprising: A drive, such as the drive according to any of the preceding claims, for transmitting a torque to a wheel of a bicycle about an axis of rotation and configured for coupling to a first set of sprockets having a different number of teeth, the first set of sprockets comprising a smallest sprocket having at most 10 teeth, wherein the assembly in the first configuration includes a first locking element coupled to the driver for axially engaging a smallest sprocket of the first set of sprockets to axially lock the first set of sprockets, And wherein, the component in the second configuration includes an adapter and a second locking element, the adapter being releasably connected to the driver so that the driver can support a second set of sprockets having a different number of teeth, the second set of sprockets including a smallest sprocket having 11 or more teeth, the second locking element being different from the first locking element, the second locking element being releasably connected to the driver for engaging the smallest sprocket in the second set of sprockets to axially lock the second set of sprockets.

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