A method for shifting a segmented gear may include rotating a gear cluster including a first gear and a coaxial second gear using a power transfer mechanism (e.g., a belt or a chain). The power transfer mechanism defines a plane and is wrapped partially around the first gear. and wherein the first gear has a plurality of gear segments independently movable (e.g., pivotable or translatable) into and out of the plane. A plurality of radially transitionable sliders are rotated in tandem with the first gear, and each of the sliders is operatively coupled to a corresponding one of the gear segments of the first gear. In sequence, each segment of the first gear is moved out of the plane of the power transfer mechanism by urging the slider in a radial direction using a segment actuator, such that the power transfer mechanism wraps at least partially around the second gear.
B62M 9/14 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like the wheels being laterally shiftable
B62M 9/10 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like
B62M 9/1342 - Mechanisms for shifting laterally characterised by the linkage mechanisms
A method for shifting a segmented gear may include rotating a gear cluster including a first gear and a coaxial second gear using a power transfer mechanism (e.g., a belt or a chain). The power transfer mechanism defines a plane and is wrapped partially around the first gear. and wherein the first gear has a plurality of gear segments independently movable (e.g., pivotable or translatable) into and out of the plane. A plurality of radially transitionable sliders are rotated in tandem with the first gear, and each of the sliders is operatively coupled to a corresponding one of the gear segments of the first gear. In sequence, each segment of the first gear is moved out of the plane of the power transfer mechanism by urging the slider in a radial direction using a segment actuator, such that the power transfer mechanism wraps at least partially around the second gear.
B62M 9/14 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like the wheels being laterally shiftable
B62M 9/10 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like
B62M 9/1342 - Mechanisms for shifting laterally characterised by the linkage mechanisms
A control device for controlling a transmission ratio between a traction means and a sprocket set rotatable about an axle may include at least two sprockets alternatively wrapped around by the traction means. At least one of the sprockets may include several independently adjustable rim segments. Adjustment of the rim segments in relation to a fixed plane may be effected by a control device in a direction substantially transverse to the plane. The control device includes at least one electrically actuatable control element, e.g., a servomotor. The at least one control element is configured to rotate with the sprockets.
B62M 9/14 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like the wheels being laterally shiftable
B62M 1/36 - Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles with rotary cranks, e.g. with pedal cranks
B62M 9/08 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving eccentrically-mounted or elliptically-shaped driving or driven wheelTransmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like with expansible driving or driven wheel
B62M 25/08 - Actuators for gearing speed-change mechanisms specially adapted for cycles with electrical or fluid transmitting systems
F16H 55/54 - Pulleys or friction discs of adjustable construction of which the bearing parts are radially adjustable
A gearbox may include a drive spindle and several interconnected gear clusters arranged in a housing. A first of the gear clusters is coaxially fastened to the spindle, and has an outboard gear and an inboard gear. The first gear cluster drives a belt to operate one or more of the other gear clusters, and the inboard gear is physically divided into a plurality of segments. A shifting system for the gearbox includes an actuator configured to urge the segments of the inboard gear of the first gear cluster into and out of the plane of the belt, such that a gear ratio of the gearbox is changeable without displacing the belt out of the plane.
F16H 9/24 - Gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio, or for reversing rotary motion, by endless flexible members without members having orbital motion using chains, toothed belts, belts in the form of linksChains or belts specially adapted to such gearing
A gearbox may include a drive spindle and several interconnected gear clusters arranged in a housing. A first of the gear clusters is coaxially fastened to the spindle, and has an outboard gear and an inboard gear. The first gear cluster drives a belt or chain to operate one or more of the other gear clusters, and the inboard gear is physically divided into a plurality of segments. A shifting system for the gearbox includes an actuator configured to urge the segments of the inboard gear of the first gear cluster into and out of the plane of the belt or chain via a toggle and slider mechanism, such that a gear ratio of the gearbox is changeable without displacing the belt or chain out of the plane.
B62M 9/14 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like the wheels being laterally shiftable
B62M 9/10 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like
B62M 9/1342 - Mechanisms for shifting laterally characterised by the linkage mechanisms
An electric pedal-assist bicycle may have a drivetrain including a crankset and an electric motor (e.g., a hub motor). A motor controller of the bicycle is configured to dynamically drive the motor to propel the bicycle based on a plurality of inputs. The inputs include information received from one or more of the following: user-related input(s), vehicle-related sensor(s), environmental sensor(s), and software. For example, the controller may drive the motor based on pedaling cadence and vehicle pitch orientation.
A gearbox may include a drive spindle and several interconnected gear clusters arranged in a housing. A first of the gear clusters is coaxially fastened to the spindle, and has an outboard gear and an inboard gear. The first gear cluster drives a belt or chain to operate one or more of the other gear clusters, and the inboard gear is physically divided into a plurality of segments. A shifting system for the gearbox includes an actuator configured to urge the segments of the inboard gear of the first gear cluster into and out of the plane of the belt or chain via a toggle and slider mechanism, such that a gear ratio of the gearbox is changeable without displacing the belt or chain out of the plane.
A gearbox may include a drive spindle and several interconnected gear clusters arranged in a housing. A first of the gear clusters is coaxially fastened to the spindle, and has an outboard gear and an inboard gear. The first gear cluster drives a belt or chain to operate one or more of the other gear clusters, and the inboard gear is physically divided into a plurality of segments. A shifting system for the gearbox includes an actuator configured to urge the segments of the inboard gear of the first gear cluster into and out of the plane of the belt or chain via a toggle and slider mechanism, such that a gear ratio of the gearbox is changeable without displacing the belt or chain out of the plane.
F16H 9/24 - Gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio, or for reversing rotary motion, by endless flexible members without members having orbital motion using chains, toothed belts, belts in the form of linksChains or belts specially adapted to such gearing
B62M 9/14 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like the wheels being laterally shiftable
B62M 9/10 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like
A gearbox may include a drive spindle and several interconnected gear clusters arranged in a housing. A first of the gear clusters is coaxially fastened to the spindle, and has an outboard gear and an inboard gear. The first gear cluster drives a belt or chain to operate one or more of the other gear clusters, and the inboard gear is physically divided into a plurality of segments. A shifting system for the gearbox includes an actuator configured to urge the segments of the inboard gear of the first gear cluster into and out of the plane of the belt or chain via a toggle and slider mechanism, such that a gear ratio of the gearbox is changeable without displacing the belt or chain out of the plane.
A gearbox may include a drive spindle and several interconnected gear clusters arranged in a housing. A first of the gear clusters is coaxially fastened to the spindle, and has an outboard gear and an inboard gear. The first gear cluster drives a belt to operate one or more of the other gear clusters, and the inboard gear is physically divided into a plurality of segments. A shifting system for the gearbox includes an actuator configured to urge the segments of the inboard gear of the first gear cluster into and out of the plane of the belt, such that a gear ratio of the gearbox is changeable without displacing the belt out of the plane.
F16H 9/24 - Gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio, or for reversing rotary motion, by endless flexible members without members having orbital motion using chains, toothed belts, belts in the form of linksChains or belts specially adapted to such gearing
A gearbox may include a drive spindle and several interconnected gear clusters arranged in a housing. A first of the gear clusters is coaxially fastened to the spindle, and has an outboard gear and an inboard gear. The first gear cluster drives a chain to operate one or more of the other gear clusters, and the inboard gear is physically divided into a plurality of segments. A shifting system for the gearbox includes an actuator configured to urge the segments of the inboard gear of the first gear cluster into and out of the plane of the chain, such that a gear ratio of the gearbox is changeable without displacing the chain out of the plane.
F16H 9/24 - Gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio, or for reversing rotary motion, by endless flexible members without members having orbital motion using chains, toothed belts, belts in the form of linksChains or belts specially adapted to such gearing
B62M 9/14 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like the wheels being laterally shiftable
B62M 6/55 - Rider propelled cycles with auxiliary electric motor power-driven at crank shafts parts
B62M 9/10 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like
A gearbox may include a drive spindle and several interconnected gear clusters arranged in a housing. A first of the gear clusters is coaxially fastened to the spindle, and has an outboard gear and an inboard gear. The first gear cluster drives a chain to operate one or more of the other gear clusters, and the inboard gear is physically divided into a plurality of segments. A shifting system for the gearbox includes an actuator configured to urge the segments of the inboard gear of the first gear cluster into and out of the plane of the chain, such that a gear ratio of the gearbox is changeable without displacing the chain out of the plane.
A control device for controlling a transmission ratio between a traction means and a sprocket set rotatable about an axle may include at least two sprockets alternatively wrapped around by the traction means. At least one of the sprockets may include several independently adjustable rim segments. Adjustment of the rim segments in relation to a fixed plane may be effected by a control device in a direction substantially transverse to the plane. The control device includes at least one electrically actuatable control element, e.g., a servomotor. The at least one control element is configured to rotate with the sprockets.
B62M 9/14 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like the wheels being laterally shiftable
B62M 25/08 - Actuators for gearing speed-change mechanisms specially adapted for cycles with electrical or fluid transmitting systems
F16H 55/54 - Pulleys or friction discs of adjustable construction of which the bearing parts are radially adjustable
B62M 1/36 - Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles with rotary cranks, e.g. with pedal cranks
B62M 9/08 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving eccentrically-mounted or elliptically-shaped driving or driven wheelTransmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like with expansible driving or driven wheel
17.
Bottom bracket having an expandable resilient ring
A bottom bracket for a bicycle may include a left bearing cup and a right bearing cup, the two bearing cups configured to be threaded together within a bottom bracket shell. Threading the bearing cups together may result in an axial force being applied to a resilient ring disposed on one of the bearing cups. This axial force may cause an outer diameter of the resilient ring to expand against an inner surface of the bottom bracket shell, thereby effectively locking the bottom bracket into the shell.
The control device is for controlling a transmission ratio between a traction means and a wheel set rotatable about a wheel axle and including at least two wheel blades alternatively wrapped around by the traction means. At least one of the wheel blades is composed of several independently adjustable wheel rim segments. The adjustment of the wheel rim segments in relation to a fixed plane (“plane of alignment”) in which the traction means wraps around the wheel set is effected by the control device in a direction substantially transverse to the plane of alignment. The control device includes at least one electrically actuatable control element, in particular a servomotor, provided that the at least one control element is arranged to rotate with the at least two wheel blades.
B62M 9/14 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like the wheels being laterally shiftable
B62M 25/08 - Actuators for gearing speed-change mechanisms specially adapted for cycles with electrical or fluid transmitting systems
B62M 1/36 - Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles with rotary cranks, e.g. with pedal cranks
B62M 9/08 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving eccentrically-mounted or elliptically-shaped driving or driven wheelTransmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like with expansible driving or driven wheel
A cassette for a bicycle may include a plurality of sprocket portions joined together into a single unit. The cassette may include a cavity formed in the large end of the cassette. A related manufacturing method may include joining a first generally planar sprocket portion having a plurality of connector portions extending transverse to the plane of the first sprocket portion, to a second generally planar sprocket portion, e.g., by fusing at least one of the connector portions to the second sprocket portion.
B21D 53/28 - Making other particular articles wheels or the like gear wheels
B62M 9/10 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like
B21D 53/26 - Making other particular articles wheels or the like
B60B 31/00 - Apparatus or tools for assembling or disassembling wheels
B23K 101/00 - Articles made by soldering, welding or cutting
An apparatus for driving a drive chain, such as on a bicycle, may include a chainring having teeth arranged around a circumference of the chainring, and one or more magnetic portions disposed adjacent to the teeth of the chainring. The one or more magnetic portions may be disposed on the chainring and/or on a frame to which the chainring is rotatably coupled.
B62M 9/10 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like
A cassette for a bicycle may include a plurality of sprocket portions fused into a single unit. The cassette may include a cavity formed in the large end of the cassette. Spokes of an associated wheel may be at least partially disposed in the cavity. A related manufacturing method may include joining a first generally planar sprocket portion having a plurality of connector portions extending transverse to the plane of the first sprocket portion, to a second generally planar sprocket portion by fusing at least one of the connector portions to the second sprocket portion.
B21D 53/28 - Making other particular articles wheels or the like gear wheels
B62M 9/10 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like
B21D 53/86 - Making other particular articles other parts for bicycles or motorcycles
B60B 31/00 - Apparatus or tools for assembling or disassembling wheels
B60B 27/04 - Hubs adapted to be rotatably arranged on axle housing driving means, e.g. sprockets
22.
Mechanism for transmitting a rotary movement with variable transmission ratio
A control mechanism (800) for setting a transmission ratio between a traction means (812), in particular chain, and a wheel set that is rotatable about a wheel axle and includes two or more wheel blades (810, 820, 830), in particular sprocket blades, adjusts the wheel rim sectors relative to a fixed plane of the traction means in a direction transverse to the plane of alignment. At least one of the wheel blades is composed of a plurality of independently adjustable wheel rim sectors (802, 803). By means of a control component (807) mounted decoupled from a rotary movement of the wheel set, a plurality of co-rotating thrust elements (804, 805) are each displaced via rotation-free couplings between a first and a second position at least in the axial direction, wherein each of the wheel rim sectors is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a respectively associated thrust element. The first position of a thrust element corresponds to the position of the associated wheel rim sector outside the plane of alignment, whereas a thrust element located in the second position exerts on the respective wheel rim sector, at least as long the latter is outside the plane of the traction means, a force for displacing the respective wheel rim sector into the plane of alignment, thus shifting the same into the plane.
B62M 9/14 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like the wheels being laterally shiftable
B62M 9/10 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like
B62M 9/06 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like
B62M 9/08 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving eccentrically-mounted or elliptically-shaped driving or driven wheelTransmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like with expansible driving or driven wheel
A bicycle rear wheel suspension system configured to provide a rear wheel axie travel path having a relatively large rate of chainstay lengthening in the first part of the vertical rear whee! travel and reduced chainstay lengthening in the latter part of the vertical rear wheel travel, so that the overall change in chainstay length is small relative to the amount of vertical rear wheel travel. The system provides the rear wheel axle with a nonarcuate travel path such that the rate of change of a shock rate, where shock rate is defined by a change jn shock length over a change in rear wheel travel distance, changes sign at feast twice over the travel path.
An improved bicycle bottom bracket system and methods of manufacturing and installing such a system. The improved system generally includes bearings mounted within bearing cups on either side of the bottom bracket shell of a bicycle frame, and an alignment mechanism designed to result in substantially parallel, concentric alignment of the bearings. The alignment mechanism generally involves some form of aligned engagement of the left and right bearing cups with each other, such as direct abutment or threaded engagement.
