Assembly for connecting a drive unit to a bicycle wheel

Abstract

An assembly for connecting a drive unit to a bicycle wheel for transmitting torque from the drive unit to the wheel. The assembly includes a drive element (16; 116) and a mounting assembly. The drive element includes a pinion (16a; 116a) coupled to a drive member (10) for driving the wheel to rotate about a wheel rotation axis, such that rotation of the drive element about its rotation axis drives rotation of the drive member, and thereby drives rotation of the wheel. The mounting assembly is attached to the drive member (10) and does not rotate with it about the wheel rotation axis. The mounting assembly includes a first bearing assembly and a second bearing assembly (50, 52; 150, 154) configured to hold the drive element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly for connecting a drive unit to a bicycle wheel, for transmitting torque from the drive unit to the wheel. Background Technology

[0002] Patent publication WO2022038207 discloses a device for connecting a drive unit to a wheel, wherein the device is mounted on the wheel hub and extends radially from the hub between the spokes and the hub end. Thus, the device occupies a relatively thin space. The hub can be configured for rim-brake bicycles or for mounting disc brake rotors in disc brake systems. The device enables the drive shaft of the drive unit to be releasably engaged with a drive element in the form of a pinion. The pinion meshes with a drive member including an internal gear. This drive member is fixedly coupled to the hub. When the hub is configured for mounting a disc brake rotor, the drive member is fixed to a disc brake rotor mount instead of a conventional disc brake rotor. The pinion is mounted on a mounting member attached to the drive member and is non-rotatable relative to the drive member. The publication discloses that the pinion can be supported by a single annular bearing located on the side of the pinion closer to the engaged drive unit. It has been found that devices supporting the pinion in this manner tend to experience component wear and occasional breakage after prolonged use. One object of the present invention is to solve this problem. The need to install the device in a confined space, allowing the drive mechanism to rotate between the spokes and the chainstay when mounted on the rear wheel, or between the spokes and the fork when mounted on the front wheel, presents particular challenges. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to the present invention, an assembly is provided for connecting a drive unit to a wheel (preferably, but not limited to, a bicycle wheel) to transmit torque from the drive unit to the wheel. The assembly includes: a drive element coupled to a drive member, including, for example, a pinion coupled to the drive member, for driving the wheel to rotate about a wheel rotation axis, such that rotation of the drive element about its rotation axis drives rotation of the drive member, and thereby drives rotation of the wheel; and a mounting assembly attached to (e.g., mounted on) the drive member and not rotating therewith about the wheel rotation axis, wherein the mounting assembly includes a first bearing assembly and a second bearing assembly configured to hold the drive element. Thus, the first bearing assembly is located closer to the fork leg or chainstay, while the second bearing assembly is located closer to the spokes.

[0004] The inclusion of a first bearing assembly and a second bearing assembly improves the durability of components, particularly drive elements and mounting assemblies. Both can be accommodated within available space.

[0005] The drive element can be configured to be driven by the coaxial drive shaft of the drive unit.

[0006] The axis of rotation of the drive element can be parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel.

[0007] The pinion may not disengage from the drive component.

[0008] The first bearing assembly and the second bearing assembly can be located at different positions along the rotation axis of the drive element. The mounting assembly can hold the first bearing assembly and the second bearing assembly on opposite sides of the axial direction of the drive element, respectively.

[0009] The drive element may include an end, for example, located on the side of the drive element away from the spokes along the axis of rotation of the drive element.

[0010] The first bearing assembly may include an annular bearing assembly, which is fixed to the mounting assembly and sleeved onto the end to retain the end and allow it to rotate about the rotation axis of the drive element.

[0011] The drive element (e.g., the end) can be configured to releasably engage with a correspondingly configured drive shaft end of the drive shaft of the drive unit, such that rotation of the drive shaft causes the drive element to rotate about the drive element's rotation axis.

[0012] In the case where the first bearing assembly includes an annular bearing assembly fixed to the mounting assembly and sleeved on the aforementioned end, the drive element can be configured to include an opening in the end and receive the end of the drive shaft through the opening, and the drive shaft extends through the first bearing assembly.

[0013] The component may also include a drive member configured to be fixed to or integrally formed with the wheel hub.

[0014] The drive component may include a drive component gear fixedly mounted to rotate about the wheel's rotation axis, wherein a pinion meshes with the drive component gear such that rotation of the pinion drives the drive component gear to rotate about the wheel's rotation axis.

[0015] The driving component gear can be, for example, an internal gear or a spur gear.

[0016] The assembly may also include a ring bearing assembly, wherein the mounting assembly and the drive member are fixed to the ring bearing assembly such that the drive member rotates without rotating the mounting member.

[0017] The mounting assembly may include a first part (e.g., a mounting member) and a second part (e.g., a bearing housing), which are fixed together to jointly hold the first bearing assembly and the second bearing assembly.

[0018] The mounting assembly may also include a fixing device for securing the first and second portions together. This fixing device may include at least one locating pin, which engages in opposing grooves on the first and second portions to prevent or inhibit radial relative movement of the first and second portions relative to the wheel axis of rotation. Using at least one locating pin helps maintain the coaxiality of the first and second bearing assemblies and the drive element compared to using bolts in the same location.

[0019] The fixing device may also include at least one bolt that secures the first part and the second part together.

[0020] One of the first and second portions may include a protrusion, and the other of the first and second portions may include a retaining groove for receiving the protrusion. This facilitates the alignment of the first and second portions, and thus the coaxiality of the first and second bearing assemblies and the drive element, as well as the alignment of the drive element and the drive member.

[0021] The drive element may also include another end that is closer to the spoke than the aforementioned end, wherein the second bearing assembly is fixed to the mounting assembly and the other end, thereby holding the other end and allowing the other end to rotate about the rotation axis of the drive element.

[0022] The second bearing assembly may be annular and fitted onto the other end, thereby holding the other end in place and allowing it to rotate about the axis of rotation of the drive element.

[0023] The second bearing assembly may include an outwardly projecting annular flange. In this case, the second portion is formed with a surface (preferably a recessed surface) for the flange to abut against. This eliminates the need for a lip, pad, or other features for the second bearing assembly to abut against on its spoke-side, allowing for a reduction in the assembly's thickness.

[0024] Alternatively, the second bearing assembly may not be fitted and fixed to the other end, and the drive element may include a cylindrical groove coaxial with the drive element, the groove having an opening at the other end of the drive element, wherein the second bearing assembly is a needle roller bearing assembly, and wherein the mounting assembly includes a pin held by the mounting assembly, wherein the pin is configured to extend into the cylindrical groove, and the needle roller bearing assembly is fixed to the inner wall of the groove and the pin, such that the drive element can rotate independently of the pin.

[0025] This component can be used to mount on a wheel hub. Preferably, the mounting is integrally formed with the wheel hub housing. The mounting can be a disc brake rotor mounting, and this component can be used to mount on the disc brake rotor mounting when no disc brake rotor is installed.

[0026] Preferably, the drive member provides a recessed region, the drive element is at least partially located in the recessed region, and the drive element is coupled to the drive member in the recessed region.

[0027] A drive member can be positioned (or mounted) between the spokes and the frame portion supporting the wheel. For example, when the drive assembly is mounted on the rear wheel, the drive member is located between the spokes and the nearest dropout. When the drive assembly is mounted on the front wheel, the drive member is located between the spokes and the nearest fork leg. At least a portion of the mounting is preferably mounted in the same manner. Therefore, the depth (along the wheel's axis of rotation) is limited.

[0028] The axis of rotation of the drive element can be parallel to the axis of rotation of the hub (or the axle). The drive element, as well as the first and second bearing assemblies, can be located on the axis of rotation of the drive element and spaced apart from the axle in an orthogonal direction relative to the axis of rotation of the hub. That is, the extension of the drive element and the first and second bearing assemblies along the axis of rotation of the drive element does not exceed a position on the axis of rotation orthogonal to the end of the hub. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional view of a bicycle wheel, including the drive shaft of the transmission components and drive unit. Figure 2 It is viewed from the flywheel side of the wheel. Figure 1 A perspective view of some components of a bicycle wheel; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of some components of the transmission assembly and drive shaft shown. Figure 4 This is another exploded perspective view of some components of the transmission assembly and drive shaft; Figure 5 Is with Figure 4 An exploded view from the same perspective, showing the central annular bearing located within the central hole of the mounting component; Figure 6 These are enlarged views of some components; Figure 7 This is another enlarged view of some components; Figure 8 This is a view of some components not shown in the mounting assembly; and Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a transmission assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a transmission assembly for connecting a drive unit to a wheel (particularly the wheel hub, especially a bicycle wheel), and a drive system including said transmission assembly and the drive unit. The transmission assembly may be mounted on the wheel hub and is configured to allow the drive unit to engage, such that the engaged drive unit can drive the wheel to rotate during operation.

[0031] The drive unit includes a drive shaft and is operable to drive the drive shaft to rotate. In the embodiment described below, the transmission assembly is mounted on the wheel hub of a bicycle. The drive unit can drive the drive shaft to rotate independently of the bicycle pedals, or assist riding when the rider pedals. The drive unit may include an electric motor to drive the drive shaft to rotate, but embodiments of the invention are not limited to including an electric motor. Embodiments of the invention can be implemented by any drive unit configured to generate torque that can be transmitted to the drive elements in the transmission assembly. For example, embodiments of the transmission assembly may be driven by the drive shaft of a drive unit in the form of an internal combustion engine.

[0032] A wheel has an axis of rotation about which it rotates, and the term "central axis" should be interpreted accordingly. The terms "hub axis" and "axis of rotation" should be understood as the same central axis. Unless otherwise specified in the context, the terms "radial," "outer," "inner," "outer side," and "inner side" should be understood with reference to the hub axis. The term "spoke" as used herein should be understood to encompass any structural form that functions as a spoke, including structures with an elongated member integral to the rim and / or hub that spans between the rim and hub, and structures that replace spokes with a disc-shaped member spanning between the rim and hub.

[0033] refer to Figures 1 to 8 The drivetrain assembly is mounted on the hub 22 of the rear wheel 20 of the bicycle. In addition to the hub 22, the wheel 20 also includes a freewheel 24 and spokes. An axle 25 extends through the hub 22 and the freewheel 24, about which the hub 22 rotates. Alternatively, the drivetrain assembly can be mounted on the front wheel of the bicycle.

[0034] In one embodiment, the transmission assembly includes a drive member 10, a mounting assembly, an annular central bearing assembly 14, and a drive element 16. The drive shaft of the drive unit is indicated by reference numeral 11.

[0035] The drive member 10 is configured to be fixed to the hub 22 for synchronous rotation therewith. A mounting assembly is used to hold the drive element 16 in a position engaged with the drive member 10, such that the drive shaft of the drive unit can engage with the drive element 16 to drive the drive element 16 to rotate, and thereby drive the drive member 10 to rotate. The drive member 10 is located between the wheel spokes and the bicycle frame portion and rotates therebetween.

[0036] The drive member 10 has a first side facing outwards from the wheel spokes and a second side facing the spokes. The drive member 10 includes a mounting portion, an annular back plate 10c, an internal gear 10d, a second cylindrical wall 10e, and an annular brake rotor portion 10f. The mounting portion includes a first cylindrical wall 10b having a cylindrical outer circumferential surface. The first cylindrical wall 10b and the second cylindrical wall 10e are coaxially mounted relative to the hub 22.

[0037] A first cylindrical wall 10b extends from an annular back plate 10c in a direction away from the spokes of the wheel 20. The annular back plate 10c extends radially outward from the end of the first cylindrical wall 10b relative to the hub axis. A second cylindrical wall 10e also extends from the annular back plate 10c in a direction away from the spokes of the wheel 20. An internal gear 10d is mounted on the inner surface of the second cylindrical wall 10e, facing the outer surface of the first cylindrical wall 10b. The first cylindrical wall 10b and the second cylindrical wall 10e are spaced apart from each other to provide an annular recessed region 26 between them, in which the internal gear 10d is located.

[0038] The drive member 10 may be made from a single material. In variant embodiments, the drive member 10 may be made from more than one material. In some variant embodiments, the internal gear 10d may be formed separately and fixed to the rest of the drive member 10 by welding or any suitable fastening method, or in some variant embodiments, fixed by locking the internal gear 10d and corresponding portions (not shown) in the drive member 10. In some variant embodiments, the brake rotor portion 10f may be formed separately and fixed to the rest of the drive member 10 by welding or any suitable fastening method, or in some embodiments, fixed by locking a portion suitable for locking. In other variant embodiments, the drive member 10 may be formed in other ways from different components fixed together. The drive member 10 made from multiple components facilitates that its various components are made of different materials.

[0039] The wheel hub 22 is of a conventional type and includes a conventional disc brake rotor mount (not shown) configured to mount a matching conventional disc brake rotor. This mount employs a conventional center-locking design. A conventional disc brake rotor suitable for a center-locking design can be secured to this mount via a locking ring 23 and is used in a conventional disc brake system. The mounting of the conventional disc brake rotor on the mount prevents relative rotation between the disc brake rotor and the wheel hub 22, ensuring synchronous rotation of the disc brake rotor and wheel hub 22, and allowing the caliper mechanism to brake the rotation of the wheel by clamping the disc brake rotor.

[0040] In the drive member 10, the inner surface of the first cylindrical wall 10b is configured to engage with the mounting base. Therefore, if a conventional disc brake rotor is mounted on the hub mounting base, it must be removed from the mounting base to allow the drive member 10 to be positioned on the hub 22. The drive member 10 can also be removed from the mounting plate and replaced when it wears out. The drive member 10 is locked in place using a locking ring 23. The engagement of the drive member 10 with the mounting base prevents relative rotation between the drive member 10 and the hub 22, ensuring that the drive member 10 and the hub 22 rotate synchronously.

[0041] Other types of wheel hubs are known that do not employ a center-locking design to mount the disc brake rotor on the hub, but instead use other types of disc brake rotor mounts. In variant embodiments, the drive member 10 can be configured to attach to such a mount. In particular, the disc brake rotor mount can use a well-known six-bolt design, enabling the attachment of a correspondingly configured disc brake rotor having six holes spaced at equal angular intervals around the axis of rotation. In variant embodiments, the annular backplate 10c includes holes that can be bolted to the mount according to the six-bolt design, and thus can be securely bolted to the mounting plate, replacing the conventional disc brake rotor.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the drive assembly can be mounted on a hub specifically designed to provide a mounting base for the drive assembly, which is not suitable for mounting a conventional disc brake rotor. The embodiments are not limited to any particular configuration that achieves a secure attachment between the drive member 10 and the hub 22.

[0043] The drive assembly can be mounted to the hub of a wheel using a conventional rim brake. The mount can be a six-bolt design or a center-locking design, or another design for a conventional disc brake rotor, and is therefore identical to the mount used for mounting a conventional disc brake rotor. Alternatively, the mount can be a different design not suitable for a conventional disc brake rotor, and the mounting portion can be configured accordingly. In this embodiment, the annular brake rotor portion 10f can be omitted. The location of the mount and the shape of the various components of the drive assembly (i.e., drive member 10, annular center bearing assembly 14, and mounting member 12 described below) are arranged such that these components of the drive assembly can be mounted between the spokes of the wheel and the bicycle frame, particularly between the relevant portions of the frame that provide the wheel chucks (e.g., the chainstays for the rear wheel and the fork portions for the front wheel). Bicycle chucks for mounting the wheel are typically spaced at one or more standard distances, meaning that the minimum and maximum available space for the mount and drive assembly is known.

[0044] It should be understood here that the mounting bracket is part of the wheel hub. It is worth noting that major manufacturers such as Shimano® manufacture disc brake mounting brackets as a single unit with the wheel hub. Such mounting brackets typically conform to a six-bolt design and a center-locking design. The wheel hub 22, spokes, and rim of wheel 20 are functionally distinct components common to all wheels. This holds true regardless of whether two or all of these components are integrally formed.

[0045] The first cylindrical wall 10b, the second cylindrical wall 10e, and the annular back plate 10c provide an annular recessed region 26 extending about the central axis of the hub 22. When mounted on a wheel, the opening side of the recess 26 formed in the drive member 10 faces away from the wheel. The annular recessed region 26 is radially wide enough to accommodate the drive element 16 and the internal gear 10d in an engaged state, but not wide enough to interfere with the operation of the brake rotor portion 10f at the caliper entry point. The maximum depth of the drive member 10 may not exceed 14 mm or 12 mm, which is sufficient to accommodate the drive element 16 and the internal gear 10d. In a variant embodiment, the drive member 10 may provide a very shallow recessed region 26, for example, only 2 mm to 5 mm, and the drive element 16 may be configured accordingly.

[0046] The mounting assembly includes a first portion in the form of a mounting member 12. The mounting member 12 is mounted on the drive member 10 such that it can rotate independently of the drive member 10, i.e., it does not rotate with the drive member 10. Preferably, the mounting member 12 is fixed in place so that it remains stationary relative to the bicycle frame, or is able to rotate only a small angular range about the wheel's axis of rotation by means of an anti-rotation device (e.g., by an arm (not shown) or strap clamped to the frame). However, preferably, the mounting member 12 is fixed in place by an anti-rotation device attached to the engaged drive unit.

[0047] Mounting member 12 includes a wall 12a having a cylindrical inner surface that defines a space for receiving a central bearing assembly 14, with the outer ring of the central bearing assembly 14 abutting against the cylindrical inner surface. Mounting member 12 also includes an inwardly projecting edge 12b on its outer side, with the outer ring of the central bearing assembly 14 abutting against the edge 12b. Mounting member 12 also includes bolt holes 17 spaced at equal angles relative to a central axis in a plane about the cylindrical inner surface. Retaining rings 19 with corresponding bolt holes 17 are secured to the inside of mounting member 12 to hold the outer ring of the central bearing assembly 14 against the cylindrical inner surface and edge 12b. This arrangement ensures that the bearing assembly 14 is securely attached to mounting member 12; however, embodiments are not limited thereto, and alternative mounting methods may be used.

[0048] Mounting member 12 is shaped to provide a hole 64 through which the end of drive shaft 11 extends, and also has features capable of securing the drive unit to mounting member 12. These features include a first drive unit engagement groove 72a, a second drive unit engagement groove 72b, and a curved bayonet engagement groove 73. Figure 4 As shown, the mounting member 12 includes a first engaging recessed wall 76a and a second engaging recessed wall 76b. Although not shown in the figures, the drive unit includes a plurality of protrusions that extend into corresponding recessed walls 76a, 76b when the drive shaft engages through the hole 64. Also not shown in the figures, the drive unit includes a bayonet-type torsion connection feature that engages in a bayonet-type engaging recess 73, allowing the drive unit to be detachably mounted on the mounting member 12. Embodiments of the invention are not limited to any particular mechanism for connecting and removing the drive unit from the mounting member 12.

[0049] The drive element 16 has a pinion portion 16a and a first end 16b and a second end 16c. The pinion portion has circumferential pinion teeth and a central drive element axis. The first end 16b and the second end 16c extend from the pinion portion 16a in opposite directions and each has a cylindrical outer surface configured to rotate about the drive element axis. The pinion portion 16a and the first end 16b and the second end 16c are made of a single piece of durable material (e.g., steel, titanium, or aluminum). The diameter of each cylindrical outer surface is smaller than the diameter of the pinion body portion 16a, but this is not necessary in variant embodiments, provided there is space to accommodate the first and second annular bearing assemblies described below. The pinion portion 16a meshes with the internal gear 10d such that rotation of the pinion portion 16a about the central drive element axis drives rotation of the internal gear 10d, and thus drives rotation of the drive member 10. The pinion portion 16a cannot disengage from the internal gear 10d.

[0050] The mounting assembly also includes a first annular bearing assembly 50, a second annular bearing assembly 52, a second portion in the form of a bearing housing 54, bolts 56, and a first locating pin and a second locating pin. The bearing housing 54 includes a bearing mounting portion 58, a first bolt hole 60, a first locating groove 61, and a retaining groove 79.

[0051] The first bearing assembly 50 and the second bearing assembly 52 are configured to retain the drive element 16 to facilitate rotation of the drive element 16 about its axis. Embodiments are not limited to any particular design of the first and second bearing assemblies, as long as they enable rotation of the drive element 16 relative to other components of the mounting assembly. Such annular bearing assemblies are widely available.

[0052] The inner ring of the first bearing assembly 50 is fitted and fixed to the cylindrical outer surface of the first end 16b of the drive element 16. The mounting member 12 has a cylindrical surface formed on the side facing the spokes. The outer ring of the first bearing assembly 50 is fixed to this cylindrical surface.

[0053] The inner ring of the second bearing assembly 52 is fitted and fixed to the cylindrical outer surface of the second end 16c of the drive element 16, the second end 16c being further away from the engaged drive unit than the first bearing assembly 50. The bearing housing 54 is shaped to hold the second annular bearing assembly 52 in the bearing mounting portion 58, and its outer ring is fixed to the bearing housing 54 at the bearing mounting portion 58. The second bearing assembly has a flange, that is, the second annular bearing assembly 52 has an outwardly projecting annular flange 52a that abuts against the bearing housing 54. The bearing housing 54 has an annular recessed surface 54a, and the flange 52a and the recessed surface 54a are shaped such that the flange 52a abuts against the recessed surface 54a and prevents or inhibits lateral radial movement relative to the axis of the drive element. This flange 52a effectively eliminates the need for a lip, pad, or other features in the bearing housing 54 for the second bearing assembly 52 to abut against during insertion.

[0054] Mounting member 12 includes bolt holes 70a-c and second positioning grooves 71a, 71b. Mounting member 12 also includes a protrusion 80. Bearing housing 54 is secured to mounting member 12 by bolts 56 passing through holes 70a-c.

[0055] The protrusion 80 is shaped to engage in the retaining groove 79 to prevent relative radial movement between the mounting member 12 and the bearing housing 54. Both the protrusion 80 and the retaining groove 79 are cylindrical. In variant embodiments, the protrusion 80 may be shaped in other ways, and the retaining groove 79 may be shaped accordingly to receive the protrusion 80.

[0056] The first locating pin and the second locating pin (not shown) are respectively disposed in the opposing grooves of the first locating groove 61 and the second locating grooves 71a, 71b. These locating pins impede any lateral movement of the drive member 10 and the drive element 16, or facilitate the lateral alignment of the drive member 10 and the drive element 16.

[0057] The first end portion 16b of the drive element 16 has an opening in the form of a keyway 65. The keyway 65 is configured to receive the end portion of the drive shaft 11. The end portion of the drive shaft is shaped to engage in the keyway 65 such that rotation of the drive shaft causes a corresponding rotation of the drive element 16, both rotations occurring about the axis of rotation of the drive element. The end portion of the drive shaft 11 is an external spline, and the keyway is correspondingly an internal spline. The embodiment is not limited to a specific engagement method between the end portion of the drive shaft and the keyway, as long as the engagement method enables rotation of the drive shaft to cause a corresponding rotation of the drive element 16.

[0058] As previously described, the drive system includes an anti-rotation device to prevent unnecessary rotation of the mounting member 12 and the drive unit. This rotation prevention device can take the form of a strap connecting the drive unit to the bicycle frame, or an arm mounted on the mounting member 12 and attached to or abutting against the bicycle frame. The drive unit can be rigidly fixed in place relative to the bicycle frame, for example, using a releasable clamping arm.

[0059] In use, the drive unit is detachably mounted on the mounting member 12, with the end of the drive shaft located within the keyway 65. The drive unit then operates to drive the drive shaft 11 to rotate. Since the end of the drive shaft engages with the drive element 16, the rotation of the drive shaft 11 causes the drive element 16 to rotate. The drive element 16 is held between the first bearing assembly 50 and the second bearing assembly 52. ​​The drive element 16 drives the internal gear to rotate, thereby driving the rotation of the drive member 10 and the hub 22.

[0060] In a variant embodiment, instead of an internal gear, the transmission assembly may include a spur gear. In this case, the pinion portion of the drive element 16 meshes with the spur gear. The embodiments do not limit the drive member or drive element to a specific type of gear, as long as they collectively perform their respective functions.

[0061] In a variant embodiment, the first end of the drive shaft can be lengthened and held by a first annular bearing assembly and at least one additional annular bearing assembly extending around the first end. The first end protrudes away from the spokes, and the mounting assembly is modified to hold the additional annular bearing assembly. As a result of this modification, the protrusion may be sufficient to abut against the rear upper fork if rotation of the mounting assembly is permitted. In this embodiment, the second annular bearing assembly 52 can be configured as described above, or it can be omitted with corresponding modifications to the mounting assembly. The first annular bearing assembly and at least one additional annular bearing assembly can provide sufficient support, thus eliminating the need for a second annular bearing assembly.

[0062] refer to Figure 9 In another embodiment, the drive element 116 and the mounting assembly can be relative to a reference. Figures 1 to 8The described transmission assembly is modified. The drive element 116 has a cylindrical groove coaxial with the axis of rotation of the drive element, extending inwardly from an opening located at the second end 116c of the drive element 116. A mounting assembly includes a pin 190 located within this groove. This embodiment provides a second bearing assembly in the form of a needle roller bearing assembly 152, replacing the second annular bearing assembly 52, located between the pin 190 and the cylindrical inner surface of the groove. The inner ring of the needle roller bearing assembly 152 is fixed to the outer surface of the pin. The outer ring of the needle roller bearing assembly 152 is fixed to the drive element 116 and located at the cylindrical inner surface of the groove. The drive element 116 is rotatable relative to the pin 190 about the axis of rotation of the drive element. The pin 190 is formed with a base 192 located on the modified bearing housing. Therefore, the drive element is held by the pin 190 and the second bearing assembly 152, and a first annular bearing assembly 150 configured identically to the first annular bearing assembly 50. In use, the drive system operates as described in the preceding embodiments, except that the drive element 116 is supported by a pin 190 and a first annular bearing assembly 150, and rotates about the pin 190 and the first annular bearing assembly 150, wherein the first annular bearing assembly 150 has a... Figures 1 to 8 The first annular bearing assembly 50 shown has the same configuration.

[0063] In a variant embodiment, the pin 190, the cylindrical recess in which the pin 190 is located, and the second annular bearing assembly 152 do not necessarily need to be cylindrical in nature. For example, the pin 190 can be modified to be conical, and the pin and the second annular bearing assembly can be adapted accordingly.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the mounting member 12 is mounted on the drive member 10 and is rotatable independently of the drive member 10. In an alternative embodiment, an alternative mounting member is mounted on the bicycle frame, for example, using a clamp to mount it on the chainstay. This alternative mounting member is configured to support the drive element mounting assembly and the drive element mounted in the assembly, with the drive element coupled to the drive member 10. In this alternative embodiment, the alternative mounting member may also be configured to support and detachably secure the drive unit, or additional or separate mounting members may be provided for this purpose.

[0065] The embodiments do not limit the specific design of the mounting components described herein. In particular, the embodiments do not limit the specific design of the bearing housing 54 and / or the mounting member 12, as long as they can hold the drive elements 16, 116, and the first bearing assembly 50 and the second bearing assembly 52 (or 152) support the drive elements 16, 116 at axially opposite ends of the drive elements, and / or the holding of the first and second bearing assemblies is achieved at axially opposite ends of the drive elements.

[0066] In all embodiments, maintaining the coaxiality of the first and second bearing assemblies and the drive element is desirable for the durability of the transmission assembly. Providing two bearing assemblies, along with other features to prevent lateral movement in a plane orthogonal to the wheel's axis of rotation, improves coaxiality. The embodiments are not limited to any particular method of maintaining the coaxiality of the drive element and the first and second bearing assemblies. It is noteworthy that in all embodiments, the engagement of the drive shaft end with the keyway in the drive element can be considered "loose," allowing the drive shaft end to be easily inserted and removed by the user. Therefore, the drive shaft contributes little to maintaining coaxiality.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment, instead of providing a curved bayonet groove in the mounting member 12, the groove can be provided in the bearing housing, and a curved hole can be provided in the mounting member so that the bayonet element can extend through the curved hole into the bayonet groove in the bearing housing for engagement.

[0068] The embodiments are not limited to any particular manner in which the drive unit is detachably attached to the mounting member as described in any embodiment, variation, or alternative embodiment. The detachability of the drive unit provides the advantages of allowing it to be removed for theft prevention, facilitating battery charging, and enabling the bicycle to be used without a drive system. However, the drive unit need not be detachable from the transmission assembly; rather, it can be fixedly connected to the transmission assembly.

[0069] The components of the aforementioned transmission assembly can be made of conventional materials, typically durable, rigid metals such as steel, aluminum, or titanium. Alternatively, the components can also be made of hard plastic.

[0070] In a variant embodiment, the drive component may be integrally formed with the wheel hub. The embodiments are not limited to drive systems mounted on bicycle wheel hubs. Drive systems according to the embodiments can be mounted on the wheel hubs of other vehicles, including but not limited to handcarts, trolleys, tricycles, and other vehicles without an integrated electric motor.

[0071] Unless otherwise stated, all independent features and / or steps of all embodiments disclosed herein are disclosed separately, and any combination of two or more such features is also disclosed herein, provided that such features or steps or combinations of features and / or steps can be implemented based on the entire specification and in accordance with common general knowledge of those skilled in the art. This statement applies regardless of whether such features or steps or combinations of features and / or steps solve any problem disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An assembly for mounting on the hub of a wheel for connecting a drive unit to a bicycle wheel to transmit torque from the drive unit to the wheel, characterized in that, The components include: A drive element, including a pinion coupled to a drive member, for driving the wheel to rotate about a wheel rotation axis, such that rotation of the drive element about its rotation axis drives rotation of the drive member, and thereby drives rotation of the wheel; and Mounting assembly, which is attached to the drive member and does not rotate with the drive member about the wheel axis of rotation, wherein the mounting assembly includes a first bearing assembly and a second bearing assembly configured to hold the drive element on opposite axial sides of the drive element and facilitate rotation of the drive element.

2. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving element is configured to be driven by the coaxial drive shaft of the driving unit.

3. The component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rotation axis of the drive element is parallel to the rotation axis of the wheel.

4. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The drive element includes an end portion, and the first bearing assembly includes an annular bearing assembly fixed to the mounting assembly and sleeved onto the end portion, thereby holding the end portion and allowing the end portion to rotate about the rotation axis of the drive element.

5. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The drive element is configured to releasably engage with a correspondingly configured end of the drive shaft of the drive unit, such that rotation of the drive shaft causes the drive element to rotate about the axis of rotation of the drive element.

6. The component according to claim 5, wherein when claim 4 is referenced, it is characterized in that, The drive element is configured to include an opening in the end and receive the end of the drive shaft through the opening, and the drive shaft extends through the first bearing assembly.

7. The component according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes the drive member, which is configured to be fixed to the hub of the wheel or integrally formed with the hub of the wheel.

8. The component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The driving component includes a driving component gear, which is fixedly mounted to rotate about the rotation axis of the wheel, wherein the pinion meshes with the driving component gear, such that the rotation of the pinion drives the driving component gear to rotate about the rotation axis.

9. The component according to claim 8, characterized in that, The driving component gear is an internal gear or a spur gear.

10. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It also includes a ring bearing assembly, wherein the mounting assembly and the drive member are fixed to the ring bearing assembly such that the drive member rotates without rotating the mounting member.

11. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The mounting assembly includes a first part and a second part, which are fixed together to jointly hold the first bearing assembly and the second bearing assembly.

12. The component according to claim 11, characterized in that, It also includes a fixing device for securing the first part and the second part together, the fixing device including at least one locating pin, wherein the at least one locating pin engages in a groove disposed opposite to each other on the first part and the second part to prevent or prevent relative movement of the first part and the second part in the radial direction relative to the axis of rotation of the wheel.

13. The component according to claim 12, characterized in that, The fixing device further includes at least one bolt for securing the first part and the second part together.

14. The component according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, One of the first portion and the second portion includes a protrusion, and the other of the first portion and the second portion includes a retaining groove for receiving the protrusion.

15. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The drive element includes another end, and the second bearing assembly is fixed to the mounting assembly and the other end, thereby holding the other end and allowing the other end to rotate about the rotation axis of the drive element.

16. The component according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second bearing assembly is annular and is fitted and fixed to the other end, thereby holding the other end and allowing the other end to rotate about the rotation axis of the drive element.

17. The component according to claim 16, characterized in that, The second bearing assembly includes an outwardly projecting annular flange, wherein the second portion is formed with a surface for the flange to abut against.

18. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, The drive element includes a cylindrical groove coaxial with the drive element, the cylindrical groove having an opening at the other end of the drive element, wherein the second bearing assembly is a needle roller bearing assembly, and wherein the mounting assembly further includes a pin held by the mounting assembly, wherein the pin is configured to extend into the cylindrical groove, and wherein the needle roller bearing assembly is fixed to the inner wall of the groove and the pin, such that the drive element can rotate independently of the pin.

19. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The component is used for mounting on the hub of the wheel.

20. The component according to claim 20, characterized in that, The mounting base is a disc brake rotor mounting base, and the component is used to be mounted on the disc brake rotor mounting base when the disc brake rotor is not installed.

21. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The drive member provides a recessed region, the drive element is at least partially located in the recessed region, and the drive element is coupled to the drive member in the recessed region.

22. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The drive component is disposed between the spokes and the frame portion that supports the wheel.

23. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The driving element cannot be disengaged from the driving member.

24. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When mounted on a wheel hub, the drive element, the first bearing assembly, and the second bearing assembly are located in a space orthogonal to the rotation axis of the wheel hub.

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