Freewheel assembly for man-power driven vehicle

Abstract

To provide a freewheel assembly for a man-power driven vehicle which can easily stabilize pressurization to a bearing unit, and which enables a length in the axial direction to be compactly designed.SOLUTION: A freewheel assembly 61 includes an outer body 63, an inner body 65, a bearing unit 69, and a lock member 71. The lock member 71 suppresses a rotation of an inner race 83 of the bearing unit 69 relative to the inner body 65. An inner race screw portion 83c of the inner race 83 is threadably mounted with an inner body screw portion 77 of the inner body 65. A lock member screw portion 71c of the lock member 71 is threadably mounted with the inner body screw portion 77 of the inner body 65. A first tool engaging portion 83b of the inner race 83 is engaged with a first tool 87 in the axial direction. A second tool engaging portion 71b of the lock member 71 is engaged with a second tool 88.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] The freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle described in Patent Document 1, for example, a freewheel assembly for a bicycle, includes an outer body (20), an inner body (13), bearing units (15, 23, 27), and a shim (28). The inner body (13) is disposed radially inward from the outer body (20). The inner body (13) has an inner body threaded portion (16). The inner body threaded portion (16) is provided on the outer surface of the inner body (13).

[0003] The outer ring (23) of the bearing unit is provided on the inner surface of the outer body (20). The inner ring (15) of the bearing unit is screwed onto the inner body threaded portion (16). The rolling elements (27) of the bearing unit are disposed radially between the outer ring (23) of the bearing unit and the inner ring (15) of the bearing unit. The shim (28) is used to adjust the preload acting on the bearing unit (15, 23, 27). The shim (28) is disposed axially inside the inner ring (15) of the bearing unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 142698 / 1983 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a conventional bicycle freewheel assembly, the bearing unit is positioned by screwing the inner ring of the bearing unit onto the outer surface of the inner body. At this time, the preload of the bearing unit is determined by adjusting the number and thickness of shims. In this type of bicycle freewheel assembly, in order to adjust the preload of the bearing unit, it is necessary to remove the rolling elements and repeatedly change the number and thickness of the shims. In other words, there is a problem in that adjusting the preload of the bearing unit requires a lot of effort.

[0006] In addition, the pressure applied to the bearing unit varies not only with the number and thickness of the shims, but also with the degree to which the inner ring of the bearing unit is screwed in. In other words, it is necessary to manage both the number and thickness of the shims and the degree to which the inner ring of the bearing unit is screwed in. This makes it difficult to stabilize the pressure applied to the bearing unit. Furthermore, the use of shims may increase the axial length of the bicycle freewheel assembly.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle in which the pressure applied to the bearing unit can be easily stabilized and the axial length can be designed to be compact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle includes an outer body, an inner body, a bearing unit, and a locking member.

[0009] The outer body has a central axis of rotation that defines an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. The inner body is disposed radially inward relative to the outer body in the radial direction. The inner body has an inner body thread.

[0010] The bearing unit is configured to rotatably support the outer body around the inner body with respect to the central axis of rotation. The bearing unit has an outer ring, an inner ring, and a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring in the radial direction. The locking member is configured to prevent the inner ring of the bearing unit from rotating relative to the inner body when the freewheel assembly is in an assembled state.

[0011] The inner race has a first tool engagement portion and inner race threads configured to threadably engage with inner body threads of the inner body. The locking member has a second tool engagement portion and locking member threads configured to threadably engage with inner body threads of the inner body. The first tool engagement portion is axially engagable with a first tool. The second tool engagement portion is axially engagable with a second tool, different from the first tool.

[0012] In the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the first aspect, the rolling elements of the bearing unit are placed inside the outer ring of the bearing unit, and then the inner ring of the bearing unit is screwed into the inner body thread of the inner body. With this configuration, the preload of the bearing unit can be easily adjusted only by the inner ring of the bearing unit, without removing the rolling elements.

[0013] In this state, the locking member screws into the inner body threaded portion of the inner body. This configuration makes it possible to stably maintain the preload of the bearing unit. In this way, in the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle, the preload of the bearing unit can be adjusted without using a shim as in the conventional technology, so that the axial length of the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle can be designed to be compact.

[0014] Regarding a second aspect of the present invention, a freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle includes an outer body, an inner body, a bearing unit, and a locking member.

[0015] The outer body has a central axis of rotation that defines an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, and an axially outermost end. The inner body is disposed radially inward relative to the outer body in the radial direction. The inner body has an inner body thread portion.

[0016] The bearing unit is configured to rotatably support the outer body around the inner body with respect to the central axis of rotation. The bearing unit has an outer ring, an inner ring, and a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring in the radial direction. The locking member is configured to prevent the inner ring of the bearing unit from rotating relative to the inner body when the freewheel assembly is in an assembled state.

[0017] The inner race has a first tool engagement portion and inner race threads configured to threadably engage with inner body threads of the inner body, and the locking member has a second tool engagement portion and locking member threads configured to threadably engage with inner body threads of the inner body.

[0018] The bearing unit and the locking member are each axially disposed between an axially outermost end of the outer body and an axially central plane of the freewheel assembly, and the locking member is axially disposed between an axially outermost end of the outer body and an inner ring thread portion of an inner ring of the bearing unit.

[0019] In the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the second aspect, the rolling elements of the bearing unit are placed inside the outer ring of the bearing unit, and then the inner ring of the bearing unit is screwed into the inner body thread of the inner body. With this configuration, the preload of the bearing unit can be easily adjusted only by the inner ring of the bearing unit, without removing the rolling elements.

[0020] In this state, the locking member screws into the inner body threaded portion of the inner body. This configuration makes it possible to stably maintain the preload of the bearing unit. In this way, in the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle, the preload of the bearing unit can be adjusted without using a shim as in the conventional technology, so that the axial length of the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle can be designed to be compact.

[0021] In addition, the bearing unit and the locking member are each disposed axially between the axially outermost end of the outer body and the axial center plane of the freewheel assembly. With this configuration, the axial length of the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle can be designed to be more compact.

[0022] With regard to a third aspect of the present invention, the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the first or second aspect may be configured as follows: The outer body is configured to be engaged with at least one rear sprocket so as to be capable of transmitting torque.

[0023] The freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the third aspect can be attached to a rear wheel of the human-powered vehicle. Furthermore, the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle can be designed to have a compact axial length while supporting at least one rear sprocket.

[0024] With regard to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the third aspect may be configured as follows: The outer body is configured to be engaged with a plurality of rear sprockets so as to be capable of transmitting torque.

[0025] The freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the fourth aspect can be attached to the rear wheel of the human-powered vehicle. Furthermore, the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle can be designed to have a compact axial length while supporting a multi-stage rear sprocket.

[0026] With regard to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the first or second aspect may be configured as follows: The inner ring of the bearing unit and the locking member are in direct axial contact with each other.

[0027] In the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the fifth aspect, loosening of the inner ring of the bearing unit and the locking member can be effectively prevented.

[0028] With regard to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the first or second aspect may be configured as follows: The outer body and the outer ring of the bearing unit are formed as a single integral member.

[0029] In the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the sixth aspect, the number of parts and the assembly steps can be reduced.

[0030] With regard to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the first or second aspect may be configured as follows: The first tool engagement portion of the inner ring has a plurality of first cutout portions.

[0031] In the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the seventh aspect, the inner ring of the bearing unit can be efficiently attached to the inner body.

[0032] With regard to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the seventh aspect may be configured as follows: The multiple first cutout portions are arranged at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0033] In the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the eighth aspect, the inner ring of the bearing unit can be more efficiently attached to the inner body.

[0034] With regard to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the first or second aspect may be configured as follows: The second tool engagement portion of the locking member has a plurality of second cutout portions.

[0035] In the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the ninth aspect, the locking member can be efficiently attached to the inner body.

[0036] With regard to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the ninth aspect may be configured as follows: The multiple second cutout portions are arranged at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0037] In the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the tenth aspect, the locking member can be attached to the inner body more efficiently.

[0038] With regard to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the first or second aspect may be configured as follows: The first tool engagement portion of the inner ring is disposed radially outward of the second tool engagement portion of the locking member in an assembled state of the freewheel assembly.

[0039] In the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the eleventh aspect, the locking member can be tightened by the second tool while the inner ring is tightened and held by the first tool. This configuration makes it easier to adjust the preload of the bearing unit.

[0040] With regard to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the first or second aspect may be configured as follows: The bearing unit is an angular type bearing unit.

[0041] In the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the twelfth aspect, even if the bearing unit is an angular bearing unit, the preload of the bearing unit can be easily adjusted.

[0042] With regard to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the first or second aspect may be configured as follows: the inner ring of the bearing unit and the locking member form a double nut structure that suppresses spontaneous loosening of the inner ring of the bearing unit and the locking member.

[0043] In the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the thirteenth aspect, loosening of the inner ring of the bearing unit and the locking member can be effectively suppressed.

[0044] With respect to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the first or second aspect further includes a one-way clutch. The one-way clutch allows the outer body and the inner body to rotate together in a driving rotation direction. The one-way clutch allows the outer body and the inner body to rotate relative to each other in a coasting rotation direction opposite to the driving rotation direction.

[0045] In the freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the fourteenth aspect, coasting can be easily achieved by the one-way clutch. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] A schematic diagram of the bicycle seen from above. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a rear sprocket assembly and a freewheel assembly 61. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rear sprocket assembly and the freewheel assembly 61. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the inner ring of the pairing unit. [Figure 8] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the freewheel assembly, the first tool, and the second tool. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] As shown in Fig. 1, in an embodiment of the present invention, a bicycle 1 is used as an example of a human-powered vehicle. The bicycle 1 has an axial center plane P. The bicycle 1 includes a drive chain 3, a frame 5, a handlebar 7, a front wheel 9, a rear wheel 11, a gear shift operation device 13, a drive unit 15, and a front fork 17. The bicycle 1 further includes a front derailleur 21 and a rear derailleur 23.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the front fork 17 is rotatably attached to the frame 5. The handlebars 7 are fixed to the front fork 17. The front wheel 9 is rotatably attached to the front fork 17 via a front hub assembly 18. The rear wheel 11 is rotatably attached to the rear of the frame 5 via a rear hub assembly 29. The front tire 9a is attached to the front wheel 9. The rear tire 11a is attached to the rear wheel 11.

[0049] The gear shift operating device 13 is attached to the handlebars 7. The gear shift operating device 13 operates the front derailleur 21 and the rear derailleur 23 via cables. For example, the rear derailleur 23 is attached to the frame 5. The rear derailleur 23 moves the drive chain 3 from one rear sprocket to another rear sprocket by the gear shift operating device 13. The front derailleur 21 is attached to the frame 5. The front derailleur 21 moves the drive chain 3 from one front sprocket to another front sprocket by the gear shift operating device 13.

[0050] 1 and 2, the driving unit 15 mainly includes a crank assembly 27, a rear sprocket assembly 28, a rear hub assembly 29, and a freewheel assembly 61. The driving unit 15 may include a driving chain 3.

[0051] The crank assembly 27 has a crank arm 31 and a front sprocket assembly 33. The crank arm 31 is rotatably supported on the lower part of the frame 5. The front sprocket assembly 33 is attached to the crank arm 31 so as to rotate integrally with the crank arm 31.

[0052] The front sprocket assembly 33 has at least one front sprocket. The at least one front sprocket engages with the drive chain 3. In Fig. 1, an example in which the at least one front sprocket has two teeth is shown. Driving force input from the rider of the bicycle 1 to the crank assembly 27 is transmitted to the rear sprocket assembly 28 via the drive chain 3.

[0053] 1 and 2, the rear sprocket assembly 28 has a central rotation axis X1. The rear sprocket assembly 28 is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 2. The rear sprocket assembly 28 rotates around the central rotation axis X1.

[0054] 3 and 4, the rear sprocket assembly 28 has a plurality of rear sprockets 41 to 46. The plurality of rear sprockets 41 to 46 include first to sixth rear sprockets.

[0055] The first rear sprocket 41 is the smallest rear sprocket. The sixth rear sprocket 46 is the largest rear sprocket. The second to fifth rear sprockets 42-45 are disposed between the first rear sprocket 41 and the sixth rear sprocket 46 in the axial direction relative to the central rotation axis X1.

[0056] The first to fourth rear sprockets 41-44 are supported by a freewheel assembly 61. The fifth rear sprocket 45 is connected to the fourth rear sprocket. Adjacent rear sprockets among the fourth to sixth rear sprockets 44-46 are connected to each other by connecting members such as rivets. A guard ring 47 is attached to the sixth rear sprocket 46 by a connecting member such as a rivet. The guard ring 47 is a member that prevents the drive chain 3 from falling off the rear sprocket 46 towards the axial center plane P of the bicycle 1. The guard ring 47 can be omitted if necessary.

[0057] 2, each of the first to sixth rear sprockets 41-46 engages with the drive chain 3. The driving force transmitted from the crank assembly 27 to the drive chain 3 is transmitted to each of the first to sixth rear sprockets 41-46.

[0058] 1, the rear hub assembly 29 has a central rotation axis X2. The rear hub assembly 29 is disposed at the radial center of the rear wheel 11 in the radial direction relative to the central rotation axis X2.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, the rear hub assembly 29 has a hub axle 51 and a hub shell 53. The hub axle 51 is attached to the rear of the frame 5. For example, the hub axle 51 is attached to the rear of the frame 5 so that the central axis of the hub axle 51 is positioned on the central rotation axis X2 of the rear hub assembly 29. Both ends of the hub axle 51 are detachably fixed to the rear of the frame 5.

[0060] The hub shell 53 shown in Figure 4 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The hub shell 53 is disposed radially outward of the hub axle 51 in the radial direction relative to the central rotation axis X2. The hub shell 53 is configured to rotate relative to the hub axle 51 in the circumferential direction relative to the central rotation axis X2. The hub shell 53 is supported for rotation relative to the hub axle 51 via a bearing unit (not shown).

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, the freewheel assembly 61 comprises an outer body 63 having a central rotation axis X3 that defines the axial, radial, and circumferential directions, an inner body 65 that is arranged radially inward relative to the outer body 63 in the radial direction and has an inner body thread portion 77, a bearing unit 69 that is configured to rotatably support the outer body 63 around the inner body 65 with respect to the central rotation axis X3 and has an outer ring 81, an inner ring 83, and a plurality of rolling elements 85 that are arranged between the outer ring 81 and the inner ring 83 in the radial direction, and a locking member 71 that is configured to prevent the inner ring 83 of the bearing unit 69 from rotating relative to the inner body 65 when the freewheel assembly 61 is in an assembled state.

[0062] The inner ring 83 has a first tool engagement portion 83b and an inner ring threaded portion 83c configured to be threadedly engaged with the inner body threaded portion 77 of the inner body 65. The locking member 71 has a second tool engagement portion 71b and a locking member threaded portion 71c configured to be threadedly engaged with the threaded portion for the inner body 65 of the inner body 65. The first tool engagement portion 83b is axially engageable with a first tool 87. The second tool engagement portion 71b is axially engageable with a second tool 88 different from the first tool 87. The expression "the tool engagement portion is axially engageable with a tool" used in this specification means a structure in which the tool engagement portion and the tool are engaged with each other by moving the tool axially toward the tool engagement portion. The first tool 87 is shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. The second tool 88 is shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 12.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, the freewheel assembly 61 comprises an outer body 63 having a rotation center axis X3 that defines the axial, radial, and circumferential directions and an axial outermost end 73b, an inner body 65 that is arranged radially inward relative to the outer body 63 in the radial direction and has an inner body thread portion 77, a bearing unit 69 that is configured to rotatably support the outer body 63 around the inner body 65 with respect to the rotation center axis X3 and has an outer ring 81, an inner ring 83, and a plurality of rolling elements 85 that are arranged between the outer ring 81 and the inner ring 83 in the radial direction, and a locking member 71 that is configured to prevent the inner ring 83 of the bearing unit 69 from rotating relative to the inner body 65 when the freewheel assembly 61 is in an assembled state.

[0064] The inner ring 83 has a first tool engagement portion 83b and an inner ring threaded portion 83c configured to threadably engage with the inner body threaded portion 77 of the inner body 65. The locking member 71 has a second tool engagement portion 71b and a locking member threaded portion 71c configured to threadably engage with the inner body threaded portion 77 of the inner body 65.

[0065] The bearing unit 69 and the locking member 71 are each disposed axially between the axially outermost end 73b of the outer body 63 and the axial center plane CP of the freewheel assembly 61. The locking member 71 is disposed axially between the axially outermost end 73b of the outer body 63 and the inner race thread portion 83c of the inner race 83 of the bearing unit 69.

[0066] Since the guard ring 47 can be omitted if necessary, in Figure 4, the axial center plane CP of the freewheel assembly 61 is defined at a position half the axial length of the freewheel assembly 61 when the guard ring 47 is removed from the freewheel assembly 61.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the freewheel assembly 61 is mounted on the rear hub assembly 29. The freewheel assembly 61 may be applied to a rear hub assembly including a rear sprocket support. When the freewheel assembly 61 is applied to a rear hub assembly including a rear sprocket support, the axial center plane CP of the freewheel assembly 61 is flush with the axial center plane P of the bicycle 1 shown in FIG. 2. The freewheel assembly 61 includes an outer body 63, an inner body 65, a one-way clutch 67, a bearing unit 69, and a lock member 71. The freewheel assembly 61 further includes a plurality of additional rolling elements 86.

[0068] The outer body 63 is disposed radially outward of the inner body 65 in the radial direction relative to the central rotation axis X3. The outer body 63 supports the rear sprocket assembly 28. The outer body 63 is supported by the inner body 65 via a one-way clutch 67.

[0069] The outer body 63 rotates integrally with the hub shell 53 and the inner body 65 in the driving rotation direction R1 shown in Figure 1 by the one-way clutch 67. The driving rotation direction R1 is the direction in which the rear sprocket assembly 28 rotates as a result of the driving force being transmitted from the drive chain 3 to the rear sprocket assembly 28.

[0070] The outer body 63 rotates relative to the hub shell 53 and the inner body 65 in a coasting rotation direction R2 shown in Figure 1 by the one-way clutch 67. The coasting rotation direction R2 is a rotation direction opposite to the drive rotation direction R1.

[0071] 4, the outer body 63 is configured to be engaged so as to transmit torque with at least one rear sprocket 41-46. In this embodiment, the outer body 63 is configured to be engaged so as to transmit torque with a plurality of rear sprockets 41-46. The plurality of rear sprockets 41-46 include the first to sixth rear sprockets 41-46, as described above.

[0072] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the outer body 63 has an outer body main body 73 and at least one external spline 74. The outer body main body 73 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer body main body 73 has an axially innermost end 73a and an axially outermost end 73b. The axially innermost end 73a is the end on the hub shell 53 side. The axially innermost end 73a is disposed adjacent to the hub shell 53 in the axial direction relative to the central rotation axis X3.

[0073] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a positioning protrusion 73c is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer body main body 73 on the axially innermost end 73a side. The positioning protrusion 73c protrudes radially outward from the outer body main body 73. As shown in Figure 5, the positioning protrusion 73c is formed in an annular shape. As shown in Figure 4, the positioning protrusion 73c positions the fourth rear sprocket 44 in the axial direction. The fourth rear sprocket 44 abuts against the positioning protrusion 73c in the axial direction relative to the central rotation axis X3.

[0074] 4 and 5, the axially outermost end 73b is an end portion opposite the axially innermost end 73a in the axial direction relative to the central rotation axis X3. A male thread portion 73d is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer body main body 73 on the axially outermost end 73b side. The first rear sprocket 41 screws into the male thread portion 73d. In this embodiment, the first rear sprocket 41 functions as a lock nut for the rear sprocket assembly 28.

[0075] 4 and 5, at least one outer spline 74 is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the outer body main body 73. The at least one outer spline 74 extends in an axial direction relative to the central rotation axis X3. In this embodiment, the at least one outer spline 74 includes a plurality of outer splines 74. The plurality of outer splines 74 are arranged at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction relative to the central rotation axis X3.

[0076] 4, the multiple outer splines 74 are provided between the male thread portion 73d and the positioning protrusion 73c in the axial direction relative to the central rotation axis X3. The second to fourth rear sprockets 42-44 engage with the multiple outer splines 74 when the fourth rear sprocket 44 abuts against the positioning protrusion 73c.

[0077] In this state, spacers are disposed axially between adjacent rear sprockets among the second to fourth rear sprockets 42 to 44. The second to fourth rear sprockets 42 to 44 are prevented from coming off by the first rear sprocket 41.

[0078] The fifth to sixth rear sprockets 45-46 are attached to the fourth rear sprocket 44 by connecting members such as rivets so as to rotate integrally with the fourth rear sprocket 44. With this configuration, torque from the first to sixth rear sprockets 41-46 is transmitted to the outer body 63.

[0079] 4, the inner body 65 is disposed adjacent to the hub shell 53 in the axial direction relative to the central rotation axis X3. The inner body 65 is disposed between the hub axle 51 and the outer body 63 in the radial direction relative to the central rotation axis X3.

[0080] The inner body 65 is attached to the hub shell 53. The inner body 65 connects the outer body 63 to the hub shell 53 via a one-way clutch 67. An inner ring 83 of a bearing unit 69 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the inner body 65.

[0081] 6, the inner body 65 has an inner body threaded portion 77. In detail, the inner body 65 has an inner body main body 75 and the inner body threaded portion 77. The inner body main body 75 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0082] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, inner body main body 75 has a large diameter portion 78 and a small diameter portion 79. As shown in Figure 4, large diameter portion 78 is attached to hub shell 53 so as to rotate integrally with hub shell 53. In this embodiment, large diameter portion 78 screws into the outer peripheral surface of hub shell 53.

[0083] 4 and 6, small diameter portion 79 is formed to have a smaller diameter than large diameter portion 78. Small diameter portion 79 has an inner body thread portion 77. Inner body thread portion 77 is formed on the outer circumferential surface on the end side of small diameter portion 79. For example, inner body thread portion 77 is a male thread portion.

[0084] 4, the inner body threaded portion 77 is disposed radially inward relative to the rotation center axis X3 than the outer body main body 73. An inner ring threaded portion 83c of the bearing unit 69 is screwed into the inner body threaded portion 77.

[0085] 4, the one-way clutch 67 allows the outer body 63 and the inner body 65 to rotate together in the driving rotation direction R1. The one-way clutch 67 allows the outer body 63 and the inner body 65 to rotate relative to each other in the coasting rotation direction R2.

[0086] The one-way clutch 67 is disposed between the outer body 63 and the inner body 65 in the radial direction relative to the rotation axis X3. In detail, the one-way clutch 67 is disposed between the outer body main body 73 and the small diameter portion 79 of the inner body main body 75 in the radial direction relative to the rotation axis X3.

[0087] 4 is an angular type bearing unit 69. The bearing unit 69 is disposed between the inner body 65 and the outer body 63 in a radial direction relative to the central rotation axis X3. The bearing unit 69 is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner body 65 and supports the outer body 63 rotatably relative to the inner body 65.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 4, the bearing unit 69 has an outer ring 81, an inner ring 83, and a plurality of rolling elements 85. As shown in Fig. 5, the outer body 63 and the outer ring 81 of the bearing unit 69 are formed as a single integral member. The outer ring 81 of the bearing unit 69 is integrally formed with the inner circumferential surface of the outer body 63, for example, the inner circumferential surface of the outer body main body 73.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 4, the inner ring 83 of the bearing unit 69 is disposed between the outer body main body 73 and the inner body threaded portion 77 of the inner body main body 75 in the radial direction relative to the central rotation axis X3.

[0090] 4 and 7, the inner ring 83 of the bearing unit 69 has an annular inner ring main body 83a, a first tool engagement portion 83b, and an inner ring threaded portion 83c. As shown in Fig. 4 and 10, the first tool engagement portion 83b of the inner ring 83 is disposed radially outward of the second tool engagement portion 71b of the locking member 71 in the radial direction relative to the rotation center axis X3 in the assembled state of the freewheel assembly 61.

[0091] 7, the first tool engagement portion 83b has a plurality of first cutout portions 83b1. The plurality of first cutout portions 83b1 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring body 83a. The plurality of first cutout portions 83b1 are arranged at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction about the rotation center axis X3. Each of the plurality of first cutout portions 83b1 is formed in a concave shape.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 8, the first tool 87 engages with the first tool engagement portion 83b. As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the first tool 87 has a first tool body 87a, a first annular portion 87b, and a plurality of first engagement protrusions 87c. The first tool body 87a is formed in a polygonal plate shape. In this embodiment, the first tool body 87a is formed in a hexagonal plate shape. An unillustrated tool holding member engages with the outer surface of the first tool body 87a. The outer surface of the first tool body 87a may have another shape as long as the tool holding member can be engaged with it.

[0093] 9, the first tool body 87a has a hole 87d. The first annular portion 87b is provided in the first tool body 87a so as to surround the hole 87d. The first annular portion 87b protrudes from the first tool body 87a in the axial direction relative to the rotation center axis X3.

[0094] The first engagement protrusions 87c are provided at the tip of the first annular portion 87b. The first engagement protrusions 87c protrude from the tip of the first annular portion 87b in the axial direction relative to the rotation center axis X3. The first engagement protrusions 87c are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction relative to the rotation center axis X3. As shown in FIG. 8, the first engagement protrusions 87c engage with the first cutouts 83b1 of the first tool engagement portion 83b.

[0095] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the inner ring thread portion 83c is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner ring main body 83a. The inner ring thread portion 83c is a female thread portion. As shown in Figures 4 and 10, the inner ring thread portion 83c is screwed into the inner body thread portion 77.

[0096] 4, the multiple rolling elements 85 are disposed between the outer ring 81 of the bearing unit 69 and the inner ring 83 of the bearing unit 69 in the radial direction relative to the rotation center axis X3. The multiple rolling elements 85 are sandwiched between the outer ring 81 of the bearing unit 69 and the inner ring 83 of the bearing unit 69 in the axial direction relative to the rotation center axis X3.

[0097] 4, the multiple additional rolling elements 86 rotatably support the outer body 63 relative to the inner body 65. The multiple additional rolling elements 86 are disposed between the inner body 65 and the outer body 63 in the radial direction relative to the central rotation axis X3. The multiple additional rolling elements 86 are disposed between the large diameter portion 78 of the inner body 65 and the one-way clutch 67 in the axial direction relative to the central rotation axis X3.

[0098] 10, the inner ring 83 of the bearing unit 69 and the locking member 71 are in direct contact with each other in the axial direction relative to the central axis of rotation X3. The inner ring 83 of the bearing unit 69 and the locking member 71 form a double nut structure that suppresses spontaneous loosening of the inner ring 83 of the bearing unit 69 and the locking member 71.

[0099] The locking member 71 is disposed between the axially outermost end 73b of the outer body 63 and the rolling elements 85 of the bearing unit 69 in the axial direction relative to the rotation center axis X3. The locking member 71 is disposed between the outer body 63 and the inner body 65 in the radial direction relative to the rotation center axis X3.

[0100] As shown in Fig. 11, the locking member 71 has an annular main body 71a, a second tool engagement portion 71b, and a locking member thread portion 71c. As shown in Fig. 10, the main body 71a directly contacts the inner ring main body 83a of the bearing unit 69 in the axial direction relative to the rotation center axis X3.

[0101] A radially outer side surface 71d of the main body portion 71a is disposed radially inward relative to the rotation central axis X3 from a radially inner side surface 63a of the outer body 63. An annular gap G is provided between the radially outer side surface 71d of the main body portion 71a and the radially inner side surface 63a of the outer body 63 in the radial direction.

[0102] As shown in Figures 4 and 10, when the freewheel assembly 61 is in an assembled state, the second tool engagement portion 71b is positioned radially inward relative to the first tool engagement portion 83b of the bearing unit 69 in the radial direction relative to the rotation center axis X3.

[0103] 11, the second tool engagement portion 71b has a plurality of second cutout portions 71b1. The plurality of second cutout portions 71b1 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 71a. The plurality of second cutout portions 71b1 are arranged at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction about the rotation central axis X3. Each of the plurality of second cutout portions 71b1 is formed in a concave shape.

[0104] As shown in Fig. 8, the second tool engagement portion 71b engages with a second tool 88. As shown in Fig. 12, the second tool 88 has a second tool body 88a, an insertion portion 88b, a second annular portion 88c, and a plurality of second engagement protrusions 88d.

[0105] The second tool body 88a is formed in a polygonal column shape. In this embodiment, the second tool body 88a is formed in a hexagonal column shape. A fastening member (not shown) engages with the outer surface of the second tool body 88a. The outer surface of the second tool body 88a may have another shape as long as the fastening member can be engaged with it.

[0106] The insertion portion 88b is provided in the second tool body 88a. The insertion portion 88b protrudes from the second tool body 88a in the axial direction relative to the rotation center axis X3. The insertion portion 88b is formed in a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 8, the insertion portion 88b is inserted into the inner periphery of the inner body 65.

[0107] 12, the second annular portion 88c is provided on the outer surface of the second tool body 88a. The second annular portion 88c extends from the outer surface of the second tool body 88a in the axial direction relative to the rotation center axis X3. The second annular portion 88c is disposed radially outward of the insertion portion 88b in the radial direction relative to the rotation center axis X3. The second annular portion 88c is disposed at a distance from the insertion portion 88b in the radial direction relative to the rotation center axis X3.

[0108] The second engagement protrusions 88d are provided at the tip of the second annular portion 88c. The second engagement protrusions 88d protrude from the tip of the second annular portion 88c in the axial direction relative to the rotation center axis X3. The second engagement protrusions 88d are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction relative to the rotation center axis X3. As shown in FIG. 8, the second engagement protrusions 88d engage with the second cutouts 71b1 of the second tool engagement portion 71b.

[0109] As shown in Fig. 11, the locking member threaded portion 71c is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the main body portion 71a. The locking member threaded portion 71c is a female threaded portion. As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 10, the locking member threaded portion 71c is screwed into the inner body threaded portion 77.

[0110] The above-mentioned freewheel assembly 61 is assembled as follows. First, the one-way clutch 67 and the multiple additional rolling elements 86 are disposed between the inner body 65 and the outer body 63. Next, the multiple rolling elements 85 of the bearing unit 69 are disposed between the outer ring 81 of the bearing unit 69 and the hub axle 51 so as to come into contact with the outer ring 81 of the bearing unit 69.

[0111] Next, the inner ring 83 of the bearing unit 69 is screwed into the inner body threaded portion 77 of the inner body 65 by hand tightening or the like until it comes into contact with the multiple rolling elements 85. Next, a first tool 87 is engaged with the first tool engagement portion 83b of the inner ring 83 of the bearing unit 69 and held by the tool holding member. This positions the inner ring 83 of the bearing unit 69.

[0112] Next, the lock member 71 is screwed into the inner body threaded portion 77 of the inner body 65 by hand tightening or the like until it comes into contact with the inner ring 83 of the bearing unit 69 . Next, the second tool 88 is engaged with the second tool engagement portion 71b of the lock member 71 and tightened by the tightening member, whereby the preload of the bearing unit 69 is set to a predetermined pressure.

[0113] Finally, by removing the fasteners, the tool holder, the first tool 87, and the second tool 88, the freewheel assembly 61 is assembled with the preload of the bearing unit 69 set to a predetermined pressure.

[0114] (Other embodiments) Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0115] (A) In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the inner body 65 of the freewheel assembly 61 is attached to the hub shell 53 of the rear hub assembly 29. Alternatively, the inner body 65 of the freewheel assembly 61 may be configured as part of the hub axle 51 of the rear hub assembly 29, and the outer body 63 of the freewheel assembly 61 may be configured as part of the sprocket support body of the rear hub assembly 29.

[0116] (B) In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the freewheel assembly 61 is provided to the rear hub assembly 29. The freewheel assembly 61 may also be provided to the front hub assembly 18.

[0117] In this case, the inner body 65 of the freewheel assembly 61 is configured as part of the hub axle of the front hub assembly 18, and the outer body 63 of the freewheel assembly 61 is configured as part of the hub shell of the front hub assembly 18. In this configuration, no one-way clutch 67 is disposed radially between the hub axle of the front hub assembly 18 and the hub shell of the front hub assembly 18, but a bearing unit is disposed therebetween.

[0118] (C) In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the first cutout portion 83b1 of the first tool engagement portion 83b and the second cutout portion 71b1 of the second tool engagement portion 71b are formed in a concave shape. As long as the first tool 87 can engage with the first cutout portion 83b1, the shape of the first cutout portion 83b1 may be other shapes. Also, as long as the second tool 88 can engage with the second cutout portion 71b1, the shape of the first cutout portion 83b1 may be other shapes. For example, at least one of the first cutout portion 83b1 and the second cutout portion 71b1 may be formed in a rectangular shape, a V-shape, or a semicircular shape.

[0119] The term "at least one" as used herein means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the term "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of two options" if the number of options is two. As another example, the term "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options" if the number of options is three or more. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1. Bicycle 29 Rear hub assembly 28 Rear sprocket assembly 41~46 Rear sprocket 61 Freewheel assembly 63 Outer Body 65 Inner Body 67 One-way clutch 69 Bearing unit 71 Locking member 71b 2nd tool engagement part 71c Locking member screw part 71c1 Multiple second notches 73b Outer body axially outermost end 77 Inner body screw 81 Outer Ring 83 Inner Circle 83b 1st tool engagement part 83c Inner ring thread 83c1 Multiple first notches 85 Multiple rolling elements 87 1st tool 88 2nd tool CP Axial centre plane of freewheel assembly X3 Rotation center axis

Claims

1. A freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: an outer body having a central axis of rotation that defines an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction; an inner body disposed radially inward relative to the outer body in the radial direction and having an inner body thread portion; a bearing unit configured to rotatably support the outer body around the inner body with respect to the central axis of rotation, the bearing unit including an outer ring, an inner ring, and a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring in the radial direction; a locking member configured to prevent the inner ring of the bearing unit from rotating relative to the inner body in an assembled state of the freewheel assembly; Equipped with the inner race having a first tool engagement portion and an inner race thread configured to threadably engage the inner body threads of the inner body; the locking member has a second tool engagement portion and a locking member thread configured to threadably engage the inner body threads of the inner body; The first tool engagement portion is engageable with a first tool in the axial direction, The second tool engagement portion is engageable with a second tool different from the first tool in the axial direction. Freewheel assembly for human-powered vehicles.

2. A freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: an outer body having a central axis of rotation defining an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, and an axially outermost end; an inner body disposed radially inward relative to the outer body in the radial direction and having an inner body thread portion; a bearing unit configured to rotatably support the outer body around the inner body with respect to the central axis of rotation, the bearing unit including an outer ring, an inner ring, and a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring in the radial direction; a locking member configured to prevent the inner ring of the bearing unit from rotating relative to the inner body in an assembled state of the freewheel assembly; Equipped with the inner race having a first tool engagement portion and an inner race thread configured to threadably engage the inner body threads of the inner body; the locking member has a second tool engagement portion and a locking member thread configured to threadably engage the inner body threads of the inner body; the bearing unit and the locking member are each disposed between the axially outermost end of the outer body and an axially central surface of the freewheel assembly, the locking member is disposed in the axial direction between the axially outermost end of the outer body and the inner race thread portion of the inner race of the bearing unit. Freewheel assembly for human-powered vehicles.

3. The outer body is configured to torque-transmittingly engage at least one rear sprocket.

3. A freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The outer body is configured to be engaged with a plurality of rear sprockets so as to be capable of transmitting torque.

4. A freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 3.

5. the inner ring of the bearing unit and the locking member are in direct contact with each other in the axial direction; 3. A freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the outer body and the outer ring of the bearing unit are formed as a single integral member.

3. A freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The first tool engagement portion of the inner ring has a plurality of first cutout portions.

3. A freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The plurality of first cutout portions are arranged at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction.

8. A freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 7.

9. The second tool engagement portion of the locking member has a plurality of second cutout portions.

3. A freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The second cutout portions are arranged at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction.

10. A freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 9.

11. the first tool engagement portion of the inner ring is disposed radially outwardly of the second tool engagement portion of the locking member in the radial direction in the assembled state of the freewheel assembly.

3. A freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The bearing unit is an angular type bearing unit.

3. A freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

13. the inner ring of the bearing unit and the locking member form a double nut structure that suppresses self-loosening of the inner ring of the bearing unit and the locking member; 3. A freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

14. a one-way clutch that allows the outer body and the inner body to rotate together in a driving rotation direction and allows the outer body and the inner body to rotate relative to each other in a coasting rotation direction opposite to the driving rotation direction; 3. The freewheel assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

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