Including One-way Clutch Or Brake Patents (Class 475/297)
-
Patent number: 7670251Abstract: A bicycle hub gearbox is provided for a multi-speed hub with a coaster brake mechanism. The bicycle hub gearbox basically has a first planetary gear mechanism, a second planetary gear mechanism, a braking mechanism and a clutch mechanism. The second planetary gear mechanism is operatively coupled with the first planetary gear mechanism. The braking mechanism is selectively coupled to the first planetary gear mechanism. The clutch mechanism selectively couples an output side of the first planetary gear mechanism to an input side of the second planetary gear mechanism to selectively transmit either a driving torque applied by a rider in a driving direction depending on a selected gear ratio or a braking torque applied by the rider in a braking direction to the braking mechanism independent of a selected gear ratio via one path such that a resulting braking effect is substantially equal independent of the selected gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Hiroyuki Okochi
-
Publication number: 20090203490Abstract: A bicycle hub transmission includes a hub axle, a driver, a hub shell, a power transmission mechanism and an auxiliary power transmission mechanism. The driver is rotatably supported by the hub axle. The hub shell is rotatably supported by the hub axle with the power transmission mechanism is operatively disposed therebetween to transmit rotational power from the driver to the hub shell through power transmission paths. The shift mechanism is operatively coupled to the power transmission mechanism to select one of the power transmission paths. The auxiliary power transmission mechanism is disposed between the driver and the hub shell to transmit rotational power from the driver to the hub shell through an auxiliary power transmission path during shifting such that a load path of the power transmission mechanism for the power transmission path being shift to is placed in a substantially unloaded state with the auxiliary power transmission path carrying the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Seiji Fukui, Shinji Kawamura
-
Publication number: 20090170654Abstract: An internal hub transmission includes a hub axle, a driver rotatably supported by the hub axle, a hub shell rotatably supported by the hub axle, a power transmission mechanism and a shift mechanism. The power transmission mechanism is disposed between the driver and the hub shell for transmitting rotational power from the driver to the hub shell through a plurality of power transmission paths. The power transmission mechanism has at least one planetary gear mechanism that includes a sun gear, a planetary gear and a gear ring. The planetary gear is supported by a gear rack. The planetary gear has helical gear teeth and at least one of the sun gear and the gear ring is provided with helical gear teeth that mesh to helical gear teeth of the planetary gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Tetsuya HINO
-
Patent number: 7503868Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic speed changing device in which speed is automatically changed according to a predetermined amount of rotation without user's arbitrary manipulations.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2008Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: MBI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Moon-Soo Yoo
-
Patent number: 7490594Abstract: The invention combines the features of a supercharger, a turbocharger and turbo-compounding into one system, utilizing a hydraulic or mechanical continuously variable transmission to drive the turbocharger up to a specific speed or intake manifold pressure and then holding the ideal speed to keep it at the right boost pressure for the engine condition. The benefits of a supercharger, which is primarily good for high torque at low speed, and a turbocharger, which is usually only good for high horsepower at high speeds are merged. Once the exhaust energy begins to provide more work than it takes to drive the intake compressor, the invention recovers that excess energy and uses it to add torque to the crankshaft. As a result, the invention provides the benefits of low speed with high torque and the added value of high speed with higher horsepower or better fuel economy all from one system.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Woodward Governor CompanyInventors: Ed Van Dyne, Thomas A. Gendron
-
Patent number: 7448979Abstract: The present invention discloses a bicycle hub speed-change assembly having a planetary gear set disposed therein, a speed-change gear wheel separately disposed on both left and right sides of the planetary gear set, and a first ratchet jacket and a second ratchet jacket respectively disposed on the external side of the speed-change gear wheels, such that control ratchets of the first ratchet jacket and second ratchet jacket are selectively hidden or driven by an external ring of the planetary gear set to couple the first ratchet jacket with a hub, so as to provide three different speeds and the invention features the advantages of stable speed, simplified components, and light weight.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Joy Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chun-Hsung Chen
-
Patent number: 7445223Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle drive unit that moves forward and backward and idles upon clockwise and counterclockwise pedaling, comprising: a drive shaft having one end located in an inner bearings of an internal bearing housing integrally formed with a rotary plate and the other end fixed to a clockwise one-way clutch and the inner wheel of a counterclockwise one-way clutch by means of a sunk key; a counterclockwise one-way clutch having a central gear press-fitted on its outer wheel; a ring gear engaged with the turnabout gear; a gear flange connected to a ring gear by means of a locking screw; a bearing housing of a dual structure consisting of an outer bearing housing having outer bearings; a brace attached to the outer circumference of the outer bearing housing by means of the locking screw; a detent pin unit for curving the internal bearing housing and the rotary plate; and a bicycle backward movement control unit having a hand lever and a detent latch.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Inventor: Jae Ho Hong
-
Publication number: 20080261741Abstract: When, according to the invention, a multistage planetary gear is constructed with a clutch/brake device (8, 21, 22) and these devices are constructed as remote-controlled or automatically operating clutches/brakes, it is possible to construct multistage gears which are compact, and which are reliable in operation. The gear stages are configured as cooperating tooth engagements (6, 6.1, 6.2) on rotating parts, which ensures the function at high speeds of rotation and allows transfers of great power.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2005Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: ROTREX A/SInventor: Anders Peter Kolstrup
-
Publication number: 20080227588Abstract: A bicycle hub transmission basically includes a hub axle, a driver, a hub shell, a planetary gear mechanism and a clutch. The driver is rotatably supported relative to the hub axle. The hub shell is rotatably supported relative to the driver. The planetary gear mechanism is disposed between the driver and the hub shell for communicating rotational power from the driver to the hub shell through a plurality of power transmission paths. The clutch is arranged for actuating the planetary gear mechanism to select a different gear. The clutch includes at least one clutch plate which is non-rotatably supported by the hub axle and axially movable relative to the hub axle to selectively engage with and disengage from at least one sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Hiroyuki URABE
-
Publication number: 20080194376Abstract: A multi-speed internal bicycle hub transmission assembly includes a hub axle, a driver, a hub shell, a power transmission mechanism, a pawl and a pawl retracting mechanism. The driver is rotatably supported to the hub axle. The hub shell is rotatably supported to the hub axle. The power transmission mechanism is disposed between the driver and the hub shell for transmitting rotational power from the driver to the hub shell through at least a first power transmission path and a second power transmission path. The pawl is configured to transfer torque between the driver and the hub shell with torque being transferred along the first power transmission path. The pawl retracting member is configured to restrict movement of the pawl with torque transmitted along the second power transmission path.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2007Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Mitsuru Kamiya, Tetsuya Hino
-
Publication number: 20080182707Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic speed changing device in which speed is automatically changed according to a predetermined amount of rotation without user's arbitrary manipulations.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Moon-Soo Yoo
-
Patent number: 7370873Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle drive unit of multiple pedaling modes, comprising a drive shaft on one side having a counterclockwise one-way clutch and a clockwise one-way clutch coupled thereto by means of sunk keys and the drive shaft is engaged with a ring gear having an outer circumference attached to a chain sprocket; a plurality of hollow turnabout gears engaged with the central gear of the drive shaft; a drive shaft on the other side having one side rotatably inserted into an inner bearing housing that is integrally formed with the rotary plate and the other side coupled to the inner wheels of the clockwise one-way clutch and the counterclockwise one-way clutch by means of the sunk keys and a plurality of turnabout gears, a two-way turnabout gear and a hollow turnabout gear.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Inventor: Jae Ho Hong
-
Patent number: 7351180Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic speed changing device in which speed is automatically changed according to a predetermined amount of rotation without user's arbitrary manipulations.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: MBI, Co., Ltd.Inventor: Moon-Soo Yoo
-
Patent number: 7192379Abstract: A multi-speed hub for a bicycle that includes a hub shell, a hub shaft nonrotatably mounted to the bicycle, a driver, a planetary gearing system for providing a plurality of gear ratios and a control device for selecting the desired gear ratio. The planetary gearing system includes first, second and third planetary gear mechanism. The first planetary gear mechanism includes a first sun gear, a first planet carrier and a first ring gear, The first ring gear also functions as the planet carrier for the second planetary gear mechanism. A second sun gear of the second planetary gear mechanism is connected to the first planet carrier. The second planetary mechanism includes a second ring gear that substantially surrounds the planetary gearing system. A pawl carrier including a plurality of pawls that connect the driver to the planetary gearing system to provide different gear ratios. A stepped planet gear functions as the second and third planet gears.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventors: Werner Steuer, Gunter Pehse, Michael Kophaupt
-
Patent number: 7166054Abstract: An internal hub transmission for a bicycle comprises a hub shaft structured to be mounted to a bicycle frame, a drive member, a driven member, and a planetary gear mechanism that communicates rotational force from the drive member to the driven member. A first bearing assembly comprises a separate first bearing cone mounted to the hub shaft, a first bearing cup, and a plurality of first bearing members disposed between the first bearing cone and the first bearing cup. A second bearing assembly comprises a separate second bearing cone mounted to the hub shaft axially spaced apart from the first bearing cone, a second bearing cup, and a plurality of second bearing members disposed between the second bearing cone and the second bearing cup. Third and fourth bearing assemblies rotatably support the drive member relative to the hub shaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2005Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Hiroyuki Urabe
-
Patent number: 7083542Abstract: An internal hub transmission for a bicycle comprises a drive member rotatably supported around a hub axle, a hub body rotatably supported around the hub axle, a planetary gear mechanism disposed in a force transmission path between the drive member and the hub body that communicates rotational force from the drive member to the hub body through a plurality of power transmitting paths, and a clutch member that controls the planetary gear mechanism. A one-way clutch mechanism is disposed in a force transmission path between the drive member and the clutch member.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Minoru Itou, Tetsuya Hino
-
Patent number: 7041027Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and a fixed interconnecting member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Patrick B. Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan
-
Patent number: 6953412Abstract: A reversible one-way clutch (90) is positioned in parallel with a friction pack (62, 72) to drive a planetary transmission (10) in low gear and reverse. The clutch (90) has a biasing plate (96) secured to its surface to bias the clutch (90) in a direction so that the transmission (10) operates in either low gear or reverse gear. The biasing plate (96) is hydraulically actuated to bias the clutch (90) between low gear, neutral, and reverse gear.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2001Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Inventors: Thomas Edmund Braford, Daniel P. Costin
-
Patent number: 6837822Abstract: An improved structure of a gear cluster for a bicycle having a crankset mounted with a crankshaft provided with a planetary gear module, wherein the planetary gear module includes a big wheel and a small wheel section and the planetary gear module drives an inner gear module mounted onto a gear plate, One lateral side of the crankshaft is provided with a driving structure including a second driving wheel and a third driving wheel engageable with the big and small wheels and the crankshaft is provided with a regulating structure for the positioning of the driving structure. The regulating structure includes two sets of a second and a third ratchet blocks for the positioning or free rotating of the second and the third driving wheels. The regulating structure is provided with a triggering structure to act on different ratchet block.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Inventor: Chin Fu Wu
-
Publication number: 20030186776Abstract: An improved structure of a gear cluster for a bicycle having a crankset mounted with a crankshaft provided with a planetary gear module, wherein the planetary gear module comprises a big wheel and a small wheel section and the planetary gear module drives an inner gear module mounted onto a gear plate; one lateral side of the crankshaft is provided with a driving structure including a second driving wheel and a third driving wheel engageable with the big and small wheel, and the crankshaft is provided with a regulating structure for the positioning of the driving structure and the regulating structure includes two set of a second and a third ratchet block for the positioning or free rotating of the second and the third driving wheel, and the regulating structure is provided with a triggering structure to act on different ratchet block, and the triggering structure makes use of a cable to provide triggering; thereby a gear shift is obtained so as to provide rapid gear shifting and to reduce the force used forType: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Chin Fu Wu
-
Patent number: 6607465Abstract: A sun gear apparatus includes an axle, a sun gear rotatably supported around the axle, and a sun gear guide ring disposed between an inner peripheral surface of the sun gear and the axle. The sun gear guide ring minimizes or eliminates looseness in the coupling between the sun gear and the axle.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Akihiko Shoge
-
Patent number: 6592489Abstract: In a transmission with a built-in planetary gear mechanism which has an element to be fixed to a casing of the transmission, inner elements are sub-assembled by mounting a plurality of transmission constituting members inclusive of the planetary gear mechanism. After containing the inner elements inside the casing, the element to be fixed is arranged to be fixable to the casing from a peripheral wall portion of the casing. The element to be fixed is fixed to the cylinder portion of a hydraulic brake to be built in the transmission. The cylinder portion is fixed to the casing by means of fixing members which are inserted into the casing from an outside of the peripheral wall portion of the transmission casing.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigeru Tajima, Masahiro Imamura, Yasuhiro Morimoto
-
Patent number: 6558288Abstract: An internal transmission device for a bicycle. The device includes a slave member, a driver, a planetary gear mechanism disposed between the driver and the slave member, and an automatic shift control mechanism actuated relative to a rotational angle of the driver in a driving direction. The automatic shift control mechanism includes a first one way clutch, a clutch control member and a first abutment member that is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the slave member.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Hiroyuki Okochi
-
Patent number: 6478710Abstract: A shifting device for a multi-speed hub for a bicycle that, comprises a hub axle, a driver, a hub sleeve and an epicyclical transmission with an annulus, a plant carrier, planet wheels and a sun wheel, a control device for changing the gear ratios between the multi-speed hub and a remote control. The gear change is executed exclusively by the lifting out or engagement of pawls which can be controlled by means of a shift unit. The shift sleeve and bushing have projections and gaps and can slide under a respective foot of the pawl thereby enabling the pawls to be forcibly disengaged. An advantage of the invention is the ability to disengage the respective pawl even under load without the need to employ relatively large control forces by means of the remote control.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventors: Werner Steuer, Michael Kohaupt
-
Patent number: 6387008Abstract: A speed-changing control mechanism of a multistage speed-changing wheel hub has a planetary gear device comprising a gear support and a plurality of planetary gears. The planetary gears are respectively engaged with a ring gear and sun gears. The rotational power of a drive member is transmitted to the ring gear or the gear support via a sleeve. A speed ratio change is brought about by the action of the planetary gears and the sun gears. The power is finally transmitted to the wheel hub via the gear support or the ring gear. The planetary gears are driven by the power input source portion of the sleeve in conjunction with the action of another sleeve on the fastening shaft, thereby controlling two sets of one-way ratchet pawls opposite in direction to engage or disengage.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Jia-Lin Chen, Ching-Huan Tseng, Caesar Chen
-
Patent number: 6383108Abstract: An apparatus for changing direction of driving force for bicycles, more particularly, an apparatus for changing direction of driving force for bicycles, which can travel bicycles forward by pedaling rearward as well as by pedaling forward, is provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: World Industry Co., Ltd.,Inventor: Moon-Soo Yoo
-
Patent number: 6371881Abstract: The system is comprised of three sub-systems. The first sub-system has an actuation lever (P) which can rotate about an axis (E1) to displace excentrically the Second Sub-system with respect to the Third by a predetermined angle circumferentially about a toothed wheel (R1), a toothed fluted wheel (R2) or fluted cross or cross with sliding torkes, and gear carrying shafts passing therethrough. The grooved wheel (R2) rotates a fixed transmission relationship with respect to the rotation of the input shaft. The second sub-system transforms and divides the input power for the primary shaft into powers which are transmitted to various secondary shafts (E3, E4) characterized by oscillating angular speeds and torkes. The third sub-system composes the powers transmitted by the secondary shafts by means of a epicyclic train (T1) into an output power. The resulting output motion is proportional to the eccentricity angle of the first sub-system with respect to the third sub-system.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Inventors: Francisco de Asis Garcia Benitez, Juan Gutierrez De Cepeda, Pedro Madroñal Martinez, Gonzalo Campillo Arrabal
-
Patent number: 6325386Abstract: A seal for a bicycle transmission includes an annular housing and an annular seal member. The housing includes a side wall defining a plurality of circumferentially disposed slots. The seal member is retained to the housing and extends radially inwardly. The seal member is formed from a resilient material, and the housing is formed from a material that is more rigid than the seal member.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1999Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Akihiko Shoge
-
Patent number: 6277047Abstract: An automatic transmission comprises a friction engaging means having a plurality of first plates spline-fitted to a hub and a plurality of second plates spline-fitted to a drum and disposed in an interleaving relation to the first plates, an one-way clutch provided in the hub and having a plurality of sprags for locking the rotation of the hub when the hub rotates in a locking direction and a control means for temporarily releasing the friction engaging means for a specified timespan when the friction engaging means is in an engagement condition and when the hub rotates in a locking direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keiji Sato, Jun Nakayama, Naoto Suzuki, Tadao Fujisawa, Masato Sawaoka
-
Patent number: 6258005Abstract: The invention relates to a multispeed gearshift mechanism for bicycles. The gearshift mechanism contains a shaft (1), which can be mounted, fixed against relative rotation, on a bicycle frame, an actuator (7), rotatably seated on the shaft (1), a shell (12), rotatably seated on the shaft (1), and a gearshift mechanism, which is provided with a first and a second planetary gear (15, 16) and is arranged in the shell (12) for making available several gear ratios between the actuator (7) and the shell (12). The planetary gears (15, 16) have at least respectively two sun wheels (19, 20, or respectively 22, 23), which are coaxial in relation to the shaft (1) and which can be selectively connected by means of a shifting device with the shaft (1).Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: Bernhard Rohloff
-
Patent number: 6213910Abstract: A bicycle antitheft device includes an antitheft mechanism switchable between an antitheft state and a release state, wherein the antitheft mechanism includes a first member that moves relative to a second member to move the bicycle forward and backward. A movement controlling mechanism hinders the first member from moving relative to the second member when the antitheft mechanism is in the antitheft state, and a selection mechanism is provided for selecting one of the antitheft state and the release state. Alternatively, the antitheft mechanism may include a sound generator for generating a sound when the first member moves relative to the second member and the antitheft mechanism is in the antitheft state. The movement controlling mechanism and the sound generator may be combined into a single antitheft mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1997Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Nobuyuki Matsuo, Hiroyuki Ookouchi, Hitoshi Kishimoto, Takuro Yamane
-
Patent number: 6210300Abstract: A reversible one-way clutch (90) is positioned in parallel with a friction pack (62, 72) to drive a planetary transmission (10) in low gear and reverse. The clutch (90) has a biasing plate (96) secured to its surface to bias the clutch (90) in a direction so that the transmission (10) operates in either low gear or reverse gear. The biasing plate (96) is hydraulically actuated to bias the clutch (90) between low gear, neutral, and reverse gear.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2000Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Daniel P. Costin, Thomas Braford
-
Patent number: 6206799Abstract: A bicycle antitheft device includes an antitheft mechanism switchable between an antitheft state and a release state, wherein the antitheft mechanism includes a first member that moves relative to a second member to move the bicycle forward and backward. A movement controlling mechanism hinders the first member from moving relative to the second member when the antitheft mechanism is in the antitheft state, and a selection mechanism is provided for selecting one of the antitheft state and the release state. Alternatively, the antitheft mechanism may include a sound generator for generating a sound when the first member moves relative to the second member and the antitheft mechanism is in the antitheft state. The movement controlling mechanism and the sound generator may be combined into a single antitheft mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Nobuyuki Matsuo, Hiroyuki Ookouchi, Hitoshi Kishimoto, Takuro Yamane
-
Patent number: 6134980Abstract: An internal hub transmission for a bicycle includes a hub axle having an axle axis for retaining the transmission to a bicycle frame, a driver rotatably supported relative to the hub axle, an output member rotatably supported relative to the hub axle, a power transmission mechanism disposed between the driver and the output member for communicating rotational force of the driver to the output member through a plurality of transmission paths, and an operation mechanism disposed in the hub axle for movement in the direction of the axle axis to select among the plurality of transmission paths. An actuating mechanism is mounted on the hub axle inboard of a free end of the hub axle for moving the operation mechanism in the direction of the axle axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Yuzuru Uchiyama
-
Patent number: 6083136Abstract: A bicycle hub transmission includes an axle, a driving member rotatably supported on the axle, a slave rotatably supported on the axle, and a power transmitting mechanism disposed between the driving member and the slave for communicating rotational force from the driving member to the slave through a plurality of power transmitting paths. A clutch member is rotatably supported and axially movable on the axle for selecting one of the plurality of power transmitting paths of the power transmitting mechanism, and a shift key is provided for moving the clutch member axially. A shift rod is axially movably supported to the axle for moving the shift key axially, and a biasing mechanism is provided for biasing the clutch member toward the shift key. A link is provided for linking the clutch member to the shift key so that the clutch member is substantially axially immovable relative to the shift key. As a result, the shift key always moves with the clutch member.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1999Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Akihiko Shoge
-
Patent number: 6048287Abstract: The invention relates to a multispeed gearshift mechanism for bicycles.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Inventor: Bernhard Rohloff
-
Patent number: 6033332Abstract: The invention comprises an all gear mechanism for a continuously variable transmission that provides a wide range of output speeds and torque. The basic elements of the transmission are two planetary gear sets used as a power divider and a power combiner along with a one-way clutch and a hydraulic pump and hydraulic pump control devices. The controlling devices provide a continuously variable force against the low rpm power path. A high rpm gear train and a low rpm gear train are provided to vary the output. Appropriate sized gears are used to produce the desired overall output ratio. The output ratio is determined by engine capability or by the operator.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Inventor: Shelby A. Evans
-
Patent number: 5976052Abstract: The present invention is related to a compact automatic gear change device for a bicycle in which all of the sprocket wheels (1) and (2) mesh by means of an intermediate moving element (3) and are equipped with anti-reverse pawls automatically controlled by mechanical or electronic tachometers. A first device is a line gear cluster incorporated in a sealed housing and connecting the bottom bracket spindle to the wheel spindle by completely eliminating the drive chain. A second device is composed of coaxial sprocket wheels driven by three intermediate moving elements (3) positioned on the inside, whereas the starting teeth of the wheels (1) and (2), the pawls (4) and (5) and the tachometers are positioned on the outside. The assembly is housed in two sealed housings (44) and (46) that rotate over one another. This compact cylindrical device can be positioned on the wheel or on the bottom bracket with a drive chain.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1996Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Inventor: Jean-Paul Lenoble
-
Patent number: 5971884Abstract: A power changing apparatus of a bicycle hub is provided. The apparatus including a transmission section at one side of a hub shell of a rear wheel, a bi-directional pedaling apparatus (BDPA) section at the other side thereof, and a clutch between the transmission section and the BDPA section provides the power in one direction at all times regardless of the direction of power applied thereto and changes speed according to the driving state of the bicycle. Also, a lever is inserted into the left side of a hub shaft having holes at both ends thereof to control the transmission section and a pin lever is inserted into the right side of the hub shaft to control the BDPA section. The power changing apparatus of the bicycle hub can be connected to a general bicycle compatible with it.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: World Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Moon-Soo Yoo
-
Patent number: 5967938Abstract: A multiple speed bicycle of the coaster brake type has a single drive sprocket and a drive chain in longitudinal alignment with one another. A sun gear is keyed to the main drive axle of the bicycle and rotates with the main drive axle. The sun gear engages a drive gear mounted on a planet gear axle and a planet gear is mounted on the same planet gear axle. Driving and driven satellite gears are mounted on satellite gear axles that are pivotally mounted on a nonrotatable ring concentric with the main drive axle. The satellite gears have differing diameters and differing numbers of teeth, one for each GEAR of the bicycle, and are positioned radially outwardly of the planet gear, in circumferentially spaced relation to one another. The planet gear orbits the main drive axle in incremental degrees of angular rotation when the bicycle operator manipulates a remote control member on the handlebar of the bicycle to change from one preselected gear to another preselected gear.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Inventors: James R. Benford, Robert L. Benford
-
Patent number: 5967937Abstract: A shift control device for a bicycle transmission having a plurality of transmission paths includes a hub shaft, a driver rotatably mounted around the hub shaft for rotating in first and second directions, wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction, a transmission path selecting member for selecting among the plurality of transmission paths, and a reverse motion mechanism coupled to the driver for converting rotation of the driver in the first direction into motion in the second direction. An operation mechanism operates the transmission path selecting member, wherein the operation mechanism includes a first drive force takeoff component which moves between a first state and a second state.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Nobuyuki Matsuo
-
Patent number: 5964678Abstract: A bicycle transmission includes a hub axle, a drive member rotatably mounted around the hub axle, a hub body rotatably mounted around the hub axle, and a planetary gear mechanism coupled between the drive member and the hub body for communicating rotational force from the drive member to the hub body through multiple rotational force transmission paths. The planetary gear mechanism includes a planet gear supported by a planet gear rack for rotation around the hub axle, and a ring gear engaging the planet gear. The ring gear includes a transmission pawl that can be displaced between a first position for transmitting rotational motion between the ring gear and the hub body and a second position for inhibiting the transmission of rotational motion between the ring gear and the hub body.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Mitsugu Hanada, Akihiko Shoge
-
Patent number: 5964679Abstract: A bicycle transmission includes a shaft, a driving part supported about the shaft for coupling to the input part, a driven part supported about the shaft for coupling to the output part, and a planetary gear mechanism disposed between the driving part and the driven part for changing the transmission ratio of the motive force applied from the driving part to the driven part. The planetary gear mechanism comprises a sun gear installed about the shaft, an output gear for transmitting motive force to the driven part, a frame part installed about the shaft and coupled to the driving part, and a planetary gear rotatably coupled to the frame part and disposed between the sun gear and the output gear for engaging the sun gear and the output gear. A clutch comprising a roller is disposed at an intermediate point along the transmission path between the driving part and the driven part for transmitting the motive force from the driving part to the driven part in one direction only.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Nobuyuki Matsuo, Hiroyuki Okochi
-
Patent number: 5961416Abstract: An internally mounted bicycle transmission includes a hub axle, a drive member rotatably mounted around the hub axle, a hub body rotatably mounted around the hub axle, and a gear mechanism coupled between the drive member and the hub body for communicating rotational force from the drive member to the hub body through multiple transmission paths. The gear mechanism includes a sun gear rotatably supported around the axle, a planet gear supported by a planet gear carrier for rotation around the hub axle and for engaging the sun gear, and a ring gear engaging the planet gear. According to the invention, the ring gear is integrally formed with the drive member.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Akihiko Shoge
-
Patent number: 5957802Abstract: An apparatus for changing rotation of a pedal shaft for a bicycle is provided, in which forward and rearward driving forces of the pedal shaft are convertible without a load, by indirect coupling, and the bicycle can be pulled rearward under the setting conditions for forward traveling. The apparatus includes: a sprocket housing installed to be freely rotatable centering the pedal shaft, to which a ring gear and a ratchet changing ring having the first one-way stoppers are fixed; a sun gear installed to be integrally rotatable with the pedal shaft; rearward rotation of the carrier can be checked by the first one-way stoppers of the ratchet changing ring; a changing gear ring coupled with the carrier to be elastically rotatable along the circumference with predetermined rotatable angle; a fixing housing having the second one-way stoppers capable of stopping rearward rotation of the carrier; and a stopper changing ring capable of controlling the second one-way stoppers of the fixing housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1998Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: World Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Moon-Soo Yoo
-
Patent number: 5954614Abstract: An apparatus for changing power direction for a bicycle is provided, which can travel the bicycle forward all the times, and simultaneously idle the bicycle, and transmit the driving force to a pedal shaft, thereby pulling back the bicycle without reverse-load.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1998Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: World Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Moon-Soo Yoo
-
Patent number: 5928103Abstract: An internal hub transmission for a bicycle includes a hub axle having an axle axis for retaining the transmission to a bicycle frame, a driver rotatably supported relative to the hub axle, an output member rotatably supported relative to the hub axle, and a planet gear mechanism. The planet gear mechanism includes a sun gear disposed around the hub axle, a gear frame rotatably supported relative to the hub axle, a planet gear rotatably supported on the gear frame and meshing with the sun gear, and a ring gear rotatably supported relative to the hub axle and meshing with the planet gear. A first one-way clutch disposed in a transmission path between the driver and the output member, and a second one-way clutch disposed in a transmission path between the driver and the ring gear.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1998Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Akihiko Shoge
-
Patent number: 5882274Abstract: A bicycle transmission includes a hub axle, a drive member rotatably mounted around the hub axle, a hub body rotatably mounted around the hub axle, and a gear mechanism coupled between the drive member and the hub body for communicating rotational force from the drive member to the hub body through multiple transmission paths. A clutch is rotatably mounted around the hub axle, wherein the clutch is movable in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the hub axle for selecting a rotational force transmission path through the gear mechanism. A clutch operator for operating the clutch includes a first guide surface formed along the hub axle and a first shift key that operates the clutch when the first shift key is moved along the first guide surface. The clutch includes a first cam face that is inclined relative to the axis of the hub axle for contacting the first shift key and for converting rotational force of the clutch into axial displacement of the clutch to ensure operation of the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1997Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Akihiko Shoge
-
Patent number: 5833040Abstract: A hub transmission with a coaster brake unit includes a hub axle, a drive member rotatably mounted around the hub axle, a hub body rotatably mounted around the hub axle, and a planetary gear mechanism coupled between the drive member and the hub body for communicating rotational force from the drive member to the hub body through multiple rotational force transmission paths. The planetary gear mechanism includes a planet gear supported by a planet gear rack for rotation around the hub axle, and a ring gear engaging the planet gear. The gear rack includes a depression formed in a peripheral direction thereof, and the ring gear includes a serration formed in a peripheral direction thereof. A clutch having an engagement component is movable in a direction of an axis of the axle between a first position, a standby position and a second position.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1997Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Mitsugu Hanada
-
Patent number: 5813937Abstract: An epicyclic change speed gear includes a fixed spindle, input and output members, planet pinions disposed in a planet cage, a gear ring which is operatively connected to one of the output member and input member, a clutch operative to connect the input member to one of the planet cage and input member to the gear ring, and axially moveable sun pinions which are resiliently loaded into abutting side-by-side disposition and are rotatable on the spindle. One of the sun pinions is operable to provide a reaction member when locked to the spindle. A gear selector key is disposed radially inwardly of the sun pinions and capable of engaging one of the sun pinions on movement of the selector key in the axial direction of the hub in order to lock the corresponding sun pinion to the spindle to provide the reaction member. The selector key includes a support rod, first and second body parts mounted on the rod for limited relative movement in the axial direction thereof, and a spring.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 1995Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Sturmey-Archer LimitedInventor: Stephen Terence Rickels