Bicycle hub unit and bicycle wheel assembly unit

Abstract

To provide a bicycle hub unit 20 and a bicycle wheel assembly 10 that enable a wheel unit 12, 62 to be suitably coupled to a hub body 24, a bicycle hub unit 20 is coupled to a rotating body F1 on which a brake is actuated by a braking device F. The bicycle hub unit 20 has a hub body 24 that rotates about a hub axis 22 and a rotating body coupling section 40 that couples the rotating body F1 to the hub body 24. The hub body 24 has a first connecting section 26, 56, 76, a second connecting section 28, 58, 78 and a conical section 36. The first connecting section 26, 56, 76 has an external thread 26A, 56A, 76A which is coupled to an internal thread 52, 68 of the wheel unit 12, 62.The second connecting section 28, 58, 78 is coupled to a limiting component 70, which restricts the relative rotation of the first connecting section 26, 56, 76 and the wheel unit 12, 62. The conical section 36 has an outer diameter that increases at positions away from the first connecting section 26 in a direction extending along a central axis CA1 of the hub body 24, in order to limit the relative rotation of the first connecting section 26 and the wheel unit 12 in a second direction.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle hub unit and a bicycle wheel assembly.

[0002] A known bicycle hub assembly is coupled to a rotating body that is braked by a braking device. A prior art bicycle hub assembly comprises a hub axle coupled to a bicycle frame and a hub body coupled to a wheel assembly of the bicycle, which rotates about the hub axle. An example of a braking device is a roller brake. JP 2007 - 62 718 A discloses an example of a prior art bicycle hub assembly. Further bicycle hub units are known from DE 198 15 940 A1, WO 2009 / 151 334 A1, NL 10 414 C, US 2007 / 0 035 106 A1, DE 698 18 113 T2, GB 2 206 549 A and DE 690 00 160 T2. Preferably, a wheel unit is appropriately coupled to a hub body.

[0003] An object of the present invention is the provision of a bicycle hub unit and a bicycle wheel assembly unit with which a wheel unit can be appropriately coupled to a hub body.

[0004] According to the present invention, a bicycle hub assembly is coupled to a rotating body which is braked by a braking device. The bicycle hub assembly comprises a hub body which rotates about a hub axis and a rotating body coupling section which couples the rotating body to the hub body. The hub body has a first connecting section, a second connecting section, and a conical section. The first connecting section has an external thread which is coupled to an internal thread of a wheel assembly. The second connecting section is coupled to a limiting element which restricts the relative rotation of the first connecting section and the wheel assembly in a first direction.The conical section has an outer diameter that increases at positions away from the first connecting section in a direction extending along a central axis of the hub body in order to limit the relative rotation of the first connecting section and the wheel unit in a second direction.

[0005] The restrictor component limits the relative rotation of the first connecting section and the wheel assembly. This limits the loosening of the wheel assembly's internal thread relative to the external thread of the first connecting section. In this way, the wheel assembly is properly coupled to the hub body.

[0006] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can be designed such that the conical section is arranged on an outer circumference of the hub body.

[0007] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can be designed such that the second connecting section is arranged on an outer circumference of the hub body.

[0008] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can be designed such that the second connecting section has an external thread which is coupled to an internal thread of the restricting component.

[0009] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can be configured such that the first connecting section and the second connecting section are configured to limit the rotation of the wheel unit in the first direction relative to the hub body.

[0010] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can be configured such that the first connecting section and the second connecting section are configured to limit the integral rotation of the wheel unit and the limiting component.

[0011] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can be designed such that the external thread of the second connecting section has a different shape than the external thread of the first connecting section.

[0012] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can be designed such that the external thread of the second connecting section differs in pitch from the external thread of the first connecting section.

[0013] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can be designed such that the external thread of the second connecting section has a shorter pitch than the external thread of the first connecting section.

[0014] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can be designed such that the external thread of the second connecting section and the external thread of the first connecting section are wound in opposite directions.

[0015] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can be designed such that one winding direction of the external thread of the first connecting section is right-handed, and one winding direction of the external thread of the second connecting section is left-handed.

[0016] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can be designed such that, in the direction extending along the central axis of the hub body, an area in which the external thread of the first connecting section is arranged is larger than an area in which the external thread of the second connecting section is arranged.

[0017] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can be designed such that the hub body further comprises a large diameter section and a small diameter section, and the second connecting section is arranged on an outer circumference of the small diameter section.

[0018] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can be designed such that the rotating body coupling section is coupled to the small diameter section and the small diameter section is arranged between the rotating body coupling section and the large diameter section in the direction extending along the central axis of the hub body.

[0019] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can be designed such that the first connecting section is arranged on an outer circumference of the large-diameter section.

[0020] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can be designed such that the section with the large diameter has a smaller outer diameter than the restricting component.

[0021] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can be configured such that the large-diameter section has a first large-diameter end arranged in the direction of the small-diameter section, a second large-diameter end opposite the first large-diameter end, a first large-diameter section containing the first large-diameter end, and a second large-diameter section containing the second large-diameter end, and the first connecting section is arranged on an outer circumference of the first large-diameter section.

[0022] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can be designed such that the second large-diameter section has the conical section, and the conical section is arranged on an outer circumference of the second large-diameter section.

[0023] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit may further comprise a transmission section that transmits at least the human driving force to the hub body.

[0024] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can further be designed such that the transmission section and the rotating body coupling section are arranged on opposite sides of the first connecting section in the direction extending along the central axis of the hub body.

[0025] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can further be configured such that the first connecting section and the second connecting section are designed to limit the rotation of the wheel unit in the first direction relative to the hub body, which is caused by the driving force input into the transmission section or the braking force acting on the rotating body when the braking device is driven.

[0026] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can further be designed such that the conical section is designed to limit the rotation of the wheel unit in the second direction relative to the hub body, which is caused by a driving force input into the transmission section or a braking force acting on the rotating body when the braking device is driven.

[0027] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can further comprise a switching mechanism that changes the speed of an input from the transmission section and transmits the input to the wheel unit.

[0028] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can further be configured such that the shifting mechanism is designed to change a transmission ratio of the transmission section and the wheel unit.

[0029] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can further be designed such that the shifting mechanism has at least three gear ratios.

[0030] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can further be designed such that the shifting mechanism is arranged on a radially inner side of the hub body.

[0031] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can further comprise the hub axle.

[0032] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub unit can further be designed such that the braking device is a hub brake device.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a bicycle wheel assembly comprises the bicycle hub assembly according to one of the preceding aspects, the wheel assembly, and the limiting component. The wheel assembly has a hub coupling section that is coupled to the hub body. The limiting component restricts the relative rotation of the first coupling section and the wheel assembly.

[0034] This limits the loosening of the internal thread of the hub coupling section relative to the external thread of the first connecting section. In this way, the wheel assembly is properly coupled to the hub body.

[0035] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle wheel assembly can be designed such that the limiting component has a nut, and the second connecting section has an external thread coupled to an internal thread of the nut.

[0036] According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle wheel assembly can be designed such that the bicycle wheel assembly has a first conical surface, the limiting component has a second conical surface which is in contact with the first conical surface, the first conical surface has a diameter which decreases in the direction of the limiting component in a direction which extends along a central axis of the hub body, and the second conical surface has a diameter which increases in the direction of the hub coupling section in the direction which extends along the central axis of the hub body.

[0037] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle wheel assembly can be designed such that the hub coupling section has a central axis that is not aligned with the central axis of the hub body.

[0038] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle wheel assembly can be designed such that the limiting component has a central axis that is aligned with the central axis of the hub body.

[0039] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle wheel assembly can be designed such that the wheel assembly further comprises a rim.

[0040] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle wheel assembly can be designed such that a material forming the rim comprises at least one resin.

[0041] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle wheel assembly can be designed such that the wheel assembly further comprises a spoke that connects the rim and the hub coupling section.

[0042] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle wheel assembly can be designed such that a spoke-forming material comprises at least one resin.

[0043] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle wheel assembly can be designed such that the spoke is integrally arranged with the hub coupling section and / or the rim.

[0044] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle wheel assembly can be designed such that a material forming the hub coupling section comprises at least one resin.

[0045] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the bicycle wheel assembly can be designed such that the bicycle wheel assembly is a rear wheel.

[0046] The bicycle hub unit and the bicycle wheel assembly of the present invention make it possible to couple the wheel unit to the hub body in a suitable manner.

[0047] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings which form part of this original disclosure, wherein: Fig. 1 is a side view of a bicycle containing a first embodiment of a bicycle hub unit; Fig. 2 a front view of the in Fig. The bicycle wheel assembly shown in section 1 is; Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view along the line Z3-Z3 in Fig. 2 is; Fig. 4 an enlarged view of the in Fig. Section Z shown in section 3 is; Fig. 5 is a perspective exploded view of a second embodiment of a bicycle wheel assembly; and Fig. Figure 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a bicycle wheel assembly.

[0048] Now, a bicycle A, containing a bicycle hub unit 20, is described with reference to Fig. 1 described.

[0049] Bicycle A includes bicycle hub unit 20 (hereinafter referred to as "the hub unit 20"). The type of bicycle A shown in the drawings is a city bicycle. However, the type of bicycle could also be a road bicycle, a mountain bike, a trekking bike, or a cross bike. Bicycle A further includes a frame A1, a front fork A2, a front wheel A3, a rear wheel A4, a handlebar A5, and a drivetrain B.

[0050] The hub unit 20 is provided on at least one of the front wheel A3 and the rear wheel A4. In one example, the hub unit 20 is provided on the rear wheel A4 and is arranged at a rear end A6 of the frame A1. A bicycle hub unit 20A (hereinafter referred to as "the hub unit 20A") provided on the front wheel A3 is arranged on the front fork A2. The hub unit 20A is, for example, the hub unit 20 that does not include the shifting mechanism 44 (see Fig. 3), which will be described later.

[0051] The drive train B comprises a crank assembly C, a front sprocket D1, a rear sprocket D2, and a chain D3. The crank assembly C includes a crankshaft C1, two crank arms C2, and two pedals C3. The two pedals C3 are rotatably coupled to the distal ends of the crank arms C2.

[0052] The front sprocket D1 is positioned on the crank assembly C such that it rotates integrally with the crankshaft C1. The rear sprocket D2 is positioned on the hub unit 20 of the rear wheel A4. The chain D3 runs around the front sprocket D1 and the rear sprocket D2. The muscle power exerted by the rider of bicycle A on the pedals C3 is transmitted to the rear wheel A4 via the front sprocket D1, the chain D3, and the rear sprocket D2.

[0053] Bicycle A also includes an electric assistance unit E. The electric assistance unit E supports the propulsion of bicycle A. The electric assistance unit E operates, for example, according to the muscle power exerted on the pedals C3. The electric assistance unit E contains an electric motor E1. The electric assistance unit E is powered by electrical energy from a battery BT, which is mounted on bicycle A. The electric assistance unit E and the battery BT can be omitted from bicycle A.

[0054] The bicycle A also contains two braking devices F. The braking devices F are operated mechanically or electrically in such a way that they brake rotating bodies F1 (see Fig. 3) brake the bicycle A according to the actuation of actuating devices G. The actuating devices G are, for example, arranged on the handlebar A5. One of the brake devices F is arranged on the front wheel A3. The other of the brake devices F is arranged on the rear wheel A4. The brake devices F are, for example, hub brake devices in which the rotating bodies F1 are directly coupled to the hub units 20 and 20A. The brake devices F are, for example, hub brake devices in which the force exerted on the rotating bodies F1 is not transmitted to the hub units 20 and 20A via rims 14C. In one example, the brake devices F are roller brake devices (see Fig. 3) In this example, the rotating bodies F1 are brake drums F2 (see Fig. 3), each of which is arranged on the brake devices F such that it is rotatable relative to the frame A1. The bicycle A further comprises a bicycle wheel assembly 10 (hereinafter referred to as "the wheel assembly 10"). The wheel assembly 10 is the rear wheel A4. The wheel assembly 10 comprises the hub assembly 20. One of the rotating bodies F1, which is braked by the brake devices F, is coupled to the hub assembly 20 (see Fig. 3).

[0055] The wheel assembly unit 10 also contains a wheel unit 12. The wheel unit 12 contains a hub coupling section 14A (see Fig. 2), which is coupled to the hub unit 20. One of the materials forming the hub coupling section 14A contains at least one resin. The hub coupling section 14A is coupled to the hub unit 20, for example, to cover the hub unit 20. The wheel unit 12 further comprises a rim 14C. One of the materials forming the rim 14C contains at least one resin. The wheel unit 12 further comprises spokes 14D connecting the rim 14C and the hub coupling section 14A. One of the materials forming the spokes 14D contains at least one resin. The number of spokes 14D is, for example, five. The spokes 14D are integrally arranged with at least one of the hub coupling section 14A and the rim 14C. In one example, the wheel unit 12, the hub coupling section 14A, the rim 14C and all of the majority of spokes 14D are integrally arranged together.For example, a wheel unit 12A coupled to the hub unit 20A of the front wheel A3 has the same construction as the wheel unit 12 of the rear wheel A4.

[0056] The design of the hub unit 20 will now be described with reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 described. Fig. Figure 3 does not show any part of wheel unit 12.

[0057] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the hub unit 20 contains a hub body 24 which rotates about a hub axis 22, and a rotating body coupling section 40 (see Figure 2). Fig. 3), which couples the rotating body F1 to the hub body 24. In one example, the rotating body F1 is coupled to the rotating body coupling section 40 such that the rotating body F1 is attached to the rotating body coupling section 40 in such a way that it rotates integrally with the hub body 24 about a central axis CA1 of the hub body 24. The hub unit 20 also includes the hub axle 22.

[0058] The hub body 24 includes a first connection section 26 and a second connection section 28. The first connection section 26 includes an external thread 26A which connects to an internal thread 16 (see Fig. 3) is coupled to the wheel unit 12. The second connecting section 28 is coupled to a limiting component 18, which limits the relative rotation of the first connecting section 26 and the wheel unit 12. The internal thread 16 of the wheel unit 12 is, for example, arranged on the hub coupling section 14A (see Fig. 3) In one example, the hub coupling section 14A is coupled to the outer circumference 24A of the hub body 24. The wheel assembly 10 also includes the limiting component 18.

[0059] The hub body 24 further comprises a large-diameter section 30 and a small-diameter section 38. The large-diameter section 30 and the small-diameter section 38 are, for example, integrally arranged together. The large-diameter section 30 has a larger outer diameter than the small-diameter section 38. The rotating body coupling section 40 is, for example, coupled to the small-diameter section 38 (see Fig. 3) The large-diameter section 30 includes a first large-diameter end 32A facing the small-diameter section 38, a second large-diameter end 34A opposite the first large-diameter end 32A, a first large-diameter section 32 containing the first large-diameter end 32A, and a second large-diameter section 34 containing the second large-diameter end 34A. The outer circumference 24A of the hub body 24 includes the outer circumference 30A of the large-diameter section 30 and the outer circumference 38A of the small-diameter section 38. The outer circumference 30A of the large-diameter section 30 includes the outer circumference 32B of the first large-diameter section 32 and the outer circumference 34B of the second large-diameter section 34.In one example, the first large-diameter section 32 and the second large-diameter section 34 are integrally arranged together, such that the outer circumference 32B of the first large-diameter section 32 is continuous with the outer circumference 34B of the second large-diameter section 34.

[0060] The first connecting section 26 is arranged on the outer circumference 24A of the hub body 24. In one example, the first connecting section 26 is arranged on the outer circumference 30A of the large-diameter section 30. Specifically, the first connecting section 26 is arranged on the outer circumference 32B of the first large-diameter section 32. The internal thread 16 of the wheel unit 12 is, for example, arranged on an inner circumferential surface 14B of the hub coupling section 14A at a location corresponding to the external thread 26A of the first connecting section 26 (see Fig. 3) In one example, the wheel unit 12 is inserted into the large-diameter section 30 from the side of the rotating body coupling section 40 in a direction running along the central axis CA1 of the hub body 24, and the internal thread 16 is coupled to the external thread 26A. In the Fig. In the example shown, the winding direction of the external thread 26A of the first connecting section 26 is right-handed. That is, the external thread 26A of the first connecting section 26 is a right-hand thread.

[0061] The second connecting section 28 is arranged on the outer circumference 24A of the hub body 24. In one example, the second connecting section 28 is arranged on the outer circumference 38A of the small-diameter section 38. The second connecting section 28 includes an external thread 28A which is coupled to an internal thread 18B of the limiting component 18 (see Fig. 3) In one example, the restraint component 18 is inserted into the small-diameter section 38 from the side of the rotating body coupling section 40 in a direction running along the central axis CA1 of the hub body 24, and the internal thread 18B is coupled to the external thread 28A. In the Fig. In the example shown, the thread direction of the external thread 28A of the second connecting section 28 is right-handed. That is, the external thread 28A of the second connecting section 28 is a right-hand thread. The limiting component 18 contains a nut 18A. The nut 18A contains the internal thread 18B. In one example, the internal thread 18B of the nut 18A is coupled to the external thread 28A of the second connecting section 28. The large-diameter section 30 has a smaller outside diameter than the limiting component 18.

[0062] The second large-diameter section 34 includes a conical section 36. The conical section 36 is located on the outer circumference 34B of the second large-diameter section 34. The conical section 36 has an outer diameter that increases at points furthest from the first connecting section 26 in a direction running along the central axis CA1 of the hub body 24. Thus, during the relative rotation of the first connecting section 26 and the wheel assembly 12 about the central axis CA1 of the hub body 24, the conical section 36 restricts the movement of the wheel assembly 12 toward the second large-diameter end 34A. The conical section 36 can be omitted from the second large-diameter section 34.

[0063] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the hub unit 20 further comprises a transmission section 42, which transmits at least muscle driving force to the hub body 24. The transmission section 42 is, for example, arranged at the second end with a large diameter 34A of the hub body 24. In one example, the rear sprocket D2 is coupled to the transmission section 42. The transmission section 42 transmits a driving force received from the rear sprocket D2 to the hub body 24. The driving force received from the rear sprocket D2 consists at least of muscle driving force, which is supplied to the rear sprocket D2, for example, via the pedals C3, and driving force supplied to the rear sprocket D2 by the electric assistance unit E.

[0064] The hub unit 20 further includes the shifting mechanism 44, which changes the drive speed from the transmission section 42 and transmits the drive power to the wheel unit 12. The shifting mechanism 44 is designed to change the gear ratio of the transmission section 42 and the wheel unit 12. The shifting mechanism 44 is located on a radially inner side of the hub body 24. In one example, the shifting mechanism 44 is an integral shifting device. The shifting mechanism 44 is operated mechanically or electrically according to the actuation of a shifting actuation device H (see Fig. 1) The switching actuation device H is, for example, arranged on the steering rod A5. If the switching mechanism 44 is electrically operated, electrical power from the battery BT is used, for example. The switching mechanism 44 includes a planetary gear mechanism 46. The switching mechanism 44 is designed to change the transmission ratio, for example, by changing the coupling state of the gears that form the planetary gear mechanism 46. In one example, the switching mechanism 44 has at least three or more transmission ratios.

[0065] When drive force supplied to the transmission section 42 is transmitted to the hub body 24, the wheel unit 12 rotates together with the hub body 24 about the central axis CA1 of the hub body 24. In this case, the friction absorbed by the wheel unit 12 from the ground (not shown) exerts force on the wheel unit 12, causing it to rotate in one direction relative to the hub body 24. If the braking device F brakes the rotating body F1 according to the actuation of the actuating device G, the wheel unit 12 is braked in addition to the hub body 24. In this case, the friction absorbed by the wheel unit 12 from the ground exerts force on the wheel unit 12, causing it to rotate in the opposite direction relative to the hub body 24.The first connecting section 26 and the second connecting section 28 are designed to limit the rotation of the wheel unit 12 relative to the hub body 24, even when the forces described above are exerted on the wheel unit 12.

[0066] The relationship between the first connecting section 26 and the second connecting section 28 is now described with reference to Fig. 4 described.

[0067] The external thread 28A of the second connecting section 28 has a different shape than the external thread 26A of the first connecting section 26. The external thread 28A of the second connecting section 28 has a pitch (hereinafter referred to as "the second pitch P2"). The external thread 26A of the first connecting section 26 has a pitch (hereinafter referred to as "the first pitch P1"). The second pitch P2 is different from the first pitch P1. Specifically, in a direction running along the central axis CA1 of the hub body 24, a degree of movement corresponding to a rotation of the wheel unit 12 about the hub axis 22 with respect to the first connecting section 26 is different from a degree of movement corresponding to a rotation of the restraint component 18 about the hub axis 22 with respect to the second connecting section 28. In one example, the second pitch P2 is shorter than the first pitch P1.The second pitch P2 can be longer than the first pitch P1. The difference between the first pitch P1 and the second pitch P2 restricts the integral rotation of the wheel unit 12 and the limiting component 18. In other words, the first connecting section 26 and the second connecting section 28 are designed to restrict the integral rotation of the wheel unit 12 and the limiting component 18. Thus, even if force is applied to the wheel unit 12 in different directions of rotation, the rotation of the wheel unit 12 relative to the hub body 24 is restricted.

[0068] In the direction running along the central axis CA1 of the hub body 24, the area in which the external thread 26A of the first connecting section 26 is located (hereinafter referred to as "the first area R1") is wider than the area in which the external thread 28A of the second connecting section 28 is located (hereinafter referred to as "the second area R2"). The first area R1 can be the same width as the second area R2 or it can be narrower than the second area R2.

[0069] A second embodiment of a hub unit 20 is now described with reference to Fig. 5. Components that are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment have been given the same reference numerals. These components are not described in detail. Fig. Figure 5 does not show any part of wheel unit 12.

[0070] The hub body 24 comprises a first connecting section 56 and a second connecting section 58. The first connecting section 56 has an external thread 56A that is coupled to an internal thread 52 of the wheel unit 12. The second connecting section 58 is coupled to the limiting element 18, which limits relative rotation between the first connecting section 56 and the wheel unit 12. The first connecting section 56 is, for example, located on the outer circumference 32B of the first large-diameter section 32. The internal thread 52 of the wheel unit 12 is, for example, located on the inner circumferential surface 14B of the hub coupling section 14A at a location corresponding to the external thread 56A of the first connecting section 56. The second connecting section 58 is, for example, located on the outer circumference 38A of the small-diameter section 38.The second connecting section 58 contains an external thread 58A which is coupled to an internal thread 54 of the nut 18A.

[0071] The external thread 58A of the second connection section 58 has a different shape than the external thread 56A of the first connection section 56. The external thread 58A of the second connection section 58 has a different winding direction than the external thread 56A of the first connection section 56. For example, the winding direction of the external thread 56A of the first connection section 56 is right-handed. That is, the external thread 56A of the first connection section 56 is a right-hand thread. The winding direction of the external thread 58A of the second connection section 58 is left-handed. That is, the external thread 58A of the second connection section 58 is a left-hand thread. If the winding direction of the external thread 56A of the first connection section 56 is left-handed, the winding direction of the external thread 58A of the second connection section 58 can be right-handed.The different winding directions between the external thread 56A of the first connecting section 56 and the external thread 58A of the second connecting section 58 restrict the integral rotation of the wheel unit 12 and the limiting component 18. In other words, the first connecting section 26 and the second connecting section 28 are designed to restrict the integral rotation of the wheel unit 12 and the limiting component 18. Therefore, even if force is applied to the wheel unit 12 in different directions of rotation, the rotation of the wheel unit 12 relative to the hub body 24 is restricted.

[0072] The pitch (hereinafter referred to as "the third pitch") of the external thread 56A of the first connecting section 56 and the pitch (hereinafter referred to as "the fourth pitch") of the external thread 58A of the second connecting section 58 have the relationship described below. In a first example, the fourth pitch is shorter than the third pitch. In a second example, the fourth pitch is longer than the third pitch. In a third example, the fourth pitch is the same as the third pitch.

[0073] A third embodiment of a bicycle wheel assembly unit 60 is now described with reference to Fig. Section 6 describes components that are identical to the corresponding components of the first embodiment and have been given the same reference numerals. These components are not described in detail.

[0074] Bicycle A includes bicycle wheel assembly 60 (hereinafter referred to as "the wheel assembly 60"). The wheel assembly 60 is the rear wheel A4. The wheel assembly 60 includes the hub unit 20, a wheel unit 62, and a limiting component 70. The wheel unit 62 includes a hub coupling section 64, which is coupled to the hub body 24. One of the materials forming the hub coupling section 64 contains at least one resin. The hub coupling section 64 is, for example, coupled to the outer circumference 24A of the hub body 24 to cover the hub body 24. The wheel unit 62 has essentially the same construction as the wheel unit 12, except for the hub coupling section 64. In one example, the wheel unit 62, the hub coupling section 64, the rim 14C and all of the majority of spokes 14D are integrally arranged together. Fig. Figure 6 does not show any part of wheel unit 62.

[0075] The hub body 24 comprises a first connecting section 76 and a second connecting section 78. The first connecting section 76 has an external thread 76A that engages with an internal thread 68 of the wheel unit 62. The second connecting section 78 is coupled to the limiting element 70, which limits the relative rotation of the first connecting section 76 and the wheel unit 62. The first connecting section 76 is, for example, located on the outer circumference 32B of the first large-diameter section 32. The internal thread 68 of the wheel unit 62 is located, for example, on the inner circumferential surface 64A of the hub coupling section 64 at a location corresponding to the external thread 76A of the first connecting section 76. The second connecting section 78 is located, for example, on the outer circumference 38A of the small-diameter section 38. The limiting element 70 includes a nut 70A.The second connecting section 78 includes an external thread 78A that is coupled to an internal thread 70B of the nut 70A. For example, part of the outer diameter of the small-diameter section 38 is the same as the outer diameter of the large-diameter section 30. The entire outer diameter of the small-diameter section 38 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the large-diameter section 30. In the present embodiment, the external thread 78A of the second connecting section 78 and the external thread 76A of the first connecting section 76 have an identical shape.

[0076] The external thread 78A of the second connection section 78 can have a different form than the external thread 76A of the first connection section 76. In a first example, the pitch (hereinafter referred to as "the sixth pitch") of the external thread 78A of the second connection section 78 is shorter than the pitch (hereinafter referred to as "the fifth pitch") of the external thread 76A of the first connection section 76. In a second example, the sixth pitch is longer than the fifth pitch. In a third example, the thread direction of the external thread 76A of the first connection section 76 is right-handed, and the thread direction of the external thread 78A of the second connection section 78 is left-handed. In a fourth example, the thread direction of the external thread 76A of the first connection section 76 is left-handed, and the thread direction of the external thread 78A of the second connection section 78 is right-handed.In a fifth example, the first connecting section 76 and the second connecting section 78 can be designed such that one from the first and second example is combined with one from the third and fourth example.

[0077] The hub coupling section 64 includes a first conical surface 66. Because the hub coupling section 64 is coupled to the hub body 24, the first conical surface 66 on the hub coupling section 64 is located at a position facing the restraint element 70. The first conical surface 66 has a diameter that decreases towards the restraint element 70 in the direction running along the central axis CA1 of the hub body 24. The hub coupling section 64 has a central axis CA2 that is offset with respect to the central axis CA1 of the hub body 24.

[0078] The restraint component 70 includes a second conical surface 72 in contact with the first conical surface 66. Because the restraint component 70 is coupled to the hub body 24, the second conical surface 72 on the restraint component 70 is located at a point facing the hub coupling section 64. The second conical surface 72 has a diameter that increases towards the hub coupling section 64 in the direction running along the central axis CA1 of the hub body 24. The restraint component 70 has a central axis CA3 that is aligned with the central axis CA1 of the hub body 24. The central axis CA3 of the restraint component 70 may be offset with respect to the central axis CA1 of the hub body 24. In one example, part of the first conical surface 66 is in contact with part of the second conical surface 72 because the wheel unit 62 and the limiting component 70 are appropriately coupled to the hub body 24.

[0079] The internal thread 68 of the wheel unit 62 is coupled to the external thread 76A of the first connecting section 76, and the internal thread 70B of the limiting component 70 is coupled to the external thread 78A of the second connecting section 78. The internal thread 70B of the limiting component 70 is coupled to the external thread 78A of the second connecting section 78 such that the first conical surface 66 is in close contact with the second conical surface 72. As a result, a force in a first direction DF1 acts on the hub coupling section 64, and a force in a second direction DF2 acts on the limiting component 70. In particular, at a section where the first conical surface 66 is in contact with the second conical surface 72, the force of the restraint component 70, which pushes the hub coupling section 64 in the first direction DF1, acts on the hub coupling section 64.At a section where the first conical surface 66 is not in contact with the second conical surface 72, a force in the second direction DF2 acts on the restraint component 70 due to the reaction force in the first direction DF1. This presses the hub coupling section 64 and the restraint component 70 against the hub body 24, thus restricting the rotation of the wheel unit 62 relative to the hub body 24.

[0080] The description relating to each of the above embodiments represents, without any limitation, an exemplary applicable form of a bicycle hub assembly and a bicycle wheel assembly according to the present invention. The bicycle hub assembly and the bicycle wheel assembly according to the present invention are applicable, for example, to the modified examples of the above embodiments described below and to at least two of the modified examples that do not contradict each other. In the modified examples described below, components that are the same as the corresponding components of the above embodiments have been given the same reference numerals. These components are not described in detail.

[0081] The configurations of the second connecting sections 28 and 58 can be modified in any way. In one example, the second connecting sections 28 and 58 are coupled to the restraint component 18 by gluing, melting, or welding.

[0082] The design of the shifting mechanism 44 can be modified in any way. In one example, the shifting mechanism 44 is an external shifting device. In this example, the drive train B includes several rear sprockets D2. The shifting mechanism 44 can be omitted from the hub unit 20.

[0083] The configurations of the wheel units 12 and 62 can be modified in any way. In a first example, the wheel units 12 and 62 are configured such that at least one of the hub coupling sections 14A and 64, the rim 14C, and the majority of spokes 14D are arranged separately. In a second example, the material forming the hub coupling sections 14A and 64 does not contain resin. In this example, the material forming the hub coupling sections 14A and 64 is, for example, metal. In a third example, the material forming the rim 14C does not contain resin. In this example, the material forming the rim 14C is, for example, metal. In a fourth example, the material forming the spokes 14D does not contain resin. In this example, the material forming the spokes 14D is, for example, metal.

[0084] The brake devices F can be converted to any type. In a first example, the brake devices F are disc brake devices. A disc brake device is an example of a hub brake. In this example, the rotating bodies F1 are brake discs. In a second example, the brake devices F are rim brake devices. In this example, the rotating bodies F1 are the rims 14C.

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