Patent ID: 12252216

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or identical elements throughout the various drawings.

As seen inFIG.1, a human powered vehicle2includes a vehicle body4and a drive train6. The drive train6includes a rear sprocket assembly10and a rear hub assembly12. The rear hub assembly12is mounted to the vehicle body4. The rear sprocket assembly10is configured to be mounted to the rear hub assembly12for the human powered vehicle2. The rear sprocket assembly10for the human powered vehicle2has a rotational center axis A1. The rotational center axis A1defines an axial direction D1, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction D2(see e.g.,FIG.3). The rear sprocket assembly10is rotatably supported by the rear hub assembly12relative to the vehicle body4about the rotational center axis A1. The human powered vehicle2has an axial center plane CP. The axial center plane CP is defined in a transverse center position of the vehicle body4of the human powered vehicle2. The axial center plane CP is perpendicular to the rotational center axis A1.

The drive train6includes a crank assembly6A, a front sprocket6B, and a drive chain C. The crank assembly6A is rotatably mounted to the vehicle body4. The front sprocket6B is mounted to crank assembly6A. The drive chain C is engaged with the front sprocket6B and the rear sprocket assembly10to transmit pedaling force from the front sprocket6B to the rear sprocket assembly10. The front sprocket6B includes a single sprocket wheel in the present embodiment. However, the front sprocket6B can include a plurality of sprocket wheels.

In the present application, the term “human powered vehicle” includes a vehicle to travel with a motive power including at least a human power of a user who rides the vehicle. The human powered vehicle includes a various kind of bicycles such as a mountain bike, a road bike, a city bike, a cargo bike, a hand bike, and a recumbent bike. Furthermore, the human powered vehicle includes an electric bike called as an E-bike. The electric bike includes an electrically assisted bicycle configured to assist propulsion of a vehicle with an electric motor. However, a total number of wheels of the human powered vehicle is not limited to two. For example, the human powered vehicle includes a vehicle having one wheel or three or more wheels. Especially, the human powered vehicle does not include a vehicle that uses only a driving source as motive power. Examples of the driving source include an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor. Generally, a light road vehicle, which includes a vehicle that does not require a driver's license for a public road, is assumed as the human powered vehicle.

In the present application, the following directional terms “front,” “rear,” “forward,” “rearward,” “left,” “right,” “transverse,” “upward” and “downward” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions which are determined on the basis of the user who is in the user's standard position in the human powered vehicle2with facing a handlebar or steering. Examples of the user's standard position include a saddle and a seat. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the rear sprocket assembly10or other components, should be interpreted relative to the human powered vehicle2equipped with the rear sprocket assembly10or other components as used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface.

As seen inFIG.2, the rear sprocket assembly10includes a plurality of rear sprockets SP. The plurality of rear sprockets SP is configured to engage with the drive chain C. The plurality of rear sprockets SP includes first to twelfth sprockets SP1to SP11. Namely, the rear sprocket assembly10comprises the first sprocket SP1and the second sprocket SP2. In the present embodiment, the total number of the plurality of rear sprockets SP is 11. However, the total number of the plurality of rear sprockets SP is not limited to 11.

The rear hub assembly12includes a hub axle14, a hub body16, and a sprocket support body18. The hub axle14is configured to be mounted to the vehicle body4(see e.g.,FIG.1) of the human powered vehicle2. The hub body16is rotatably mounted on the hub axle14about the rotational center axis A1. The sprocket support body18is rotatably mounted on the hub axle14about the rotational center axis A1.

The rear sprocket assembly10is configured to be mounted to the sprocket support body18. The sprocket support body18includes a plurality of external spline teeth18A. The rear sprocket assembly10is configured to engage with the plurality of external spline teeth18A of the sprocket support body18. The rear sprocket assembly10includes a lock member19. The first to eleven sprockets SP1to SP11are coupled to the sprocket support body18with the lock member19.

As seen inFIG.3, the first sprocket SP1has a first sprocket outer diameter DM1. The second sprocket SP2has a second sprocket outer diameter DM2smaller than the first sprocket outer diameter DM1. The third sprocket SP3has a third sprocket outer diameter DM3smaller than the second sprocket outer diameter DM2. The first sprocket SP1is the largest sprocket in the rear sprocket assembly10. The eleventh sprocket SP11is the smallest sprocket in the rear sprocket assembly10. The first sprocket SP1can also be referred to as a low-gear sprocket SP1. The eleventh sprocket SP11can also be referred to as a top-gear sprocket SP11.

As seen inFIG.4, for example, upshifting occurs the drive chain C is shifted from a sprocket to a neighboring smaller sprocket in an upshifting direction D41. Downshifting occurs the drive chain C is shifted from a sprocket to a neighboring larger sprocket in a downshifting direction D42.

The second sprocket SP2is adjacent to the first sprocket SP1without another sprocket between the first sprocket SP1and the second sprocket SP2in the axial direction D1. The third sprocket SP3is adjacent to the second sprocket SP2without another sprocket between the second sprocket SP2and the third sprocket SP3in the axial direction D1.

As seen inFIG.4, the rear sprocket assembly10comprises a sprocket carrier22. The rear sprocket assembly10includes an additional sprocket carrier23. The first to sixth sprockets SP1to SP6are mounted on the sprocket carrier22. The seventh and eighth sprockets SP7and SP8are mounted on the additional sprocket carrier23.

As seen inFIG.3, the first sprocket SP1and the second sprocket SP2are mounted to the sprocket carrier22with first fasteners24such as rivets. The third to sixth sprockets SP3to SP6are mounted to the sprocket carrier22with second fasteners25such as rivets. As seen inFIG.4, the seventh and eighth sprockets SP7to SP8are mounted to the additional sprocket carrier23with fasteners26such as rivets. The ninth to eleventh sprockets SP9to SP11are held between the additional sprocket carrier23and the lock member19. However, the structure of the sprocket carrier22is not limited to the structure illustrated inFIG.4.

As seen inFIG.3, the sprocket carrier22includes at least two arms22A and a hub engagement part22B. The at least two arms22A extend radially outwardly from the hub engagement part22B. The hub engagement part22B is configured to be engaged with the sprocket support body18. The hub engagement part22B includes a plurality of teeth. The first sprocket SP1and the second sprocket SP2are mounted to each arm of the at least two arms22A with the first fastener24. The third to sixth sprockets SP3to SP6are mounted to each arm of the at least two arms22A with the second fasteners25.

As seen inFIG.5, the first sprocket SP1includes a first sprocket body SP1A and a plurality of first sprocket teeth SP1B. The plurality of first sprocket teeth SP1B extends radially outwardly from the first sprocket body SP1A in the radial direction. The plurality of first sprocket teeth SP1B is disposed on the first sprocket body SP1A in the circumferential direction D2. The plurality of first sprocket teeth SP1B defines the first sprocket outer diameter DM1.

The first sprocket SP1has a first total tooth number. The first total tooth number is a total number of the first sprocket teeth SP1B. In the present embodiment, the first total tooth number is 45. However, the first total tooth number is not limited to the above total tooth number.

The first sprocket body SP1A includes a first radially inner periphery SP1C. The first sprocket body SP1A includes a plurality of first fastener holes SP1D. The first fastener24extends through the first fastener hole SP1D in a state where the first sprocket SP1is fastened to the sprocket carrier22with the first fastener24(see e.g.,FIG.3). The first sprocket body SP1A includes a plurality of first openings SP1E.

As seen inFIG.6, the second sprocket SP2includes a second sprocket body SP2A and a plurality of second sprocket teeth SP2B. The plurality of second sprocket teeth SP2B extends radially outwardly from the second sprocket body SP2A in the radial direction. The plurality of second sprocket teeth SP2B is disposed on the second sprocket body SP2A in the circumferential direction D2. The plurality of second sprocket teeth SP2B defines the second sprocket outer diameter DM2.

The second sprocket SP2has a second total tooth number. The second total tooth number is a total number of the second sprocket teeth SP2B. In the present embodiment, the second total tooth number is 39. The second total tooth number is smaller than the first total tooth number of the first sprocket SP1. However, the second total tooth number is not limited to the above total tooth number.

The second sprocket body SP2A includes a second radially inner periphery SP2C. The second sprocket body SP2A includes a plurality of second fastener holes SP2D. The first fastener24extends through the second fastener hole SP2D in a state where the second sprocket SP2is fastened to the sprocket carrier22with the first fastener24(see e.g.,FIG.3). The second sprocket body SP2A includes a plurality of second openings SP2E.

As seen inFIG.7, the third sprocket SP3includes a third sprocket body SP3A and a plurality of third sprocket teeth SP3B. The plurality of third sprocket teeth SP3B extends radially outwardly from the third sprocket body SP3A in the radial direction. The plurality of third sprocket teeth SP3B defines the third sprocket outer diameter DM3.

The third sprocket SP3has a third total tooth number. The third total tooth number is a total number of the third sprocket teeth SP3B. In the present embodiment, the third total tooth number is 33. The third total tooth number is smaller than the second total tooth number of the second sprocket SP2. However, the third total tooth number is not limited to the above total tooth number.

The third sprocket body SP3A includes a third radially inner periphery SP3C. The third sprocket body SP3A includes a plurality of third fastener holes SP3D. The second fastener25extends through the third fastener hole SP3D in a state where the third sprocket SP3is fastened to the sprocket carrier22with the second fastener25(see e.g.,FIG.4). The third sprocket body SP3A includes a plurality of third openings SP3E.

As seen inFIG.8, the sprocket carrier22includes a plurality of first holes22C and a plurality of second holes22D. At least one hole of the plurality of first holes22C is provided radially outwardly of at least one hole of the second holes22D. The arm22A includes two holes of the plurality of first holes22C and four holes of the plurality of second holes22D.

As seen inFIG.9, the first sprocket SP1has a first axially outwardly facing surface SP1F and a first axially inwardly facing surface SP1G. The first axially inwardly facing surface SP1G is provided on a reverse side of the first axially outwardly facing surface SP1F in the axial direction D1. The first axially inwardly facing surface SP1G is configured to face toward the axial center plane CP of the human powered vehicle2in the axial direction D1in a mounted state where the rear sprocket assembly10is mounted to the human powered vehicle2.

The second sprocket SP2has a second axially outwardly facing surface SP2F and a second axially inwardly facing surface SP2G. The second axially inwardly facing surface SP2G is provided on a reverse side of the second axially outwardly facing surface SP2F in the axial direction D1. The second axially inwardly facing surface SP2G is configured to face toward the first axially outwardly facing surface SP1F of the first sprocket SP1in the axial direction D1.

The third sprocket SP3has a third axially outwardly facing surface SP3F and a third axially inwardly facing surface SP3G. The third axially inwardly facing surface SP3G is provided on a reverse side of the third axially outwardly facing surface SP3F in the axial direction D1. The third axially inwardly facing surface SP3G is configured to face toward the second axially outwardly facing surface SP2F of the second sprocket SP2in the axial direction D1.

As seen inFIG.9, the sprocket carrier22includes at least one sprocket mounting portion22K. The at least one sprocket mounting portion22K has a first radial section22M and a second radial section22N. The second radial section22N is positioned radially inwardly from the first radial section22M in the radial direction. The first radial section22M extends radially outwardly from the second radial section22N.

In the present embodiment, the sprocket carrier22includes at least two sprocket mounting portions22K. The at least two sprocket mounting portions22K are respectively provided to the at least two arms22A. The at least two sprocket mounting portions22K are respectively provided to at least two radially outer ends of the at least two arms22A. The sprocket mounting portion22K is provided to the radially outer end of the arm22A.

The sprocket carrier22has an axially outwardly facing carrier-surface22F and an axially inwardly facing carrier-surface22G. The axially inwardly facing carrier-surface22G is provided on a reverse side of the axially outwardly facing carrier-surface22F in the axial direction D1. The axially inwardly facing carrier-surface22G is configured to face toward the axial center plane CP of the human powered vehicle2in the axial direction D1in a mounted state where the rear sprocket assembly10is mounted to the human powered vehicle2.

The axially inwardly facing carrier-surface22G is provided to the first radial section22M and the second radial section22N. The axially outwardly facing carrier-surface22F is provided to the first radial section22M and the second radial section22N.

As seen inFIGS.10and11, the sprocket carrier22has at least one axially outwardly facing carrier-surface22F and at least one axially inwardly facing carrier-surface22G. The sprocket carrier22has at least two axially outwardly facing carrier-surfaces22F and at least two axially inwardly facing carrier-surfaces22G. The at least two axially outwardly facing carrier-surfaces22F are arranged in the circumferential direction D2. The at least two axially inwardly facing carrier-surfaces22G are arranged in the circumferential direction D2.

The at least two sprocket mounting portions22K respectively include the at least two axially outwardly facing carrier-surfaces22F. The at least two sprocket mounting portions22K respectively include the at least two axially inwardly facing carrier-surfaces22G. The sprocket mounting portion22K includes the axially outwardly facing carrier-surface22F and the axially inwardly facing carrier-surface22G.

The first radial section22M has a first maximum axial length L1with respect to the axial direction D1. The second radial section22N has a second maximum axial length L2with respect to the axial direction D1. The second maximum axial length L2is larger than the first maximum axial length L1. The first maximum axial length L1is defined in the axial direction D1. The second maximum axial length L2is defined in the axial direction D1.

The first maximum axial length L1is defined between the axially outwardly facing carrier-surface22F and the axially inwardly facing carrier-surface22G in the axial direction D1. The first sprocket SP1is in contact with the axially inwardly facing carrier-surface22G in a state where the first sprocket SP1is coupled to the sprocket carrier22. The second sprocket SP2is in contact with the axially outwardly facing carrier-surface22F in a state where the second sprocket SP2is coupled to the sprocket carrier22. Namely, the first maximum axial length L1is defined between the first sprocket SP1and the second sprocket SP2in the axial direction D1.

The axially inwardly facing carrier-surface22G includes an axial surface22R, an additional axial surface22P, and a curved surface22Q. The axial surface22R faces toward the axial center plane CP in the axial direction D1. The additional axial surface22P faces toward the axial center plane CP in the axial direction D1. The curved surface22Q faces toward the axial center plane CP in the axial direction D1. The first maximum axial length L1is defined between the axially outwardly facing carrier-surface22F and the axial surface22R in the axial direction D1. The second maximum axial length L2is defined between the axially outwardly facing carrier-surface22F and the additional axial surface22P in the axial direction D1. In the present embodiment, the axial surface22R is perpendicular to the axial direction D1. The additional axial surface22P is non-parallel to and non-perpendicular to the axial direction D1. The additional axial surface22P is inclined relative to the axial direction D1. However, the additional axial surface22P can be perpendicular to the axial direction D1if needed or desired. The axial surface22R can be non-perpendicular to the axial direction D1if needed or desired.

As seen inFIGS.12and13, the axial surface22R extends in the circumferential direction D2. The curved surface22Q extends in the circumferential direction D2. Two of the plurality of first holes22C are provided on the axially outwardly facing carrier-surface22F and the axially inwardly facing carrier-surface22G. As seen inFIG.13, two of the plurality of first holes22C are provided on the axial surface22R.

As seen inFIG.9, the first sprocket body SP1A has at least one first mounted portion SP1M. The at least one first mounted portion SP1M is configured to be mounted to the axially inwardly facing carrier-surface22G of the at least one sprocket mounting portion22K of the sprocket carrier22. The at least one first mounted portion SP1M is configured to axially contact the first radial section22M of the at least one sprocket mounting portion22K of the sprocket carrier22with respect to the axial direction D1. The first mounted portion SP1M is configured to axially contact the axially inwardly facing carrier-surface22G in the axial direction D1.

The at least one first mounted portion SP1M of the first sprocket body SP1A is configured to be free of axial contact with the second radial section22N of the at least one sprocket mounting portion22K of the sprocket carrier22. The at least one first mounted portion SP1M is provided radially outwardly of the second radial section22N.

The second sprocket body SP2A has at least one second mounted portion SP2M. The at least one second mounted portion SP2M is configured to be mounted to the axially outwardly facing carrier-surface22F of the at least one sprocket mounting portion22K of the sprocket carrier22. The at least one second mounted portion SP2M is configured to axially contact the first radial section22M and the second radial section22N of the at least one sprocket mounting portion22K of the sprocket carrier22with respect to the axial direction D1. The second mounted portion SP2M is configured to axially contact the axially outwardly facing carrier-surface22F in the axial direction D1. The first maximum axial length L1is defined between the first mounted portion SP1M and the second mounted portion SP2M in the axial direction D1.

The first sprocket SP1is made of a first material. The second sprocket is made of a second material. The sprocket carrier is made of a third material. The first material includes a metallic material. The second material includes a metallic material. The third material includes a metallic material or a non-metallic material. For example, the first material is different from the second material. The third material is different from at least one of the first material and the second material. The first material includes aluminum. The second material includes iron. The third material includes one of aluminum and a non-metallic material. Examples of the non-metallic material include a resin material. Namely, the first sprocket SP1is made of aluminum. The second sprocket SP2is made of iron. The sprocket carrier22is made of one of aluminum and a non-metallic material. However, the first sprocket SP1can be made of materials other than aluminum if needed or desired. The second sprocket SP2can be made of materials other than iron if needed or desired. The sprocket carrier22can be made of materials other than aluminum and the non-metallic material if needed or desired. For example, the second sprocket SP2can be made of aluminum.

The first sprocket body SP1A has a first maximum axial body-length L5. The first maximum axial body-length L5is defined in the axial direction D1. The second sprocket body SP2A has a second maximum axial body-length L6. The second maximum axial body-length L6is defined in the axial direction D1.

In the present embodiment, the first maximum axial body-length L5is longer than the second maximum axial body-length L6. The first maximum axial body-length L5is longer than the first maximum axial length L1of the first radial section22M. The second maximum axial body-length L6is longer than the first maximum axial length L1of the first radial section22M. The first maximum axial body-length L5is shorter than the second maximum axial length L2of the second radial section22N. The second maximum axial body-length L6is shorter than the second maximum axial length L2of the second radial section22N. However, the first maximum axial body-length L5can be shorter than the second maximum axial body-length L6if needed or desired. The first maximum axial body-length L5can be shorter than the first maximum axial length L1of the first radial section22M if needed or desired. The second maximum axial body-length L6can be shorter than the first maximum axial length L1of the first radial section22M if needed or desired. The first maximum axial body-length L5can be longer than the second maximum axial length L2of the second radial section22N if needed or desired. The second maximum axial body-length L6can be longer than the second maximum axial length L2of the second radial section22N if needed or desired.

In the present embodiment, the first maximum axial body-length L5is equal to or larger than 2 mm. The first maximum axial body-length L5is equal to or smaller than 3.5 mm. The second maximum axial body-length L6is equal to or larger than 1.5 mm. The second maximum axial body-length L6is equal to or smaller than 3.5 mm. However, the first maximum axial body-length L5is not limited to the above range. The second maximum axial body-length L6is not limited to the above range. The first maximum axial body-length L5is 2.8 mm in the present embodiment. However, the first maximum axial body-length L5is not limited to the above value.

For example, the second maximum axial body-length L6ranges from 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm in a case where the second sprocket SP2is made of iron. The second maximum axial body-length L6is 1.95 mm in the case where the second sprocket SP2is made of iron. The second maximum axial body-length L6ranges from 2 mm to 3.5 mm in a case where the second sprocket SP2is made of aluminum. The second maximum axial body-length L6is 2.8 mm in the case where the second sprocket SP2is made of aluminum. However, the second maximum axial body-length L6is not limited to the above ranges and values.

The first maximum axial length L1of the first radial section22M is equal to or larger than 1.3 mm. The first maximum axial length L1of the first radial section22M is equal to or smaller than 3 mm. The second maximum axial length L2of the second radial section22N is equal to or larger than 3.5 mm. The second maximum axial length L2of the second radial section22N is equal to or smaller than 5 mm. However, the first maximum axial length L1is not limited to the above range. The second maximum axial length L2is not limited to the above range. The first maximum axial length L1is 1.8 mm in the present embodiment. However, the first maximum axial length L1is not limited to the above value. The second maximum axial length L2is 4.2 mm in the present embodiment. However, the second maximum axial length L2is not limited to the above value.

As seen inFIGS.14and15, the first sprocket SP1and the second sprocket SP2are mounted to the at least one sprocket mounting portion22K of the sprocket carrier22by at least one common fastener. In the present embodiment, the first sprocket SP1and the second sprocket SP2are mounted to the sprocket mounting portion22K of the sprocket carrier22by the first fastener24. The first sprocket SP1and the second sprocket SP2are coupled to the first radial section22M of the sprocket mounting portion22K by the first fastener24. The first fastener24extends through the first fastener hole SP1D, the second fastener hole SP2D, and the first hole22C. However, the first sprocket SP1and the second sprocket SP2can be mounted to the at least one sprocket mounting portion22K of the sprocket carrier22by separate fasteners if needed or desired.

As seen inFIGS.16to18, the first sprocket SP1, the second sprocket SP2, and the sprocket carrier22can have shapes other than the shapes depicted inFIGS.1to13.

In the present application, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. This concept also applies to words of similar meaning, for example, the terms “have,” “include” and their derivatives.

The terms “member,” “section,” “portion,” “part,” “element,” “body” and “structure” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.

The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” recited in the present application are merely identifiers, but do not have any other meanings, for example, a particular order and the like. Moreover, for example, the term “first element” itself does not imply an existence of “second element,” and the term “second element” itself does not imply an existence of “first element.”

The term “pair of,” as used herein, can encompass the configuration in which the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from each other in addition to the configuration in which the pair of elements have the same shapes or structures as each other.

The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.

The phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “one or more” of a desired choice. For one example, the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only one single choice” or “both of two choices” if the number of its choices is two. For other example, the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only one single choice” or “any combination of equal to or more than two choices” if the number of its choices is equal to or more than three. For instance, the phrase “at least one of A and B” encompasses (1) A alone, (2), B alone, and (3) both A and B. The phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” encompasses (1) A alone, (2), B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all A, B, and C. In other words, the phrase “at least one of A and B” does not mean “at least one of A and at least one of B” in this disclosure.

Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially,” “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. All of numerical values described in the present application can be construed as including the terms such as “substantially,” “about” and “approximately.”

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.