SHAFT ELEMENT OF A WHEEL MOUNTING DEVICE AND WHEEL MOUNTING DEVICE

Abstract

Shaft element (42) of a wheel fastening device (20) for fastening a wheel to a frame (22) of a small vehicle, including a bicycle, wherein the shaft element (42) comprises: a first final section (42a); a second final section (42b); having a main body section (42c) and a hollow interior (42f); an energy storage unit (42e) arranged in the hollow interior (42f) of the main body section (42c); and a charging port (72) for charging the energy storage unit (42e) using an external energy source (70), wherein the charging port (72) is provided on a housing (68) which is provided on the outer circumferential section of a head element (52) of the shaft element (42).

Description

REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a divisional application from parent application DE 10 2018 126 435.6, which claims priority from Japanese patent application JP 2017 216791, filed on November 9, 2017. The entire disclosures of the parent application and Japanese patent application JP 2017-216791 are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a wheel fastening device for fastening a wheel to a frame for a small vehicle, including a bicycle, and relates to a shaft element of a wheel fastening device, as well as to a hub with this wheel fastening device. Description of the state of the art

[0003] A bicycle including an electrical component, such as an electric transmission, is conventionally known. For example, in a bicycle disclosed in JP 2016-165991 A, a power source that supplies electrical power to an electric transmission is mounted on a frame or a chainstay.

[0004] JP 2016 - 165 991 A is an example of the prior art. Wheel fastening devices are also known, for example, from US 2016 / 0 137 259 A1, US 2016 / 0 368 318 A1, US 2016 / 0 362 160 A1, and US 6 037 690 A. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In the bicycle disclosed in JP 2016-165991A, an electrical component, such as a power source that supplies electrical power to an electric transmission or drive, is mounted on the outer periphery of a frame or chainstay. Therefore, if the size of the electrical component, such as the power source, is increased, there is a risk that the appearance of the bicycle will be impaired. To protect the electrical component from impact, dust, water, and the like, the electrical component must be covered with a casing or the like.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to simplify the connection of the electrical component of the bicycle and to enhance the appearance of the bicycle. It is a further object of the present invention to ensure a space for arranging an electrical component, such as an auxiliary power source, even in a case where an electrical component such as a power source is mounted on a frame or a chainstay. It is a further object of the present invention to protect an electrical component of a bicycle from impacts, dust, water, and the like.

[0007] (1) A wheel fastening device shaft member according to one aspect of the present invention is a wheel fastening device shaft member for fastening a wheel to a frame of a small vehicle, including a bicycle, and includes a main body portion and a connector. The connector is provided in the main body portion for electrically connecting to a component provided on the small vehicle.

[0008] In the shaft member of the wheel attachment device, the connector that can be electrically connected to the component provided on the small vehicle is provided in the main body portion, thus simplifying the connection of the electrical component of the bicycle. For example, the electrical component is stored within the shaft member and is connected to an external device through the connector, thus making it possible to make the appearance of the bicycle more attractive.

[0009] In the shaft member of the wheel fastening device, the main body portion is hollow, and a power storage unit is further included, which is arranged in a hollow interior of the main body portion. In this case, too, the connection of the electrical component of the bicycle can be simplified, and the appearance of the bicycle can be advantageously designed. It is also possible to ensure a space for arranging a power storage unit on the shaft member, and it is possible to protect the power storage unit using the shaft member.

[0010] (2) A shaft member of a wheel fastening device according to another aspect of the present invention is a shaft member of a wheel fastening device for fastening a wheel to a frame of a small vehicle including a bicycle, and comprises: a main body portion, at least a portion of which is hollow; and an energy storage unit arranged in an interior space of the main body portion.

[0011] In the shaft member of the wheel fixing device, the energy storage device can be accommodated in the shaft member, and therefore, it is possible to simplify the connection of the electrical component of the bicycle to improve the appearance, and furthermore to protect the energy storage device by using the shaft member.

[0012] (3) Preferably, a connector that can be electrically connected to the component provided on the small vehicle is further included. In this case, the connection of the electrical component of the bicycle is further simplified.

[0013] (4) Preferably, the connector electrically connects the energy storage unit and the component provided on the small vehicle. In this case, the connection of the electrical component of the bicycle is further simplified.

[0014] (5) Preferably, the energy storage unit supplies electrical energy to at least one component provided on the small vehicle. In this case, the connection of the bicycle's electrical components is further simplified.

[0015] (6) Preferably, the component comprises a transmission that can be electrically controlled, and the energy storage unit supplies electrical energy to the transmission. In a bicycle that includes a transmission, the connection of the electrical component of the bicycle is simplified.

[0016] (7) Preferably, the transmission includes at least one electrically controllable rear derailleur and one electrically controllable front derailleur, and the energy storage unit supplies electrical power to at least one of the rear derailleur and the front derailleur. In this case, the connection of the electrical component to the periphery of the rear derailleur or the periphery of the front derailleur is simplified.

[0017] (8) Preferably, the energy storage unit comprises at least one of a battery and a capacitor.

[0018] (9) Preferably, the energy storage unit includes both the battery and the capacitor. In this case, it is possible to achieve both the amount of electrical energy to be output (at least one of the voltage and current) and the amount of energy to be stored.

[0019] (10) Preferably, a charging port for charging the energy storage unit using an external power source is further included. In this case, it is possible to easily charge the energy storage unit.

[0020] (11) A wheel fastening device according to one aspect of the present invention is a wheel fastening device for fastening a wheel to a frame of a small vehicle, including a bicycle, and comprises: any one of the above-described shaft members; a fastening mechanism that fastens the main body portion to the frame; and a wireless communication unit that receives a signal from the component provided on the small vehicle or from another external device. With this wheel fastening device, the connection of the electrical component of the bicycle is further simplified and the appearance is improved.

[0021] (12) A wheel fastening device according to another aspect of the present invention is a wheel fastening device for fastening a wheel to a frame of a small vehicle, including a bicycle, and comprises: a shaft member that supports the wheel; a fastening mechanism that fixes the shaft member to the frame; a connector that electrically connects to a component provided on the small vehicle; and a wireless communication unit that receives a signal from the component provided on the small vehicle or from another external device. With this wheel fastening device, the connection of the electrical component of the bicycle is further simplified.

[0022] (13) Preferably, the wireless communication unit is configured to send and receive signals to and from the component or other external device.

[0023] (14) The wheel fastening device according to another aspect of the present invention is a wheel fastening device for fastening a wheel to a frame of a small vehicle, including a bicycle, and comprises: a shaft member that supports the wheel; a fastening mechanism that fixes the shaft member to the frame; and a wireless communication unit that receives a signal from a component provided on the small vehicle or from another external device. With this wheel fastening device, the connection of the electrical component of the bicycle is simplified and the appearance is improved.

[0024] In the wheel fastening device, the wireless communication unit is configured to send and receive signals to and from the component or other external device.

[0025] (15) Preferably, the component comprises a rear derailleur that can be electrically controlled, and the wireless communication unit receives a signal from a first gear change operating unit that can perform a gear change operation on the rear derailleur.

[0026] (16) Preferably, the component comprises a front derailleur that can be electrically controlled, and the wireless communication unit receives a signal from a second gear change operating unit that can perform a gear change operation on the front derailleur.

[0027] (17) Preferably, the shaft member includes a first end portion whose movement in an axial direction with respect to the frame is restricted, and a second end portion disposed on a side opposite to the first end portion. The fixing mechanism includes a head member disposed on the second end portion side of the shaft member, and a lever member provided on the head member so as to be able to rotate around an axis intersecting the lever in the axial direction, the head member being moved in the axial direction in accordance with the rotation. The wireless communication unit is provided on one of the lever member and the head member so as to be able to move integrally therewith.

[0028] (18) Preferably, a control substrate that controls the electrical component of the small vehicle is further included. In this case, the connection of the electrical component of the bicycle can be further simplified.

[0029] (19) Preferably, the shaft member includes a first end portion whose movement in an axial direction with respect to the frame is restricted, and a second end portion disposed on a side opposite to the first end portion. The fixing mechanism includes a head member disposed on the second end portion side of the shaft member, and a lever member provided on the head member so as to be able to rotate around an axis intersecting the lever in the axial direction, the head member being moved in the axial direction in accordance with the rotation. The wireless communication unit is provided on one of the lever member and the head member so as to be able to move integrally therewith.

[0030] (20) Preferably, a control substrate that controls the electrical component of the small vehicle is further included. In this case, the connection of the electrical component of the bicycle is further simplified.

[0031] (21) Preferably, the shaft member includes a first end portion whose movement in an axial direction with respect to the frame is restricted, and a second end portion disposed on a side opposite to the first end portion. The fixing mechanism includes a head member disposed on the side of the second end portion of the shaft member, and a lever member provided on the head member so as to be able to rotate around an axis intersecting the axial direction, wherein the lever member is moved by the head member in the axial direction in accordance with the rotation.

[0032] (22) Preferably, an adjusting member for adjusting the position of the head member in the axial direction is further included. In this case, the position of the head member in the axial direction can be easily adjusted.

[0033] A wheel fastening device according to another aspect of the present invention is a wheel fastening device for fastening a wheel to a frame of a small vehicle, including a bicycle, and comprises: any of the shaft members described above.

[0034] A hub according to one aspect of the present invention includes a wheel fastening device as described above.

[0035] With the present invention described above, it is possible to simplify the connection of the bicycle's electrical components and enhance the bicycle's appearance. The bicycle's electrical components can also be protected from impacts, dust, water, and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a side view of a bicycle in which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a wheel attachment device incorporating a frame. Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection of bicycle components. Fig. 4 is an external view of the wheel fastening device. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view when a lever member is arranged in a second position. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a periphery of a head member. Fig. 7 is a diagram corresponding Fig. 2 according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of a bicycle 100 in which an embodiment of the present invention is used. The bicycle 100 essentially comprises a body 10, a front wheel 12, a rear wheel 14, a drive unit 16, an operating device 18, and a wheel attachment device 20 (see Fig. 2). It should be noted that in the following description, the direction in which a central axis C2 (see Fig. 2) of the shaft element 42 is described as the axial direction and the direction orthogonal to the central axis C2 is the radial direction.

[0037] The body 10 has a diamond-shaped frame 22. As shown in Fig. 2, the frame 22 includes a first rear end 22a and a second rear end 22b. Note that Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the wheel attachment device 20 incorporating the frame 22.

[0038] The first rear end 22a includes a first through hole 22c formed in the axial direction. The first through hole 22c is a threaded hole having an inner peripheral surface on which an internal thread is formed. The second rear end 22b is spaced apart from the first rear end 22a at a distance in the axial direction. The second rear end 22b includes a second through hole 22d penetrating in the axial direction.

[0039] The front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 14 are rotatably mounted on the frame 22.

[0040] The drive unit 16 includes a crank assembly 24 with a plurality of front sprockets 26, a plurality of rear sprockets 28, a chain 30, and an electrically controllable transmission 32. The chain 30 engages the plurality of front sprockets 26 and the plurality of rear sprockets 28.

[0041] The transmission 32 includes at least one electrically controlled rear derailleur 32a and one electrically controlled front derailleur 32b. In the present embodiment, the transmission 32 includes, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, both the rear derailleur 32a, which can be electrically controlled, and the front derailleur 32b, which can be electrically controlled, are shown. The rear derailleur 32a and the front derailleur 32b are examples of components provided on a small vehicle including the bicycle 100.

[0042] The rear derailleur 32a changes the gear ratio of the bicycle 100 in accordance with an operation of the operating device 18 by moving the chain 30, which engages the plurality of rear sprockets 28. The derailleur 32b changes the gear ratio of the bicycle 100 in accordance with an operation of the operating device 18 by moving the chain 30, which engages the plurality of front sprockets 26.

[0043] As in Fig. 1, the actuating device 18 is mounted on a handlebar 34 of the bicycle 100. As shown in Fig. 3, the operating device 18 includes a first gear change operating unit 18a and a second gear change operating unit 18b. The operating device 18 is supplied with electrical power by a battery or the like (not shown). The first gear change operating unit 18a can perform a gear change operation on the rear derailleur 32a. The second gear change operating unit 18b can perform a gear change operation on the front derailleur 32b. In detail, the operating device 18 is configured to be capable of transmitting a wireless signal corresponding to an operation of the first gear change operating unit 18a or the second gear change operating unit 18b.In the present embodiment, the operating device 18 wirelessly transmits an electrical signal corresponding to an operation of the first gear change operating unit 18a or the second gear change operating unit 18b to a wireless communication unit 46 described later.

[0044] The wheel fastening device 20 is a securing device for securing a wheel to a frame of a small vehicle, including the bicycle 100. In the present embodiment, the rear wheel 14 is secured to the frame 22 of the bicycle 100 by the wheel fastening device 20. Specifically, the wheel fastening device 20 secures a rear hub 38, which is provided in the rear wheel 14 of the bicycle 100, to the frame 22.

[0045] As in Fig. 2, the rear hub 38 includes a hub shaft 38a and a hub shell 38b. The hub shaft 38a is a hollow shaft member. The hub shaft 38a is detachably attached to the first rear end 22a and the second rear end 22b of the frame 22 by the wheel attachment device 20. In detail, a first end (right end in Fig. 2) of the hub shaft 38a with the first rear end 22a in contact and a second end (left side in Fig. 2) is in contact with the second rear end 22b. The hub shell 38b is rotatably mounted on the hub shaft 38a. The first rear end 22a is provided with a derailleur hanger 23 for attaching the rear derailleur 32a to the frame 22.

[0046] Fig. 4 is an external view of the wheel fastening device 20. As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the wheel fastening device 20 includes a shaft member 42 and a fastening mechanism 44.

[0047] The shaft member 42 supports the wheel. In the present embodiment, the shaft member 42 supports the rear wheel 14. In detail, the shaft member 42 is axially inserted into the hub shaft 38a and supports the rear hub 38. The shaft member 42 includes a first end portion 42a, a second end portion 42b located on the opposite side to the first end portion 42a, a main body portion 42c, a connector 42d, and an energy storage unit 42e.

[0048] The movement of the first end portion 42a in the axial direction relative to the frame 22 is restricted. Specifically, an external thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first end portion 42a, and the external thread is screwed into the internal thread of the first through hole 22c at the first rear end 22a.

[0049] The main body portion 42c extends axially and connects the first end portion 42a and the second end portion 42b. The main body portion 42c includes a hollow interior space 42f that is hollow.

[0050] The connector 42d is provided in the main body portion 42c. In detail, the connector 42d is provided in the hollow interior 42f of the main body portion 42c. The connector 42d can electrically connect to a component provided on the small vehicle. In addition, the connector 42d electrically connects the component provided on the small vehicle and the energy storage unit 42e. In the present embodiment, the connector 42d, as shown in Fig. 3, the rear derailleur 32a and the energy storage unit 42e are electrically connected. Furthermore, the connector 42d electrically connects the front derailleur 32b and the energy storage unit 42e. The connector 42d is provided on the side of the first end portion 42a where the external thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface. The connector 42d is provided on the side of the first rear end 22a where the derailleur hanger 23 for the rear derailleur 32a is located.

[0051] The connector 42d includes a connecting portion 43 connected to a connecting cable 50. The connecting portion 43 is connected to one end of the connecting cable 50 and is electrically connected to the power storage unit 42e. The other end of the connecting cable 50 is electrically connected to the component provided on the small vehicle. Note that the end surface of the shaft member 42 on the first end portion 42a side is covered with a cover member (not shown), except for the portion through which the connecting cable 50 is inserted.

[0052] The energy storage unit 42e is arranged in the hollow interior 42f of the main body portion 42c. The energy storage unit 42e includes at least one of a battery 42g and a capacitor 42h. In the present embodiment, the energy storage unit 42e includes both the battery 42g and the capacitor 42h and is provided with a plurality of capacitors 42h. The battery 42g may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a dry cell battery. The output voltage of the capacitor 42h and the output voltage of the battery 42g are different. In the present embodiment, the output voltage of the capacitor 42h is greater than the output voltage of the battery 42g. Also, the storage capacity of the battery 42g and the storage capacity of the capacitor 42h are different. In the present embodiment, the storage capacity of the battery 42g is greater than the storage capacity of the capacitor 42h.The energy storage unit 42e supplies electrical power to at least one component provided on the small vehicle. Specifically, the energy storage unit 42e supplies electrical power to at least one of the rear derailleur 32a and the front derailleur 32b. In the present embodiment, the energy storage unit 42e supplies electrical power to both the rear derailleur 32a and the front derailleur 32b. Here, since the energy storage unit 42e is disposed in the hollow interior 42f of the shaft member 42, the energy storage unit 42e can be protected by the shaft member 42. Furthermore, since the rear derailleur 32a and the energy storage unit 42e are electrically connected by the connector 42d, the connection of the periphery of the derailleur is simplified.

[0053] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 5, the fixing mechanism 44 includes a head member 52, a lever member 54, a coupling member 56, and an adjusting member 58. The shaft member 42 is fixed to the frame 22 by the fixing mechanism 44. The head member 52 is disposed on the second end portion 42b side of the shaft member 42. The head member 52 has a bottomed cylindrical shape and includes a receiving portion 52a and an externally threaded portion 52b. The receiving portion 52a is provided in the inner peripheral portion of the head member 52 in a non-circular shape. The externally threaded portion 52b is provided on the outer peripheral surface approaching the second end portion 42b of the shaft member 42. A lever member 54 is provided on the head member 52 so as to be able to rotate around an axis intersecting the axial direction. The lever element 54 can be rotated to a first position, which is indicated by a solid line in Fig. 3, and to a second position indicated by a two-dot chain line. The head member 52 moves in the axial direction according to the rotation of the lever member 54. Note that the first position corresponds to a final fixed position of the fixing mechanism 44. When the lever member 54 is in the first position, the position of the head member 52 is closest in the axial direction to the shaft member 42.

[0054] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the lever member 54 is supported by a rotary shaft 60 that penetrates the head member 52 in a direction intersecting the axial direction. The lever member 54 rotates integrally with the rotary shaft 60 about a central axis C1 of the rotary shaft 60. The rotary shaft 60 is rotatably supported by the head member 52. The rotary shaft 60 has a cam portion 60a that is eccentric with respect to the central axis C1 of the rotary shaft 60.

[0055] The coupling element 56 couples the shaft element 42 and the head element 52 so that they can rotate integrally about the central axis C2 of the shaft element 42. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the coupling member 56 includes a support portion 56a and an extended portion 56b. The support portion 56a has a non-circular outer shape and is housed in the receiving portion 52a so that rotation with respect to the head member 52 is impossible. The support portion 56a includes a cam hole 56c through which the rotating shaft 60 passes. The cam hole 56c is an oval-shaped hole with which the cam portion 60a of the rotating shaft 60 engages. The head member 52 moves in the axial direction in accordance with the rotation of the lever member 54 due to the cam hole 56c of the coupling member 56 and the cam portion 60a of the rotating shaft 60.

[0056] As in Fig. 5, the extended portion 56b extends axially from the support portion 56a toward the shaft member 42, and a portion thereof is housed in the inner peripheral portion of the shaft member 42. A male threaded portion 56d is included on the outer peripheral surface at the front end of the extended portion 56b. The male threaded portion 56d engages with a female threaded portion 42i formed on the inner peripheral portion on the first end portion 42a side of the shaft member 42. Furthermore, the extended portion 56b is prevented from rotating by an adjusting screw 62 screwed in from the outer peripheral portion of the shaft member 42. Accordingly, the extended portion 56b and the shaft member 42 are coupled so as to be able to rotate integrally. That is, the shaft member 42 and the head member 52 rotate integrally via the coupling member 56.

[0057] The adjusting element 58 is a tubular element. As shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the adjusting member 58 includes an internally threaded portion 58a and a contact portion 58b. The internally threaded portion 58a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the adjusting member 58 and is screwed onto the externally threaded portion 52b of the head member 52. When the adjusting member 58 rotates, the adjusting member 58 moves in the axial direction with respect to the head member 52. It should be noted that the position of the adjusting member 58 in the axial direction is determined by a positioning mechanism 64 (see Fig. 6) is positioned, which is arranged between the adjusting element 58 and the head element 52 in the radial direction.

[0058] As in Fig. 5, the adjusting portion 58b is provided on the side surface of the adjusting member 58 opposite to the second rear end 22b and can come into contact with the outer surface 22e of the second rear end 22b.

[0059] In the case of fixing the shaft member 42 to the frame 22 using the fixing mechanism 44 described above, first, the hub shaft 38a of the rear hub 38 is disposed at a position overlapping the first through-hole 22c and the second through-hole 22d in the axial direction. Then, the first end portion 42a of the axial member 42 is inserted from the second through-hole 22d of the second rear end 22b toward the first through-hole 22c of the first rear end 22a. Next, the first end portion 42a of the shaft member 42 is screwed into the first through-hole 22c of the first rear end 22a. Next, the contact portion 58b of the adjusting member 58 is brought into contact with the outer surface 22e of the second rear end 22b. Then, the axial member 42 is secured to the frame 22 by rotating the lever member 54 from the second position to the first position.

[0060] It should be noted that when the lever member 54 has been rotated from the second position to the first position, the position of the lever member 54 needs to be adjusted if the lever member 54 is not in the optimal position with respect to the frame 22. In detail, first, the lever member 54 is returned to the second position. Then, the shaft member 42 is rotated in the screw loosening direction to adjust the position of the lever member 54. After that, the contact portion 58b of the adjusting member 58 is brought into contact with the outer surface 22e of the second rear end 22b again, and the lever member 54 is rotated from the second position to the first position. Here, the position of the lever member 54 with respect to the frame 22 can be easily adjusted using the adjusting member 58.

[0061] As in Fig. 4, the wheel fastening device 20 further comprises a wireless communication unit 46 and a control substrate 48. It should be noted that in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 the wireless communication unit 46 and the control substrate 48 were omitted.

[0062] The wireless communication unit 46 is provided on one of the lever member 54 and the head member 52 so as to be able to move integrally therewith. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 46 is provided on the head member 52 so as to be able to move integrally therewith. In detail, the wireless communication unit 46 is housed within a casing 68 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the head member 52. The casing 68 is fixed to the head member 52 or secured to the head member 52 by a fastening means such as a screw so as to be able to rotate integrally therewith.

[0063] The housing 68 is provided at a position opposite the lever element 54 in the axial direction when the lever element 54 is in the first position. Note that a charging port 72, which can be connected to an external power source 70, is provided within the housing 68. The energy storage unit 42e is charged by the external power source 70 via the charging port 72. As shown in FIGS. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the charging port 72 is connected to the energy storage unit 42e via the control substrate 48, but the charging port 72 and the energy storage unit 42e may be connected without using the control substrate 48.

[0064] The wireless communication unit 46 receives a signal from a component provided on the small vehicle or from another external device. The wireless communication unit 46 is also configured to transmit and receive a signal to and from a component provided on the small vehicle or to and from another external device. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 46 receives signals from the first gear change operating unit 18a and the second gear change operating unit 18b. Note that the wireless communication unit 46 is supplied with electrical power from the power storage unit 42e.

[0065] The control substrate 48 is provided on one of the lever member 54 and the head member 52 so as to be able to move integrally therewith. In the present embodiment, the control substrate 48 is housed within the casing 68 and is provided so as to be able to move integrally with the head member 52. The control substrate 48 is electrically connected to the power storage unit 42e and controls the electrical component of the small vehicle using the electrical power supplied from the power storage unit 42e. In the present embodiment, the control substrate 48 controls the rear derailleur 32a and the front derailleur 32b using the electrical power supplied from the power storage unit 42e.

[0066] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the control substrate 48 is electrically connected to the energy storage unit 42e by a connecting cable 49. The connecting cable 49 passes through the head member 52 and is inserted into the hollow interior 42f of the shaft member 42 through the inner peripheral portion of the head member 52. Note that the connecting cable 49 may be inserted into the hollow interior 42f of the shaft member 42 without passing through the head member 52.

[0067] The control substrate 48 is electrically connected to the wireless communication unit 46. For example, when the first gear change operating unit 18a is operated, the wireless communication unit 46 receives a signal from the first gear change operating unit 18a. Based on the signal received from the wireless communication unit 46, the control substrate 48 controls the rear derailleur 32a. That is, the chain 30, which engages the plurality of rear sprockets 28, is moved by the rear derailleur 32a, and the gear ratio of the bicycle 100 is changed.

[0068] It should be noted that the control substrate 48 can automatically perform control to send a gear change signal to the transmission 32, which can be electrically controlled. In other words, an information acquisition unit 76, as shown in Fig. 3, which acquires information related to at least one of the vehicle speed, cadence, torque, and power may be provided separately, and the transmission 32 may be controlled based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 76. In this case, it is possible to employ a configuration in which the control substrate 48 can appropriately select whether to control the transmission 32 based on the actuator 18 or the information acquisition unit 76. The information acquisition unit 76 is housed inside the casing 68 and is electrically connected to the control substrate 48, for example.

[0069] In addition, an energy storage unit 51 different from the energy storage unit 42e may be additionally provided on at least one of the lever member 54 and the head member 52. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the energy storage unit 51 may be provided within the housing 68. Other embodiments

[0070] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention. In particular, the several embodiments and modified examples described in the present specification can be combined in any way as needed. (a) In the above-described embodiment, an external thread at the first end portion 42a of the shaft member 42 was screwed into an internal thread in the first through hole 22c at the first rear end 22a, however, an external thread such as in Fig.7, at the first end portion 42a of the shaft member 42, the locking member 74 may be screwed into a locking member 74, such as a nut. In this case, at least one of the control substrate 48, the wireless communication unit 46, and the additional power storage unit 51 may be provided in the locking member 74. At this time, at least one of the control substrate 48, the wireless communication unit 46, and the additional power storage unit 51 provided in the locking member 74 may be electrically connected to the connector 42d at a contact point provided on the inner peripheral side of the locking member 74 and a contact point provided on the outer peripheral side of the shaft member 42. (b) In the above-described embodiment, the rear derailleur 32a and the front derailleur 32b were illustrated as examples of components provided on the small vehicle, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, an electric internal transmission device, an electric seat post, an electric suspension, a light, a dynamo, an electric brake device, a power meter, an electrical component such as a power source mounted on a frame or the like, a drive unit for assisting human driving force, and the like are examples of components provided on a small vehicle. (c) In the above-described embodiment, the wireless communication unit 46 was configured to receive signals from the first gear change operating unit 18a and the second gear change operating unit 18b, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The wireless communication unit 46 may be configured to receive a signal from another component provided on the small vehicle or from an external device such as a personal computer, a tablet computer, or a smartphone. (d) In the above-described embodiment, the rear wheel 14 was fixed to the frame 22 of the bicycle 100 by the wheel fixing device 20, but the present invention can also be applied to a case where the front wheel 12 is fixed to the frame 22 of the bicycle 100. (e) In the above-described embodiment, a wheel fastening device 20 passing through the through holes 22c and 22d of the frame 22 was disclosed, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can also be applied to a wheel fastening device mounted in a groove provided in the frame 22. (f) In the above-described embodiment, the control substrate 48 and the wireless communication unit 46 were provided so as to be able to move integrally with the head member 52, but the control substrate 48 and the wireless communication unit 46 may be provided in the hollow interior 42f of the shaft member 42. (g) The connector 42d can also serve as a charging port. That is, the energy storage unit 42e can be charged through the connector 42d. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 18a First gear change actuation unit 18b Second gear change actuation unit 20 Wheel fastening device 22 frames 32 gearboxes 32a Rear derailleur 32b Front derailleur 42 Shaft element 42a First end section 42b Second end section 42c Main body section 42d connector 42e energy storage unit 42 g battery 42h capacitor 42f cavity 44 Fastening mechanism 46 Wireless communication unit 48 Tax substrate 52 Main element 54 Lever element 58 Adjustment element 72 Charging port 100 bicycles

Claims

[1] Shaft element (42) of a wheel fastening device (20) for fastening a wheel to a frame (22) of a small vehicle, including a bicycle, the shaft element (42) comprising: a first end portion (42a); a second end portion (42b); a main body portion (42c) having a hollow interior (42f); an energy storage unit (42e) arranged in the hollow interior (42f) of the main body portion (42c); and a charging port (72) for charging the energy storage unit (42e) using an external power source (70), wherein the charging port (72) is provided on a housing (68) provided on the outer peripheral portion of a head member (52) of the shaft member (42). [2] Shaft element (42) of a wheel fastening device (20) for fastening a wheel to a frame (22) of a small vehicle, including a bicycle, the shaft element (42) comprising: a first end portion (42a); a second end portion (42b); a main body portion (42c) having a hollow interior (42f); an energy storage unit (42e) arranged in the hollow interior (42f) of the main body portion (42c); and a wireless communication unit (46) that receives a signal from at least one of the component provided on the small vehicle and from another external device, wherein the wireless communication unit (46) is provided on a housing (68) that is provided on the outer peripheral portion of a head member (52) of the shaft member (42). [3] The shaft member (42) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a connector (42d) electrically connected to a component provided on the small vehicle. [4] The shaft member (42) according to claim 3, wherein the connector (42d) electrically connects the energy storage unit (42e) and the component provided on the small vehicle. [5] Shaft element (42) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the wireless communication unit (46) is arranged to be able to send signals to at least one of the component and the other external device. [6] Shaft element (42) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the wireless communication unit (46) is arranged to receive signals from at least one of the component and the other external device. [7] Shaft element (42) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the energy storage unit (42e) supplies at least one component provided on the small vehicle with electrical energy. [8] Shaft element (42) according to claim 7, wherein the component comprises a transmission (32) which can be electrically controlled, and the energy storage unit (42e) supplies the transmission (32) with electrical energy. [9] Shaft element (42) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the energy storage unit (42e) comprises at least one of a battery (42g) and a capacitor (42h). [10] Shaft element (42) according to claim 9, wherein the energy storage unit (42e) comprises both the battery (42g) and the capacitor (42h). [11] Shaft member (42) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the housing (68) is fixed to the head member (52) or is fixed to the head member (52) by a fixing means for rotation therewith. [12] Shaft element (42) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first end portion (42a) has an external thread. [13] Shaft element (42) according to one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: a control substrate (48) that controls an electrical component of the small vehicle, the control substrate (48) being arranged within the housing (68). [14] Wheel fastening device (20) for fastening a wheel to a frame (22) of a small vehicle, including a bicycle, the wheel fastening device (20) comprising: a shaft element (42) according to one of claims 1 to 13. [15] Hub (38) comprising the wheel fastening device (20) according to claim 14. [16] Hub (38) according to claim 15, further comprising: a freewheel is arranged to be coupled to at least one sprocket (28).

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