CN108973521B - Bicycle hub assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The bicycle hub assembly comprises a hub shaft, a hub body, a sprocket support body and a flywheel structure. The sprocket support body includes at least ten external spline teeth configured to engage a bicycle rear sprocket assembly. Each of the at least ten externally splined teeth has an externally splined driving surface and an externally splined non-driving surface. The freewheel structure includes a first ratchet member and a second ratchet member. The first ratchet member includes at least one first ratchet tooth. The second ratchet member includes at least one second ratchet tooth configured to torque-transmitting engage the at least one first ratchet tooth.

Description

Bicycle hub assembly

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application No. 15/608,915 filed on 30/5/2017. The contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a bicycle hub assembly.

Background

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly popular form of recreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of the bicycle. One bicycle component that has been extensively redesigned is the hub assembly.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle hub assembly includes a hub axle, a hub body, a sprocket support body, and a freewheel structure. The hub body is rotatably mounted on the hub axle about a center axis of rotation of the bicycle hub assembly. The sprocket support body is rotatably mounted on the drum shaft about the center axis of rotation. The sprocket support body includes at least ten external spline teeth configured to engage a bicycle rear sprocket assembly. Each of the at least ten externally splined teeth has an externally splined driving surface and an externally splined non-driving surface. The freewheel structure includes a first ratchet member and a second ratchet member. The first ratchet member includes at least one first ratchet tooth. The second ratchet member includes at least one second ratchet tooth configured to be in torque transmitting engagement with the at least one first ratchet tooth. The first ratchet member is configured to be in torque transmitting engagement with one of the hub body and the sprocket support body. The second ratchet member is configured to be in torque transmitting engagement with the other of the hub body and the sprocket support body. At least one of the first and second ratchet members is movable relative to the drum shaft in an axial direction about the central axis of rotation.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the first aspect, the at least ten external spline teeth reduce the rotational force applied to each of the at least ten external spline teeth as compared to the sprocket support body that includes nine or less external spline teeth. This improves the durability of the sprocket support body and/or the freedom of material selection of the sprocket support body without reducing the durability of the at least one sprocket support body. In addition, the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly can be further improved and the weight of the flywheel structure can be reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the first aspect is configured such that the total number of the at least ten external spline teeth is equal to or greater than 20.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the second aspect, it is possible to further improve the durability of the sprocket support body, and/or to further improve the degree of freedom in material selection of the sprocket support body without reducing the durability of the sprocket support body.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the first aspect is configured such that the total number of the at least ten external spline teeth is equal to or greater than 25.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the third aspect, it is possible to further improve the durability of the sprocket support body, and/or to further improve the degree of freedom in material selection of the sprocket support body without reducing the durability of the sprocket support body.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured such that the at least ten external spline teeth have a first external pitch angle (pitch angle) and a second external pitch angle different from the first external pitch angle.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the fourth aspect, the bicycle rear sprocket assembly can be easily attached to the bicycle hub assembly at the correct circumferential position.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is configured such that the sprocket support body includes a plurality of external spline teeth configured to engage a bicycle rear sprocket assembly. At least two of the plurality of external spline teeth are circumferentially arranged at a first external pitch angle relative to a center axis of rotation of the bicycle hub assembly. The first outer pitch angle ranges from 10 degrees to 20 degrees.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to further improve the durability of the sprocket support body, and/or to further improve the degree of freedom in material selection of the sprocket support body without reducing the durability of the sprocket support body.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifth aspect is configured such that the first outer pitch angle ranges from 12 degrees to 15 degrees.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to further improve the durability of the sprocket support body, and/or to further improve the degree of freedom in material selection of the sprocket support body without reducing the durability of the sprocket support body.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is configured such that the at least one first ratchet tooth is disposed on an axially facing surface of the first ratchet member. The at least one second ratchet tooth is disposed on an axially facing surface of the second ratchet member. An axially facing surface of the second ratchet member faces an axially facing surface of the first ratchet member.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and to reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is configured such that the sprocket support body includes an outer peripheral surface having a first helical spline. The first ratchet member is configured to be torque-transmitting engaged with the sprocket support body and includes a second helical spline that mates with the first helical spline.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the eighth aspect, the first and second helical splines smoothly move the first ratchet member relative to the sprocket support body in response to relative rotation between the first ratchet member and the sprocket support body. This allows the state of the flywheel structure to be smoothly switched between the torque transmitting mode and the torque non-transmitting mode.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the eighth aspect is configured such that the first ratchet member is movably mounted relative to the sprocket support body in the axial direction via engagement of the second helical spline with the first helical spline during driving by a first thrust force applied from the sprocket support body.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the ninth aspect, the state of the flywheel structure can be switched between the torque transmitting manner and the non-torque transmitting manner more smoothly.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is configured such that the at least one second ratchet tooth is engaged with the at least one first ratchet tooth to transmit rotational force from the sprocket support body to the hub body.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and to reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the eighth or ninth aspects is configured such that the sprocket support body has a guide portion provided on the outer peripheral surface to guide the first ratchet member toward the hub body during coasting.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the eleventh aspect, the guide portion reduces noise during coasting.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the eleventh aspect is configured such that the guide portion guides the first ratchet member towards the hub body during coasting to release the engaging engagement between the at least one first ratchet tooth and the at least one second ratchet tooth.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the twelfth aspect, the guide portion effectively reduces noise during coasting.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect is configured such that the guide portion extends at least in a circumferential direction with respect to the sprocket support body.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirteenth aspect, the guide portion effectively reduces noise during coasting.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects is configured such that the guide portion is arranged to define an obtuse angle with respect to the first helical spline.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the fourteenth aspect, the guide portion effectively reduces noise during coasting.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects is configured such that the second ratchet member includes a hub body engagement portion that is torque-transmitting engaged with the hub body to transmit rotational force from the first ratchet member to the hub body via the hub body engagement portion.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and to reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifteenth aspect is configured such that one of the hub body engagement portion and the hub body includes at least one projection extending radially with respect to a rotational center axis of the bicycle hub assembly. The other of the drum body engagement portion and the drum body includes at least one recess that engages the at least one projection.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and to reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects further comprises a biasing member disposed between the hub body and the first ratchet member to bias the first ratchet member in the axial direction toward the second ratchet member.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and to reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the eleventh to fourteenth aspects further includes a biasing member disposed between the hub body and the first ratchet member to bias the first ratchet member in the axial direction toward the second ratchet member. The second ratchet member is in torque transmitting engagement with the hub body. The biasing member is engaged with the hub body for rotation therewith. During coasting, the first ratchet member contacts the guide portion to disengage the second ratchet member and generate rotational friction between the biasing member and the first ratchet member.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the eighteenth aspect, the guide portion effectively reduces noise during coasting.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects is configured such that the at least one first ratchet tooth comprises a plurality of first ratchet teeth. The at least one second ratchet tooth comprises a plurality of second ratchet teeth.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and to reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects is configured such that each of the first and second ratchet members has an annular shape.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the twentieth aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and to reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the first to twentieth aspects is configured such that the sprocket support body includes a connecting portion to abut the second ratchet member to limit axial movement of the second ratchet member away from the hub body. The first ratchet member is disposed on an axial side of the second ratchet member axially opposite the abutment of the sprocket support body in the axial direction.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-first aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and to reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-first aspect further includes a biasing member disposed between the hub body and the first ratchet member to bias the first ratchet member in the axial direction toward the second ratchet member.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-second aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and to reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-second aspect is configured such that the hub body includes an interior space. An outer peripheral surface of the sprocket support body supports the first and second ratchet members. Each of the sprocket support body, the biasing member, the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member is at least partially disposed in the interior space of the hub body.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-third aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and to reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

In accordance with a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the first to twenty-third aspects is configured such that the hub body includes a first spoke mounting portion, a second spoke mounting portion and a first axial length. The first spoke mounting portion has a first axially outermost portion. The second spoke mounting portion has a second axially outermost portion. The first axial length is defined in the axial direction between the first axially outermost portion of the first spoke mounting portion and the second axially outermost portion of the second spoke mounting portion. The first axial length is equal to or greater than 55 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the first axial length increases the strength of a wheel that includes the bicycle hub assembly.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-fourteenth aspect is configured such that the first axial length is equal to or greater than 60 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the first axial length further improves the strength of a wheel comprising the bicycle hub assembly.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-fourth aspect is configured such that the first axial length is equal to or greater than 65 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the first axial length further improves the strength of a wheel comprising the bicycle hub assembly.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the twenty-fourth to twenty-sixth aspects is configured such that the hub axle comprises a first axial frame abutment surface, a second axial frame abutment surface and a second axial length. The first axial frame abutment surface is configured to abut against a first portion of a bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state where the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame. The second axial frame abutment surface is configured to abut against a second portion of the bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state in which the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame. The second axial length is defined in the axial direction between the first axial frame abutment surface and the second axial frame abutment surface. The second axial length is equal to or greater than 140 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-seventh aspect, the second axial length is such that the bicycle hub assembly can be attached to various types of bicycle frames and the effects of the first aspect are obtained.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the twenty-fourth to twenty-sixth aspects is configured such that the hub axle comprises a first axial frame abutment surface, a second axial frame abutment surface and a second axial length. The first axial frame abutment surface is configured to abut against a first portion of a bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state where the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame. The second axial frame abutment surface is configured to abut against a second portion of the bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state in which the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame. The second axial length is defined in the axial direction between the first axial frame abutment surface and the second axial frame abutment surface. The second axial length is equal to or greater than 145 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-eighth aspect, the second axial length improves the freedom of selecting the first axial length, and/or a wider range of bicycle rear sprocket assemblies is achieved, and the first axial length is enabled to be lengthened, so that more sprockets can be mounted to the bicycle hub assembly.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the twenty-fourth to twenty-sixth aspects is configured such that the hub axle comprises a first axial frame abutment surface, a second axial frame abutment surface and a second axial length. The first axial frame abutment surface is configured to abut against a first portion of a bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state where the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame. The second axial frame abutment surface is configured to abut against a second portion of the bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state in which the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame. The second axial length is defined in the axial direction between the first axial frame abutment surface and the second axial frame abutment surface. The second axial length is equal to or greater than 147 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-ninth aspect, the second axial length improves the freedom of selecting the first axial length, and/or a wider range of bicycle rear sprocket assemblies is achieved, and the first axial length is enabled to be lengthened, so that more sprockets can be mounted to the bicycle hub assembly.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle hub assembly includes a hub axle, a hub body, a sprocket support body and a freewheel structure. The hub body is rotatably mounted on the hub axle about a center axis of rotation of the bicycle hub assembly. The sprocket support body is rotatably mounted on the drum shaft about the center axis of rotation. The sprocket support body includes at least one externally splined tooth configured to engage a bicycle rear sprocket assembly. The at least one external spline tooth has an external spline crest diameter equal to or less than 30 mm. The freewheel structure includes a first ratchet member and a second ratchet member. The first ratchet member includes at least one first ratchet tooth. The second ratchet member includes at least one second ratchet tooth configured to be in torque transmitting engagement with the at least one first ratchet tooth. The first ratchet member is configured to be in torque transmitting engagement with one of the hub body and the sprocket support body. The second ratchet member is configured to be in torque transmitting engagement with the other of the hub body and the sprocket support body. At least one of the first and second ratchet members is movable relative to the drum shaft in an axial direction about the central axis of rotation.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirtieth aspect, the external spline top diameter enables the bicycle hub assembly to mount a bicycle rear sprocket assembly including a sprocket having ten or fewer sprocket teeth to the bicycle hub assembly. This widens the range of gears of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly mounted to the bicycle hub assembly. In addition, the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly can be further improved and the weight of the flywheel structure can be reduced. The thirtieth aspect may be combined with any one of the first to twenty-ninth aspects.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-first aspect further comprises a brake rotor support body including at least one additional external spline tooth configured to engage with a bicycle brake rotor. The at least one additional external spline tooth has an additional external spline crest diameter that is greater than the external spline crest diameter.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-first aspect, the brake rotor support body improves braking performance and widens the shift range of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly mounted to the bicycle hub assembly, and the effects of the thirty-first aspect are obtained. The brake rotor support body also improves the attachment and detachment performance of the bicycle brake rotor.

According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-first or thirty-second aspect is configured such that the external spline top diameter is equal to or greater than 25 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-second aspect, it is possible to ensure the strength of the sprocket support body and enable the bicycle hub assembly to mount a bicycle rear sprocket assembly, which includes a sprocket having ten or less sprocket teeth, to the bicycle hub assembly.

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-third or thirty-first aspect is configured such that the external spline top diameter is equal to or greater than 29 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to ensure the strength of the sprocket support body and to enable the bicycle hub assembly to mount a bicycle rear sprocket assembly, which includes a sprocket having ten or less sprocket teeth, to the bicycle hub assembly.

In accordance with a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the thirty-third aspect is configured such that the at least one externally splined tooth has an externally splined bottom diameter. The bottom diameter of the external spline is equal to or less than 28 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-fourth aspect, the outer spline bottom diameter may increase the radial length of the drive surface of the at least one outer spline tooth. This improves the strength of the sprocket support body.

According to a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-fourth aspect is configured such that the outer spline bottom diameter is equal to or greater than 25 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-fifth aspect, it is possible to ensure the strength of the sprocket support body and enable the bicycle hub assembly to mount a bicycle rear sprocket assembly, which includes a sprocket having ten or less sprocket teeth, to the bicycle hub assembly.

In accordance with a thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-fourth aspect is configured such that the outer spline bottom diameter is equal to or greater than 27 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-sixth aspect, it is possible to ensure the strength of the sprocket support body and to enable the bicycle hub assembly to mount a bicycle rear sprocket assembly, which includes a sprocket having ten or less sprocket teeth, to the bicycle hub assembly.

According to a thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the thirty-sixth aspect is configured such that the at least one externally splined tooth comprises a plurality of externally splined teeth including a plurality of externally splined driving surfaces to receive driving rotational force from the bicycle rear sprocket assembly during pedaling. The plurality of externally splined drive surfaces each comprise a radially outermost edge, a radially innermost edge, and a radial length defined from the radially outermost edge to the radially innermost edge. A sum of the radial lengths of the plurality of external spline drive surfaces is equal to or greater than 7 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-seventh aspect, the radial length of the plurality of externally splined drive surfaces can be increased. This improves the strength of the sprocket support body.

According to a thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-seventh aspect is configured such that the sum of the radial lengths is equal to or greater than 10 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-eighth aspect, the radial length of the plurality of externally splined drive surfaces can be further increased. This further improves the strength of the sprocket support body.

According to a thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-seventh aspect is configured such that the sum of the radial lengths is equal to or greater than 15 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-ninth aspect, the radial length of the plurality of externally splined drive surfaces can be further increased. This further improves the strength of the sprocket support body.

According to a fortieth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the thirty-third to thirty-ninth aspects is configured such that the at least one first ratchet tooth is disposed on an axially facing surface of the first ratchet member. The at least one second ratchet tooth is disposed on an axially facing surface of the second ratchet member. An axially facing surface of the second ratchet member faces an axially facing surface of the first ratchet member.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the fortieth aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and to reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the thirty-first to the fortieth aspects is configured such that the sprocket support body includes an outer peripheral surface having a first helical spline. The first ratchet member is configured to be torque-transmitting engaged with the sprocket support body and includes a second helical spline that mates with the first helical spline.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the fourteenth aspect, the first and second helical splines smoothly move the first ratchet member relative to the sprocket support body in response to relative rotation between the first ratchet member and the sprocket support body. This allows the state of the flywheel structure to be smoothly switched between the torque transmitting mode and the torque non-transmitting mode.

According to a forty-second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the forty-first aspect is configured such that the first ratchet member is movably mounted relative to the sprocket support body in the axial direction via the engagement of the second helical spline with the first helical spline during driving by the first pushing force applied from the sprocket support body.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the forty-second aspect, the state of the flywheel structure can be switched between the torque transmitting manner and the non-torque transmitting manner more smoothly.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the thirty-third to forty-second aspects is configured such that the at least one second ratchet tooth is engaged with the at least one first ratchet tooth to transmit rotational force from the sprocket support body to the hub body.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and to reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the fourteenth or the fourteenth aspect is configured such that the sprocket support body has a guide portion provided on the outer peripheral surface to guide the first ratchet member toward the hub body during coasting.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the fourteenth aspect, the guide portion reduces noise during coasting.

According to a forty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the forty-fourth aspect is configured such that during coasting, the guide portion guides the first ratchet member towards the hub body to release the meshing engagement between the at least one first ratchet tooth and the at least one second ratchet tooth.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the forty-fifth aspect, the guide portion effectively reduces noise during coasting.

According to a forty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the forty-fourth or forty-fifth aspect is configured such that the guide portion extends at least in a circumferential direction with respect to the sprocket support body.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the forty-sixth aspect, the guide portion effectively reduces noise during coasting.

According to a forty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the forty-fourth to forty-sixth aspects is configured such that the guide portion is arranged to define an obtuse angle with respect to the first helical spline.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the seventeenth aspect, the guide portion effectively reduces noise during coasting.

According to a forty-eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the thirty-seventh aspect to the forty-seventh aspect is configured such that the second ratchet member includes a hub body engaging portion that is engaged with the hub body in a torque transmitting manner to transmit a rotational force from the first ratchet member to the hub body via the hub body engaging portion.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the forty-eight aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

According to a forty-ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the forty-eighteenth aspect is configured such that one of the hub body engagement portion and the hub body includes at least one projection extending radially with respect to a rotational center axis of the bicycle hub assembly. The other of the drum body engagement portion and the drum body includes at least one recess that engages the at least one projection.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the forty-ninth aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and to reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

According to a fifty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the thirty-fourth to the thirty-fifth aspects further includes a biasing member disposed between the hub body and the first ratchet member to bias the first ratchet member in the axial direction toward the second ratchet member.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifty-fifth aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and to reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

According to a fifty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly of any one of the forty-fourth to the forty-seventeenth aspects further includes a biasing member disposed between the hub body and the first ratchet member to bias the first ratchet member in the axial direction toward the second ratchet member. The second ratchet member is in torque transmitting engagement with the hub body. The biasing member is engaged with the hub body for rotation therewith. During coasting, the first ratchet member contacts the guide portion to disengage the second ratchet member and generate rotational friction between the biasing member and the first ratchet member.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifteenth aspect, the guide portion effectively reduces noise during coasting.

In accordance with a fifty-second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the thirty-first to the fifty-first aspects is configured such that the at least one first ratchet tooth comprises a plurality of first ratchet teeth. The at least one second ratchet tooth comprises a plurality of second ratchet teeth.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifty-second aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and to reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

In accordance with a fifty-third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the thirty-third to fifty-second aspects is configured such that each of the first and second ratchet members has an annular shape.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifteenth through thirteenth aspects, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and to reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

According to a fifty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the thirty-third to the fifty-third aspects is configured such that the sprocket support body includes an abutment to abut the second ratchet member to limit axial movement of the second ratchet member away from the hub body. The first ratchet member is disposed on an axial side of the second ratchet member opposite the abutment of the sprocket support body in the axial direction.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifty-fourth aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and to reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

According to a fifty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifty-fourth aspect further includes a biasing member disposed between the hub body and the first ratchet member to bias the first ratchet member in the axial direction toward the second ratchet member.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifty-fifth aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and to reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

According to a fifty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifty-fifth aspect is configured such that the hub body includes an interior space. An outer peripheral surface of the sprocket support body supports the first and second ratchet members. Each of the sprocket support body, the biasing member, the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member is at least partially disposed in the interior space of the hub body.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifty-sixth aspect, it is possible to further improve the driving efficiency of the bicycle hub assembly and reduce the weight of the flywheel structure.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the thirty-first to the fifty-sixth aspects is configured such that the hub body includes a first spoke mounting portion, a second spoke mounting portion and a first axial length. The first spoke mounting portion has a first axially outermost portion. The second spoke mounting portion has a second axially outermost portion. The first axial length is defined in the axial direction between the first axially outermost portion of the first spoke mounting portion and the second axially outermost portion of the second spoke mounting portion. The first axial length is equal to or greater than 55 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the seventeenth aspect, the first axial length increases the strength of a wheel that includes the bicycle hub assembly.

According to a fifty-eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifty-seventh aspect is configured such that the first axial length is equal to or greater than 60 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifty-eighth aspect, the first axial length further improves the strength of a wheel that includes the bicycle hub assembly.

According to a fifty-ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifty-seventh aspect is configured such that the first axial length is equal to or greater than 65 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifty-ninth aspect, the first axial length further improves the strength of a wheel that includes the bicycle hub assembly.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the fifty-seventh to the fifty-ninth aspects is configured such that the hub axle includes a first axial frame abutment surface, a second axial frame abutment surface and a second axial length. The first axial frame abutment surface is configured to abut against a first portion of a bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state where the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame. The second axial frame abutment surface is configured to abut against a second portion of the bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state in which the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame. The second axial length is defined in the axial direction between the first axial frame abutment surface and the second axial frame abutment surface. The second axial length is equal to or greater than 140 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the sixteenth aspect, the second axial length enables the bicycle hub assembly to be attached to various types of bicycle frames and achieves the effects of the thirtieth aspect.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the fifty-seventh to fifty-ninth aspects is configured such that the hub axle includes a first axial frame abutment surface, a second axial frame abutment surface and a second axial length. The first axial frame abutment surface is configured to abut against a first portion of a bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state where the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame. The second axial frame abutment surface is configured to abut against a second portion of the bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state in which the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame. The second axial length is defined in the axial direction between the first axial frame abutment surface and the second axial frame abutment surface. The second axial length is equal to or greater than 145 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the sixteenth aspect, the second axial length increases the freedom of selecting the first axial length and/or enables a wider range of bicycle rear sprocket assemblies, and enables the first axial length to be longer, so that more sprockets can be mounted to the bicycle hub assembly.

According to a sixty-second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the fifty-seventh to fifty-ninth aspects is configured such that the hub axle includes a first axial frame abutment surface, a second axial frame abutment surface and a second axial length. The first axial frame abutment surface is configured to abut against a first portion of a bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state where the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame. The second axial frame abutment surface is configured to abut against a second portion of the bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state in which the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame. The second axial length is defined in the axial direction between the first axial frame abutment surface and the second axial frame abutment surface. The second axial length is equal to or greater than 147 mm.

With the bicycle hub assembly according to the sixty-second aspect, the second axial length improves the freedom of selecting the first axial length and/or enables a wider range of bicycle rear sprocket assemblies, and enables the first axial length to be lengthened so that more sprockets can be mounted to the bicycle hub assembly.

Drawings

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a bicycle drive train according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the bicycle drive train illustrated in fig. 1.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the bicycle drive train illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle drive train taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the bicycle hub assembly of the bicycle drive train illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the bicycle drive train illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the sprocket support body of the bicycle hub assembly of the bicycle drive train illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the sprocket support body of the bicycle hub assembly of the bicycle drive train illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the sprocket support body illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a sprocket support body of a bicycle hub assembly in accordance with a variation.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sprocket support body illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the sprocket support body illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bicycle hub assembly of the bicycle drive train illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the bicycle hub assembly of the bicycle drive train illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 15 is a rear elevational view of the bicycle hub assembly of the bicycle drive train illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle hub assembly taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 5.

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly of the bicycle drive train illustrated in FIG. 2.

Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly illustrated in fig. 17.

FIG. 19 is a partially exploded perspective view of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly illustrated in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is another partially exploded perspective view of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly illustrated in FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is another partially exploded perspective view of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly illustrated in FIG. 17.

FIG. 22 is another partially exploded perspective view of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly illustrated in FIG. 17.

FIG. 23 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly taken along line XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 17.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the smallest sprocket of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly illustrated in FIG. 17.

FIG. 25 is another perspective view of the smallest sprocket of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly illustrated in FIG. 17.

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the smallest sprocket of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly illustrated in FIG. 17.

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of a smallest sprocket according to a variation.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the smallest sprocket illustrated in FIG. 24.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the smallest sprocket illustrated in FIG. 24.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the sprocket support body and the smallest sprocket of the bicycle drive train illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 31 is a partially exploded perspective view of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly illustrated in FIG. 17.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the sprocket support of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly illustrated in FIG. 17.

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the bicycle hub assembly illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the bicycle hub assembly illustrated in FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the bicycle hub assembly illustrated in FIG. 33.

FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the bicycle hub assembly illustrated in FIG. 33.

FIG. 37 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bicycle hub assembly illustrated in FIG. 33.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle hub assembly taken along line XXXVIII-XXXVIII of FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the spacer of the bicycle hub assembly illustrated in FIG. 33.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the spacer of the bicycle hub assembly illustrated in FIG. 33.

FIG. 41 is a schematic view showing the action (pedaling) of the first ratchet member and the sprocket support body of the bicycle hub assembly illustrated in FIG. 33.

FIG. 42 is a schematic view showing the action (coasting) of the first ratchet member and the sprocket support body of the bicycle hub assembly illustrated in FIG. 33.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a bicycle hub assembly in accordance with a second embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a side elevational view of the bicycle hub assembly illustrated in FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sprocket support body according to a variation of the first and second embodiments.

Fig. 46 is an enlarged sectional view of a minimum sprocket according to a modification of the first and second embodiments.

Detailed Description

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or identical elements throughout the several views.

First embodiment

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle drive train 10 in accordance with a first embodiment includes a bicycle hub assembly 12 and a bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14. The bicycle hub assembly 12 is secured to the bicycle frame BF. The bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 is mounted to the bicycle hub assembly 12. The bicycle brake rotor 16 is mounted on the bicycle hub assembly 12.

The bicycle drive train 10 further includes a crank assembly 18 and a bicycle chain 20. The crank assembly 18 includes a crank axle 22, a right crank arm 24, a left crank arm 26, and a front sprocket 27. A right crank arm 24 and a left crank arm 26 are fixed to the crank axle 22. The front sprockets 27 are fixed to at least one of the crank axle 22 and the right crank arm 24. The bicycle chain 20 engages the front sprocket 27 and the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 to transmit a pedaling force from the front sprocket 27 to the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the crank assembly 18 includes the front sprocket 27 as a single sprocket. However, the crank assembly 18 may include a plurality of front sprockets. The bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 is a rear sprocket assembly. However, the structure of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 can be applied to a front sprocket.

In this application, the following directional terms "forward", "rearward", "left", "right", "lateral", "upward" and "downward" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions which are determined based on a user (e.g., a rider) seated on a saddle (not shown) of a bicycle facing a handlebar (not shown). Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the bicycle drive train 10, the bicycle hub assembly 12, or the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 should be interpreted relative to a bicycle equipped with the bicycle drive train 10, the bicycle hub assembly 12, or the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 as used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface.

As seen in fig. 2 and 3, the bicycle hub assembly 12 and the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 have a center axis of rotation a 1. The bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 is rotatably supported by the bicycle hub assembly 12 about a rotational center axis A1 with respect to the bicycle frame BF (FIG. 1). The bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 is configured to engage the bicycle chain 20 to transmit a driving rotational force F1 between the bicycle chain 20 and the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 during pedaling. During pedaling, the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 rotates in a driving rotational direction D11 about the center axis of rotation a 1. The driving rotational direction D11 is defined in a circumferential direction D1 of the bicycle hub assembly 12 or the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14. The opposite rotational direction D12 is the opposite direction from the drive rotational direction D11 and is defined in the circumferential direction D1.

As seen in fig. 2, the bicycle hub assembly 12 includes a sprocket support body 28. The bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 is mounted on the sprocket support body 28 to transmit a driving rotational force F1 between the sprocket support body 28 and the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14. The bicycle hub assembly 12 includes a hub axle 30. The sprocket support body 28 is rotatably mounted on the drum shaft 30 about a center axis of rotation a 1. The bicycle hub assembly 12 includes a locking ring 32. The locking ring 32 is fixed to the sprocket support body 28 to retain the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 relative to the sprocket support body 28 in an axial direction D2 that is parallel to the rotational center axis a 1.

As seen in fig. 4, the bicycle hub assembly 12 is secured to the bicycle frame BF by a wheel securing structure WS. The hub axle 30 has a through hole 30A. The fixing rod WS1 of the wheel fixing structure WS extends through the through hole 30A of the hub axle 30. The drum shaft 30 includes a first shaft end 30B and a second shaft end 30C. The dram shaft 30 extends along a central axis of rotation a1 between a first shaft end 30B and a second shaft end 30C. The first shaft end portion 30B is disposed in the first recess BF11 of the first frame BF1 of the bicycle frame BF. The second shaft end 30C is disposed in the second recess BF21 of the second frame BF2 of the bicycle frame BF. The hub axle 30 is held between the first frame BF1 and the second frame BF2 by the wheel securing structure WS. The wheel securing structure WS comprises a structure known in the bicycle art. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail herein.

As seen in fig. 4 and 5, the bicycle hub assembly 12 further includes a brake rotor support body 34. The brake rotor support body 34 is rotatably mounted on the drum shaft 30 about a center axis of rotation a 1. The brake rotor support body 34 is coupled to the bicycle brake rotor 16 (fig. 1) to transmit a braking rotational force from the bicycle brake rotor 16 to the brake rotor support body 34.

As seen in fig. 5, the bicycle hub assembly 12 includes a hub body 36. The hub body 36 is rotatably mounted on the hub axle 30 about a center axis of rotation A1 of the bicycle hub assembly 12. In this embodiment, the sprocket support body 28 is a separate member from the hub body 36. The brake rotor support body 34 is integrally provided as a one-piece, unitary member with the hub body 36. However, the sprocket support body 28 may be provided integrally with the hub body 36. The brake rotor support body 34 may be a separate component from the hub body 36.

The locking ring 32 includes an externally threaded portion 32A. The sprocket support body 28 includes an internal threaded portion 28A. The male threaded portion 32A is threadedly engaged with the female threaded portion 28A in a state where the lock ring 32 is fixed to the sprocket support body 28.

As seen in fig. 6, the bicycle hub assembly 12 includes a freewheel structure 38. The sprocket support body 28 is operatively coupled to the hub body 36 by a freewheel structure 38. The freewheel structure 38 is configured to couple the sprocket support body 28 to the hub body 36 to rotate the sprocket support body 28 with the hub body 36 in the drive rotation direction D11 (fig. 5) during pedaling. The freewheel structure 38 is configured to allow the sprocket support body 28 to rotate in an opposite rotational direction D12 (fig. 5) relative to the hub body 36 during coasting. Thus, the freewheel structure 38 may be interpreted as a one-way clutch structure 38. The flywheel structure 38 will be described in detail later.

The bicycle hub assembly 12 includes a first bearing 39A and a second bearing 39B. The first bearing 39A and the second bearing 39B are disposed between the sprocket support body 28 and the hub axle 30 to rotatably support the sprocket support body 28 about the rotational center axis a1 with respect to the hub axle 30.

In this embodiment, each of the sprocket support body 28, the brake rotor support body 34 and the hub body 36 is made of a metallic material such as aluminum, iron or titanium. However, at least one of the sprocket support body 28, the brake rotor support body 34 and the hub body 36 can be made of a non-metallic material.

As seen in fig. 7 and 8, the sprocket support body 28 includes at least one external spline tooth 40 configured to engage the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 (fig. 6). The sprocket support body 28 includes a plurality of external spline teeth 40 configured to engage the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 (fig. 6). That is, the at least one external spline tooth 40 includes a plurality of external spline teeth 40. The sprocket support body 28 includes at least nine externally splined teeth 40 configured to engage the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 (fig. 6). The sprocket support body 28 includes at least ten external spline teeth 40 configured to engage the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 (fig. 6).

The sprocket support body 28 includes a tubular base support 41. The base support 41 extends along a central axis of rotation a 1. The outer spline teeth 40 extend radially outward from the base support 41. The sprocket support body 28 includes a larger diameter portion 42, a flange 44 and a plurality of helical outer spline teeth 46. The larger diameter portion 42 and the flange 44 extend radially outward from the base support 41. The larger diameter portion 42 is disposed between the plurality of external spline teeth 40 and the flange 44 in the axial direction D2. The larger diameter portion 42 and the flange 44 are disposed between the plurality of external spline teeth 40 and the plurality of helical external spline teeth 46 in the axial direction D2. As seen in fig. 6, the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 is held between the larger diameter portion 42 and the locking flange 32B of the locking ring 32 in the axial direction D2. The larger diameter portion 42 may have an internal cavity such that a drive structure, such as a one-way clutch structure, may be received within the internal cavity. The larger diameter portion 42 can be omitted from the bicycle hub assembly 12 as desired.

As shown in fig. 9, the total number of at least ten external spline teeth 40 is equal to or greater than 20. The total of at least ten external spline teeth 40 is equal to or greater than 25. In this embodiment, the total number of at least ten external spline teeth 40 is 26. However, the total number of the external spline teeth 40 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

At least ten of the external spline teeth 40 have a first external pitch angle PA11 and a second external pitch angle PA 12. At least two of the plurality of external spline teeth 40 are circumferentially arranged at a first external pitch angle PA11 relative to the center axis of rotation A1 of the bicycle hub assembly 12. At least two of the plurality of external spline teeth 40 are circumferentially arranged at a second external pitch angle PA12 relative to the rotational center axis a1 of the bicycle hub assembly 12. In this embodiment, the second outer pitch angle PA12 is different from the first outer pitch angle PA 11. However, the second outer pitch angle PA12 may be substantially equal to the first outer pitch angle PA 11.

In this embodiment, the plurality of external spline teeth 40 are arranged at a first external pitch angle PA11 in the circumferential direction D1. Two of the plurality of outer spline teeth 40 are arranged at a second outer pitch angle PA12 in the circumferential direction D1. However, at least two of the plurality of external spline teeth 40 may be arranged at additional external pitch angles in the circumferential direction D1.

The first outer pitch angle PA11 ranges from 10 degrees to 20 degrees. The first outer pitch angle PA11 ranges from 12 degrees to 15 degrees. The first outer pitch angle PA11 ranges from 13 degrees to 14 degrees. In this embodiment, the first outer pitch angle PA11 is 13.3 degrees. However, the first external pitch angle PA11 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

The second outer pitch angle PA12 ranges from 5 degrees to 30 degrees. In this embodiment, the second outer pitch angle PA12 is 26 degrees. However, the second outer pitch angle PA12 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

The external spline teeth 40 have substantially the same shape as each other. The external spline teeth 40 have substantially the same spline dimensions as each other. The external spline teeth 40 have substantially the same profile as each other when viewed along the rotational center axis a 1. However, as shown in fig. 10, at least one of the at least ten external spline teeth 40 may have a first spline shape that is different from a second spline shape of another one of the at least ten external spline teeth 40. At least one of the at least ten external spline teeth 40 may have a first spline dimension that is different from a second spline dimension of another of the at least ten external spline teeth 40. At least one of the at least ten external spline teeth 40 may have a profile that is different from a profile of another one of the at least ten external spline teeth 40 when viewed along the rotational center axis a 1. In fig. 10, one of the external spline teeth 40 has a spline shape different from the spline shape of the other teeth of the external spline teeth 40. One of the external spline teeth 40 has a spline size that is different from the spline size of the other of the external spline teeth 40. When viewed along the rotational center axis a1, one of the external spline teeth 40 has a different profile than the other teeth of the external spline teeth 40.

As shown in fig. 11, each of the at least ten externally splined teeth 40 has an externally splined driving surface 48 and an externally splined non-driving surface 50. The at least one externally splined tooth 40 includes a plurality of externally splined teeth including a plurality of externally splined driving surfaces 48 to receive a driving rotational force F1 from the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 (fig. 6) during pedaling. The plurality of externally splined teeth 40 includes a plurality of externally splined non-drive surfaces 50. The externally splined driving surface 48 is contactable with the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 to receive a driving rotational force F1 from the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 (fig. 6) during pedaling. The externally splined drive surface 48 faces in the opposite rotational direction D12. The externally splined non-drive surface 50 is disposed on an opposite side of the externally splined drive surface 48 in the circumferential direction D1. The externally splined non-driving surface 50 faces in the driving rotation direction D11 and does not receive the driving rotation force F1 from the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 during pedaling.

At least ten of the external spline teeth 40 each have a circumferential maximum width MW 1. The plurality of external spline teeth 40 each have a circumferential maximum width MW 1. The circumferential maximum width MW1 is defined as the maximum width that receives the thrust F2 applied to the external spline teeth 40. The circumferential maximum width MW1 is defined as the linear distance based on the externally splined drive surface 48.

The plurality of externally splined drive surfaces 48 each include a radially outermost edge 48A and a radially innermost edge 48B. The externally splined drive surface 48 extends from a radially outermost edge 48A to a radially innermost edge 48B. A first reference circle RC11 is defined on the radially innermost edge 48B and is centered on the rotational center axis a 1. A first reference circle RC11 intersects male spline non-driving surface 50 at reference point 50R. Circumferential maximum width MW1 extends linearly in circumferential direction D1 from radially innermost edge 48B to reference point 50R.

The plurality of externally splined non-driving surfaces 50 each include a radially outermost edge 50A and a radially innermost edge 50B. The externally splined non-driving surface 50 extends from a radially outermost edge 50A to a radially innermost edge 50B. A reference point 50R is disposed between the radially outermost edge 50A and the radially innermost edge 50B. However, reference point 50R may coincide with radially innermost edge 50B.

The sum of the circumferential maximum widths MW1 is equal to or greater than 55 mm. The sum of the circumferential maximum widths MW1 is equal to or greater than 60 mm. The sum of the circumferential maximum widths MW1 is equal to or greater than 65 mm. In this embodiment, the sum of the circumferential maximum widths MW1 is 68 mm. However, the sum of the circumferential maximum widths MW1 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

As shown in fig. 12, at least one of the externally splined teeth 40 has an externally splined top diameter DM 11. The external spline crest diameter DM11 is equal to or greater than 25 mm. The external spline crest diameter DM11 is equal to or greater than 29 mm. And the external spline top diameter DM11 is equal to or less than 30 mm. In this embodiment, the external spline crest diameter DM11 is 29.6 mm. However, the external spline crest diameter DM11 is not limited to this embodiment and the ranges described above.

At least one of the externally splined teeth 40 has an externally splined bottom diameter DM 12. The at least one external spline tooth 40 has an external spline root circle RC12, the external spline root circle RC12 having an external spline base diameter DM 12. However, the outer spline root circle RC12 may have another diameter than the outer spline base diameter DM 12. The external spline bottom diameter DM12 is equal to or less than 28 mm. The external spline base diameter DM12 is equal to or greater than 25 mm. The external spline base diameter DM12 is equal to or greater than 27 mm. In this embodiment, the external spline base diameter DM12 is 27.2 mm. However, the outer spline bottom diameter DM12 is not limited to this embodiment and the ranges described above.

The larger diameter portion 42 has an outer diameter DM13 that is larger than the external spline crest diameter DM 11. The outer diameter DM13 ranged from 32mm to 40 mm. In this embodiment, the outer diameter DM13 is 35 mm. However, the outer diameter DM13 is not limited to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, plurality of externally splined drive surfaces 48 each include a radial length RL11 defined from radially outermost edge 48A to radially innermost edge 48B. The sum of the radial lengths RL11 of the plurality of externally splined drive surfaces 48 is equal to or greater than 7 mm. The sum of the radial lengths RL11 is equal to or greater than 10 mm. The sum of the radial lengths RL11 is equal to or greater than 15 mm. In this embodiment, the sum of the radial lengths RL11 is 19.5 mm. However, the sum of the radial lengths RL11 is not limited to this embodiment.

The plurality of external spline teeth 40 have an additional radial length RL 12. Additional radial lengths RL12 are defined from the outer spline root circle RC12 to the radially outermost ends 40A of the plurality of outer spline teeth 40, respectively. The sum of the additional radial lengths RL12 is equal to or greater than 12 mm. In this embodiment, the sum of the additional radial lengths RL12 is 31.85 mm. However, the sum of the additional radial lengths RL12 is not limited to this embodiment.

At least one of the at least nine external spline teeth 40 has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the circumferential tip centerline CL 1. The circumferential addendum center line CL1 is a line connecting the rotation center axis a1 and the circumferential center point CP1 of the radially outermost end 40A of the external spline tooth 40. However, at least one of the male spline teeth 40 may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the circumferential crest center line CL 1. At least one of the at least nine externally splined teeth 40 includes an externally splined driving surface 48 and an externally splined non-driving surface 50.

The externally splined drive surface 48 has a first externally splined surface angle AG 11. A first external spline surface angle AG11 is defined between external spline drive surface 48 and a first radial line L11. The first radial line L11 extends from the rotational center axis a1 of the bicycle hub assembly 12 to the radially outermost edge 48A of the externally splined drive surface 48. A first outer pitch angle PA11 or a second outer pitch angle PA12 is defined between adjacent first radial lines L11 (see, e.g., fig. 9).

The externally splined non-driving surface 50 has a second externally splined surface angle AG 12. A second male spline surface angle AG12 is defined between the male spline non-drive surface 50 and a second radial line L12. The second radial line L12 extends from the rotational center axis a1 of the bicycle hub assembly 12 to the radially outermost edge 50A of the externally splined non-driving surface 50.

In this embodiment, second externally splined surface angle AG12 is different from first externally splined surface angle AG 11. The first externally splined surface angle AG11 is less than the second externally splined surface angle AG 12. However, first external spline surface angle AG11 may be equal to or greater than second external spline surface angle AG 12.

The first external spline surface angle AG11 ranges from 0 degrees to 10 degrees. The second externally splined surface angle AG12 ranges from 0 degrees to 60 degrees. In this embodiment, the first external spline surface angle AG11 is 5 degrees. The second externally splined surface angle AG12 is 45 degrees. However, first and second externally splined surface angles AG11, AG12 are not limited to this embodiment and the ranges described above.

As seen in fig. 13 and 14, the brake rotor support body 34 includes at least one additional external spline tooth 52 configured to engage the bicycle brake rotor 16 (fig. 4). In this embodiment, the brake rotor support body 34 includes an additional base support 54 and a plurality of additional external spline teeth 52. The additional base support 54 has a tubular shape and extends from the hub body 36 along a rotational center axis a 1. Additional outer spline teeth 52 extend radially outward from an additional base support 54. The total number of additional external spline teeth 52 is 52. However, the total number of additional external spline teeth 52 is not limited to this embodiment.

As shown in fig. 14, at least one additional external spline tooth 52 has an additional external spline crest diameter DM 14. As shown in fig. 15, the additional external spline crest diameter DM14 is greater than the external spline crest diameter DM 11. The additional external spline crest diameter DM14 is substantially equal to the external diameter DM13 of the larger diameter portion 42. However, the additional outer spline crest diameter DM14 may be equal to or less than the outer spline crest diameter DM 11. The additional external spline crest diameter DM14 may be different from the external diameter DM13 of the larger diameter portion 42.

As shown in FIG. 15, the hub body 36 includes a first spoke mounting portion 36A and a second spoke mounting portion 36B. A plurality of first spokes SK1 are coupled to the first spoke mounting portion 36A. A plurality of second spokes SK2 are coupled to the second spoke mounting portion 36B. In this embodiment, the first spoke mounting portion 36A includes a plurality of first attachment holes 36A 1. The first spoke SK1 extends through the first attachment hole 36a 1. The second spoke mounting portion 36B includes a plurality of second attachment holes 36B 1. The second spoke SK2 extends through the second attachment hole 36B 1. The term "spoke mounting portion" as used herein includes configurations in which the spoke mounting openings have a flange-like shape such that the spoke mounting portion extends radially outward relative to a center axis of rotation of the bicycle hub assembly, as shown in FIG. 15, as well as configurations in which the spoke mounting portion is an opening formed directly on a radially outer peripheral surface of the hub body.

The second spoke mounting portion 36B is spaced from the first spoke mounting portion 36A in the axial direction D2. The first spoke mounting portion 36A is disposed between the sprocket support body 28 and the second spoke mounting portion 36B in the axial direction D2. The second spoke mounting portion 36B is disposed between the first spoke mounting portion 36A and the brake rotor support body 34 in the axial direction D2.

The first spoke mounting portion 36A has a first axially outermost portion 36C. The second spoke mounting portion 36B has a second axially outermost portion 36D. The first axially outermost portion 36C includes a surface that faces the first frame BF1 in the axial direction D2 with the bicycle hub assembly 12 mounted to the bicycle frame BF. The second axially outermost portion 36D includes a surface that faces in the axial direction D2 toward the second frame BF2 in a state where the bicycle hub assembly 12 is mounted to the bicycle frame BF.

Hub body 36 includes a first axial length AL 1. The first axial length AL1 is defined between the first axially outermost portion 36C of the first spoke mounting portion 36A and the second axially outermost portion 36D of the second spoke mounting portion 36B in the axial direction D2 with respect to the rotational center axis a 1. The first axial length AL1 may be equal to or greater than 55 mm. The first axial length AL1 may be equal to or less than 80 mm. The first axial length AL1 may be equal to or greater than 60 mm. The first axial length AL1 may be equal to or greater than 65 mm. The first axial length AL1 may be 67 mm. However, the first axial length AL1 is not limited to this embodiment and the ranges described above. Examples of first axial length AL1 include 55.7mm, 62.3mm, and 67 mm.

As shown in fig. 15, the hub axle 30 includes a first axial frame abutment surface 30B1 and a second axial frame abutment surface 30C 1. The first axial frame abutment surface 30B1 is configured to abut against the first portion BF12 of the bicycle frame BF in the axial direction D2 with the bicycle hub assembly 12 mounted to the bicycle frame BF. The second axial frame abutment surface 30C1 is configured to abut against the second portion BF22 of the bicycle frame BF in the axial direction D2 with the bicycle hub assembly 12 mounted to the bicycle frame BF. The first axial frame abutment surface 30B1 is located closer to the sprocket support body 28 in the axial direction D2 than the second axial frame abutment surface 30C 1. The sprocket support body 28 is disposed between the first axial frame abutment surface 30B1 and the second axial frame abutment surface 30C1 in the axial direction D2.

The dram shaft 30 includes a second axial length AL 2. A second axial length AL2 is defined in the axial direction D2 between the first axial frame abutment surface 30B1 and the second axial frame abutment surface 30C 1. The second axial length AL2 may be equal to or greater than 140 mm. The second axial length AL2 may be equal to or less than 160 mm. The second axial length AL2 may be equal to or greater than 145 mm. The second axial length AL2 may be equal to or greater than 147 mm. The second axial length AL2 may be 148 mm. However, the second axial length AL2 is not limited to this embodiment and the ranges described above. Examples of second axial length AL2 include 142mm, 148mm, and 157 mm.

The ratio of the first axial length AL1 to the second axial length AL2 may be equal to or greater than 0.3. The ratio of the first axial length AL1 to the second axial length AL2 may be equal to or greater than 0.4. The ratio of the first axial length AL1 to the second axial length AL2 may be equal to or less than 0.5. For example, the ratio of the first axial length AL1(67mm) to the second axial length AL2(148mm) is about 0.45. However, the ratio of the first axial length AL1 to the second axial length AL2 is not limited to this embodiment and the ranges described above. Examples of ratios of the first axial length AL1 to the second axial length AL2 include about 0.42(AL1 is 62.3mm and AL2 is 148mm), or about 0.39(AL1 is 55.7mm and AL2 is 142 mm).

As seen in fig. 16, the sprocket support body 28 includes a first axial end 28B, a second axial end 28C and an axial sprocket abutment surface 28D. The second axial end 28C is opposite the first axial end 28B in the axial direction D2. The bicycle hub assembly 12 has an axial center plane CPL that bisects the bicycle hub assembly 12 in the axial direction D2. The axial sprocket abutment surface 28D is located closer to the axial center plane CPL of the bicycle hub assembly 12 than the first axial end 28B in the axial direction D2. The second axial end 28C is located closer to the axial center plane CPL of the bicycle hub assembly 12 than the axial sprocket abutment surface 28D in the axial direction D2. The axial center plane CPL of the bicycle hub assembly 12 is perpendicular to the rotational center axis a 1. In this embodiment, the axial sprocket abutment surface 28D is disposed on the larger diameter portion 42, however, the axial sprocket abutment surface 28D can be disposed on other portions of the bicycle hub assembly 12 as desired. The axial sprocket abutment surface 28D contacts the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 in a state where the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 is mounted on the sprocket support body 28. The axial sprocket abutment surface 28D faces the first axial end 28B in the axial direction D2.

The drum shaft 30 includes a sprocket arrangement axial length AL 3. The sprocket arrangement axial length AL3 is defined in the axial direction D2 between the first axial frame abutment surface 30B1 and the axial sprocket abutment surface 28D of the sprocket support body 28. In this embodiment, the sprocket arrangement axial length AL3 ranges from 35mm to 45 mm. For example, the sprocket arrangement axial length AL3 is 39.64 mm. For example, the sprocket arrangement axial length AL3 may also extend to 44.25mm by omitting the larger diameter portion 42. However, the sprocket arrangement axial length AL3 is not limited to this embodiment and the ranges described above.

The larger diameter portion 42 has an axial end portion 42A that is farthest from the first axial frame abutment surface 30B1 in the axial direction D2. An additional axial length AL4 is defined in the axial direction D2 from the first axial frame abutment surface 30B1 to the axial end 42A. The additional axial length AL4 ranges from 38mm to 47 mm. The additional axial length AL4 may range from 44mm to 45 mm. The additional axial length AL4 may also range from 40mm to 41 mm. In this embodiment, the additional axial length AL4 is 44.25 mm. However, the additional axial length AL4 is not limited to this embodiment and the ranges described above.

The larger diameter axial length AL5 of the larger diameter portion 42 ranges from 3mm to 6 mm. In this embodiment, the larger diameter axial length AL5 is 4.61 mm. However, the larger diameter axial length AL5 is not limited to this embodiment and the ranges described above.

The ratio of the first axial length AL1 to the sprocket arrangement axial length AL3 ranges from 1.2 to 1.7. For example, if the first axial length AL1 is 55.7mm and the sprocket arrangement axial length AL3 is 39.64mm, the ratio of the first axial length AL1 to the sprocket arrangement axial length AL3 is 1.4. However, the ratio of the first axial length AL1 to the sprocket arrangement axial length AL3 is not limited to this embodiment and the ranges described above. For example, if the first axial length AL1 is 62.3mm and the sprocket arrangement axial length AL3 is 39.64mm, the ratio of the first axial length AL1 to the sprocket arrangement axial length AL3 may be 1.57, or if the first axial length AL1 is 67mm and the sprocket arrangement axial length AL3 is 39.64mm, the ratio of the first axial length AL1 to the sprocket arrangement axial length AL3 may be 1.69.

As seen in fig. 17, the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 includes at least one sprocket. The at least one sprocket includes a smallest sprocket SP1 and a largest sprocket SP 12. The smallest sprocket SP1 can also be referred to as sprocket SP 1. The largest sprocket SP12 can also be referred to as sprocket SP 12. In this embodiment, the at least one sprocket further comprises sprockets SP2 to SP 11. The sprocket SP1 corresponds to the high gear. The sprocket SP12 corresponds to the low gear. The total number of sprockets of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 is not limited to this embodiment.

The smallest sprocket SP1 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP 1B. The total number of the at least one sprocket teeth SP1B of the smallest sprocket SP1 is equal to or less than 10. In this embodiment, the total number of the at least one sprocket tooth SP1B of the smallest sprocket SP1 is 10. However, the total number of the at least one sprocket tooth SP1B of the minimum sprocket SP1 is not limited to the embodiment and the above range.

The largest sprocket SP12 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP 12B. The total number of the at least one sprocket tooth SP12B of the largest sprocket SP12 is equal to or greater than 46. The total number of the at least one sprocket tooth SP12B of the largest sprocket SP12 is equal to or greater than 50. In this embodiment, the total number of the at least one sprocket tooth SP12B of the largest sprocket SP12 is 51. However, the total number of the at least one sprocket tooth SP12B of the largest sprocket SP12 is not limited to the embodiment and the above range.

The sprocket SP2 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP 2B. The sprocket SP3 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP 3B. The sprocket SP4 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP 4B. The sprocket SP5 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP 5B. The sprocket SP6 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP 6B. The sprocket SP7 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP 7B. The sprocket SP8 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP 8B. The sprocket SP9 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP 9B. The sprocket SP10 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP 10B. The sprocket SP11 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP 11B.

The total number of the at least one sprocket teeth SP2B is 12. The total number of the at least one sprocket teeth SP3B is 14. The total number of the at least one sprocket teeth SP4B is 16. The total number of the at least one sprocket teeth SP5B is 18. The total number of the at least one sprocket teeth SP6B is 21. The total number of the at least one sprocket teeth SP7B is 24. The total number of the at least one sprocket teeth SP8B is 28. The total number of the at least one sprocket teeth SP9B is 33. The total number of the at least one sprocket teeth SP10B is 39. The total number of the at least one sprocket teeth SP11B is 45. The total number of sprocket teeth of each of the sprockets SP2 to SP11 is not limited to this embodiment.

As shown in fig. 18, the sprockets SP1 to SP12 are members separate from each other. However, at least one of the sprockets SP1 to SP12 can be at least partially integrally provided with another one of the sprockets SP1 to SP 12. The bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 includes a sprocket support 56, a plurality of spacers 58, a first ring 59A and a second ring 59B. In the illustrated embodiment, the sprockets SP1 to SP12 are attached to the sprocket support 56. For example, the sprockets SP1 to SP12 are attached to the sprocket support 56 by a bonding structure such as an adhesive so that the weight of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 can be reduced since no metal fastening members are used.

As shown in fig. 19, the sprocket SP1 includes a sprocket body SP1A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP 1B. A plurality of sprocket teeth SP1B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP 1A. The sprocket SP2 includes a sprocket body SP2A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP 2B. A plurality of sprocket teeth SP2B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP 2A. The sprocket SP3 includes a sprocket body SP3A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP 3B. A plurality of sprocket teeth SP3B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP 3A. The sprocket SP4 includes a sprocket body SP4A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP 4B. A plurality of sprocket teeth SP4B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP 4A. The sprocket SP5 includes a sprocket body SP5A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP 5B. A plurality of sprocket teeth SP5B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP 5A. The first ring 59A is disposed between the sprocket SP3 and the sprocket SP 4. The second ring 59B is disposed between the sprocket SP4 and the sprocket SP 5.

As shown in fig. 20, the sprocket SP6 includes a sprocket body SP6A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP 6B. A plurality of sprocket teeth SP6B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP 6A. The sprocket SP7 includes a sprocket body SP7A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP 7B. A plurality of sprocket teeth SP7B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP 7A. The sprocket SP8 includes a sprocket body SP8A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP 8B. A plurality of sprocket teeth SP8B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP 8A.

As shown in fig. 21, the sprocket SP9 includes a sprocket body SP9A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP 9B. A plurality of sprocket teeth SP9B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP 9A. The sprocket SP10 includes a sprocket body SP10A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP 10B. A plurality of sprocket teeth SP10B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP 10A. The sprocket SP11 includes a sprocket body SP11A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP 11B. A plurality of sprocket teeth SP11B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP 11A. The sprocket SP12 includes a sprocket body SP12A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP 12B. A plurality of sprocket teeth SP12B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP 12A.

As shown in fig. 22, the sprocket support 56 includes a hub engaging portion 60 and a plurality of support arms 62. A plurality of support arms 62 extend radially outward from the hub engagement portion 60. The support arm 62 includes first to eighth attachment portions 62A to 62H. The plurality of spacers 58 includes a plurality of first spacers 58A, a plurality of second spacers 58B, a plurality of third spacers 58C, a plurality of fourth spacers 58D, a plurality of fifth spacers 58E, a plurality of sixth spacers 58F, and a plurality of seventh spacers 58G.

As shown in fig. 23, the first spacer 58A is disposed between the sprocket SP5 and the sprocket SP 6. The second spacer 58B is disposed between the sprocket SP6 and the sprocket SP 7. The third spacer 58C is disposed between the sprocket SP7 and the sprocket SP 8. The fourth spacer 58D is disposed between the sprocket SP8 and the sprocket SP 9. The fifth spacer 58E is disposed between the sprocket SP9 and the sprocket SP 10. The sixth spacer 58F is disposed between the sprocket SP10 and the sprocket SP 11. The seventh spacer 58G is disposed between the sprocket SP11 and the sprocket SP 12.

The sprocket SP6 and the first spacer 58A are attached to the first attachment portion 62A by a bonding structure such as an adhesive. The sprocket SP7 and the second spacer 58B are attached to the second attachment portion 62B by a bonding structure such as an adhesive. The sprocket SP8 and the third spacer 58C are attached to the third attachment portion 62C by a bonding structure such as an adhesive. The sprocket SP9 and the fourth spacer 58D are attached to the fourth attachment portion 62D by a bonding structure such as an adhesive. The sprocket SP10 and the fifth spacer 58E are attached to the fifth attachment portion 62E by a bonding structure such as an adhesive. The sprocket SP11 and the sixth spacer 58F are attached to the sixth attachment portion 62F by a bonding structure such as an adhesive. The sprocket SP12 and the seventh spacer 58G are attached to the seventh attachment portion 62G by a bonding structure such as an adhesive. The sprocket SP5 and the second ring 59B are attached to the eighth attaching portion 62H by a bonding structure such as an adhesive. The hub engaging portion 60, the sprocket SP1 through the sprocket SP4, the first ring 59A and the second ring 59B are held between the larger diameter portion 42 and the locking flange 32B of the locking ring 32 in the axial direction D2.

In this embodiment, each of the sprockets SP1 to SP12 is made of a metal material such as aluminum, iron or titanium. Each of the sprocket support 56, the first to seventh spacers 58A to 58G, the first ring 59A and the second ring 59B is made of a non-metallic material such as a resin material. However, at least one of the sprockets SP1 to SP12 can be at least partially made of a non-metallic material. At least one of the sprocket support 56, the first through seventh spacers 58A through 58G, the first and second rings 59A and 59B may be at least partially made of a metallic material such as aluminum, iron, or titanium.

At least one sprocket includes at least one internally splined tooth configured to engage the bicycle hub assembly 12. As seen in fig. 24 and 25, at least one sprocket includes at least ten internal spline teeth configured to engage the bicycle hub assembly 12. The at least one internal spline tooth includes a plurality of internal spline teeth. Thus, at least one sprocket includes a plurality of internal spline teeth configured to engage the bicycle hub assembly 12. In this embodiment, the sprocket SP1 includes at least ten internal spline teeth 64 configured to engage the bicycle hub assembly 12. In this embodiment, the sprocket SP1 includes internal spline teeth 64 configured to mesh with the external spline teeth 40 of the sprocket support body 28 of the bicycle hub assembly 12. The sprocket body SP1A has a ring shape. The inner spline teeth 64 extend radially inward from the sprocket body SP 1A.

As shown in fig. 26, the total number of at least ten internal spline teeth 64 is equal to or greater than 20. The total number of the at least ten internal spline teeth 64 is equal to or greater than 25. In this embodiment, the total number of internal spline teeth 64 is 26. However, the total number of the internal spline teeth 64 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

At least ten of the internal spline teeth 64 have a first internal pitch angle PA21 and a second internal pitch angle PA 22. At least two of the plurality of internal spline teeth 64 are circumferentially arranged at a first internal pitch angle PA21 relative to the rotational center axis A1 of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14. At least two of the plurality of internal spline teeth 64 are circumferentially arranged at a second internal pitch angle PA22 relative to the central axis of rotation a 1. In this embodiment, the second internal pitch angle PA22 is different from the first internal pitch angle PA 21. However, the second inner pitch angle PA22 may be substantially equal to the first inner pitch angle PA 21.

In this embodiment, the internal spline teeth 64 are circumferentially arranged at a first internal pitch angle PA21 in the circumferential direction D1. Two of the internal spline teeth 64 are arranged at a second internal pitch angle PA22 in the circumferential direction D1. However, at least two of the internal spline teeth 64 may be arranged at additional internal pitch angles in the circumferential direction D1.

The first internal pitch angle PA21 ranges from 10 degrees to 20 degrees. The first inner pitch angle PA21 ranges from 12 degrees to 15 degrees. The first internal pitch angle PA21 ranges from 13 degrees to 14 degrees. In this embodiment, the first internal pitch angle PA21 is 13.3 degrees. However, the first internal pitch angle PA21 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

The second internal pitch angle PA22 ranges from 5 degrees to 30 degrees. In this embodiment, the second internal pitch angle PA22 is 26 degrees. However, the second internal pitch angle PA22 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

At least one of the at least ten internal spline teeth 64 has a first spline shape that is different from a second spline shape of another of the at least ten internal spline teeth 64. At least one of the at least ten internal spline teeth 64 has a first spline dimension that is different from a second spline dimension of another of the at least ten internal spline teeth 64. At least one of the at least ten internal spline teeth 64 has a cross-sectional shape that is different from a cross-sectional shape of another of the at least ten internal spline teeth 64. However, as shown in fig. 27, the internal spline teeth 64 may have the same shape as each other. The internal spline teeth 64 may have the same dimensions as one another. The internal spline teeth 64 may have the same cross-sectional shape as each other.

As shown in fig. 28, at least one internally splined tooth 64 includes an internally splined driving surface 66 and an internally splined non-driving surface 68. The at least one internal spline tooth 64 includes a plurality of internal spline teeth 64. The plurality of internal spline teeth 64 include a plurality of internal spline drive surfaces 66 to receive a driving rotational force F1 from the bicycle hub assembly 12 (fig. 6) during pedaling. The plurality of internal spline teeth 64 includes a plurality of internal spline non-drive surfaces 68. The internally splined drive surface 66 is contactable with the sprocket support body 28 to transfer a driving rotational force F1 from the sprocket SP1 to the sprocket support body 28 during pedaling. The internally splined drive surface 66 faces in the drive rotational direction D11. The internally splined non-drive surface 68 is disposed on an opposite side of the internally splined drive surface 66 in the circumferential direction D1. The internally splined non-drive surface 68 faces in the opposite rotational direction D12, and the driving rotational force F1 is not transferred from the sprocket SP1 to the sprocket support body 28 during pedaling.

At least ten of the internal spline teeth 64 each have a circumferential maximum width MW 2. The plurality of internal spline teeth 64 each have a circumferential maximum width MW 2. The circumferential maximum width MW2 is defined as the maximum width that receives the thrust F3 applied to the internal spline teeth 64. The circumferential maximum width MW2 is defined as the linear distance based on the internally splined drive surface 66.

The internally splined drive surface 66 includes a radially outermost edge 66A and a radially innermost edge 66B. The internally splined drive surface 66 extends from a radially outermost edge 66A to a radially innermost edge 66B. A second reference circle RC21 is defined on the radially outermost edge 66A and is centered on the rotational center axis a 1. A second reference circle RC21 intersects the internally splined non-driving surface 68 at reference point 68R. The circumferential maximum width MW2 extends linearly in the circumferential direction D1 from the radially innermost edge 66B to the reference point 68R.

The inner splined non-driving surface 68 includes a radially outermost edge 68A and a radially innermost edge 68B. The inner splined non-driving surface 68 extends from a radially outermost edge 68A to a radially innermost edge 68B. Reference point 68R is disposed between radially outermost edge 68A and radially innermost edge 68B.

The sum of the circumferential maximum widths MW2 is equal to or greater than 40 mm. The sum of the circumferential maximum widths MW2 is equal to or greater than 45 mm. The sum of the circumferential maximum widths MW2 is equal to or greater than 50 mm. In this embodiment, the sum of the circumferential maximum widths MW2 is 50.8 mm. However, the sum of the circumferential maximum widths MW2 is not limited to this embodiment.

As shown in fig. 29, at least one of the internally splined teeth 64 has an internally splined bottom diameter DM 21. The at least one inner spline tooth 64 has an inner spline root circle RC22, the inner spline root circle RC22 having an inner spline base diameter DM 21. However, the inner spline root circle RC22 may have another diameter than the inner spline base diameter DM 21. The internal spline base diameter DM21 is equal to or less than 30 mm. The internal spline base diameter DM21 is equal to or greater than 25 mm. The internal spline base diameter DM21 is equal to or greater than 29 mm. In this embodiment, the internal spline base diameter DM21 is 29.8 mm. However, the internal spline base diameter DM21 is not limited to this embodiment and the ranges described above.

At least one of the internal spline teeth 64 has an internal spline crest diameter DM22, the internal spline crest diameter DM22 is equal to or less than 28 mm. The internal spline crest diameter DM22 is equal to or greater than 25 mm. The internal spline crest diameter DM22 is equal to or greater than 27 mm. In this embodiment, the internal spline crest diameter DM22 is 27.7 mm. However, the internal spline crest diameter DM22 is not limited to this embodiment and the ranges described above.

As shown in fig. 28, the plurality of internally splined drive surfaces 66 includes a radially outermost edge 66A and a radially innermost edge 66B. The plurality of inner spline drive surfaces 66 each include a radial length RL21 defined from a radially outermost edge 66A to a radially innermost edge 66B. The sum of the radial lengths RL21 of the plurality of internal spline drive surfaces 66 is equal to or greater than 7 mm. The sum of the radial lengths RL21 is equal to or greater than 10 mm. The sum of the radial lengths RL21 is equal to or greater than 15 mm. In this embodiment, the sum of the radial lengths RL21 is 19.5 mm. However, the sum of the radial lengths RL21 is not limited to this embodiment and the ranges described above.

The plurality of internal spline teeth 64 have an additional radial length RL 22. Additional radial lengths RL22 are defined from the inner spline tooth root circle RC22 to the radially innermost ends 64A of the plurality of inner spline teeth 64, respectively. The sum of the additional radial lengths RL22 is equal to or greater than 12 mm. In this embodiment, the sum of the additional radial lengths RL22 is 27.95 mm. However, the sum of the additional radial lengths RL22 is not limited to this embodiment and the ranges described above.

At least one of the internal spline teeth 64 has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the circumferential tip centerline CL 2. The circumferential tip center line CL2 is a line connecting the rotational center axis a1 and the circumferential center point CP2 of the radially innermost end portion 64A of the inner spline tooth 64. However, at least one of the internal spline teeth 64 may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the circumferential tip center line CL 2. At least one of the internally splined teeth 64 includes an internally splined driving surface 66 and an internally splined non-driving surface 68.

The internally splined drive surface 66 has a first internally splined surface angle AG 21. A first internal spline surface angle AG21 is defined between internal spline drive surface 66 and a first radial line L21. The first radial line L21 extends from the rotational center axis a1 of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 to the radially outermost edge 66A of the internally splined driving surface 66. A first internal pitch angle PA21 or a second internal pitch angle PA22 is defined between adjacent first radial lines L21 (see, e.g., fig. 26).

The internally splined non-drive surface 68 has a second internally splined surface angle AG 22. A second internally splined surface angle AG22 is defined between internally splined non-drive surface 68 and a second radial line L22. The second radial line L22 extends from the rotational center axis a1 of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 to the radially outermost edge 68A of the inner splined non-driving surface 68.

In this embodiment, second internally splined surface angle AG22 is different from first internally splined surface angle AG 21. First internal spline surface angle AG21 is less than second internal spline surface angle AG 22. However, first internal spline surface angle AG21 may be equal to or greater than second internal spline surface angle AG 22.

The first internal spline surface angle AG21 ranges from 0 degrees to 10 degrees. Second internal spline surface angle AG22 ranges from 0 degrees to 60 degrees. In this embodiment, first internally splined surface angle AG21 is 5 degrees. Second internally splined surface angle AG22 is 45 degrees. However, first and second internal spline surface angles AG21 and AG22 are not limited to this embodiment and the ranges described above.

As shown in fig. 30, the internal spline teeth 64 mesh with the external spline teeth 40 to transmit the driving rotational force F1 from the sprocket SP1 to the sprocket support body 28. The internally splined drive surface 66 is contactable with the externally splined drive surface 48 to transfer a driving rotational force F1 from the sprocket SP1 to the sprocket support body 28. With the inner spline drive surfaces 66 in contact with the outer spline drive surfaces 48, the inner spline non-drive surfaces 68 are spaced from the outer spline non-drive surfaces 50.

As shown in fig. 31, the sprocket SP2 includes a plurality of internal spline teeth 70. The sprocket SP3 includes a plurality of internally splined teeth 72. The sprocket SP4 includes a plurality of internally splined teeth 74. The first ring 59A includes a plurality of internal spline teeth 76. As shown in fig. 32, the hub engaging portion 60 of the sprocket support 56 includes a plurality of internal spline teeth 78. The plurality of internal spline teeth 70 have substantially the same structure as the plurality of internal spline teeth 64. The plurality of internal spline teeth 72 have substantially the same structure as the plurality of internal spline teeth 64. The plurality of internal spline teeth 74 have substantially the same structure as the plurality of internal spline teeth 64. The plurality of internal spline teeth 76 have substantially the same structure as the plurality of internal spline teeth 64. The plurality of internal spline teeth 78 have substantially the same structure as the plurality of internal spline teeth 64. Therefore, they will not be described in detail herein for the sake of brevity.

As shown in fig. 9 and 10, the sprocket support body 28 includes a hub indicator 28I provided at an axial end of the base support 41. When viewed along the rotational center axis a1, the hub indicator 28I is disposed in the area of the second outer pitch angle PA 12. In this embodiment, the hub indicator 28I comprises dots. However, the hub indicator 28I may include other shapes such as a triangle and a line. Further, the hub indicator 28I may be a separate member that is attached to the sprocket support body 28, for example, by a bonding structure such as an adhesive. The position of the hub indicator 28I is not limited to this embodiment.

As seen in fig. 26 and 27, the sprocket SP1 includes a sprocket indicator SP1I disposed at an axial end of the sprocket body SP 1A. The sprocket indicator SP1I is disposed in the area of the second inner pitch angle PA22 when viewed along the rotational center axis a 1. In this embodiment, sprocket indicator SP1I comprises dots. However, sprocket indicator SP1I can comprise other shapes such as triangles and lines. Further, the sprocket indicator SP1I can be a separate member that is attached to the sprocket SP1, for example, by a bonding structure such as an adhesive. The position of the sprocket indicator SP1I is not limited to this embodiment. The sprocket indicator SP1I may be provided to any one of the other sprockets SP2 to SP 12. Sprocket indicator SP1I can also be provided to sprocket support 56.

As shown in fig. 33, the freewheel structure 38 includes a first ratchet member 80 and a second ratchet member 82. The first ratchet member 80 is configured to be in torque transmitting engagement with one of the hub body 36 and the sprocket support body 28. The second ratchet member 82 is configured to be in torque transmitting engagement with the other of the hub body 36 and the sprocket support body 28. In this embodiment, the first ratchet member 80 is in torque transmitting engagement with the sprocket support body 28. The second ratchet member 82 is engaged with the hub body 36 in a torque transmitting manner. However, the first ratchet member 80 may be configured to engage the hub body 36 in a torque transmitting manner. The second ratchet member 82 can be configured to engage the sprocket support body 28 in a torque transmitting manner.

The first ratchet member 80 is mounted to the sprocket support body 28 for rotation with the sprocket support body 28 relative to the hub body 36 about a central axis of rotation a 1. The second ratchet member 82 is mounted to the hub body 36 for rotation with the hub body 36 relative to the sprocket support body 28 about the rotational center axis a 1. Each of the first and second ratchet members 80, 82 has an annular shape.

At least one of the first and second ratchet members 80, 82 is movable relative to the drum shaft 30 in an axial direction D2 about a central axis of rotation a 1. In this embodiment, each of the first and second ratchet members 80, 82 is movable in the axial direction D2 relative to the dram shaft 30. The second ratchet member 82 is movable in the axial direction D2 relative to the hub body 36. The first ratchet member 80 is movable in the axial direction D2 relative to the sprocket support body 28.

The hub body 36 includes a flywheel housing 36H having an annular shape. The flywheel housing 36H extends in the axial direction D2. The first and second ratchet members 80, 82 are disposed in the flywheel housing 36H in an assembled state.

As shown in fig. 34, the first ratchet member 80 includes at least one first ratchet tooth 80A. In this embodiment, the at least one first ratchet tooth 80A includes a plurality of first ratchet teeth 80A. The plurality of first ratchet teeth 80A are arranged in the circumferential direction D1 to provide a sawtooth.

As shown in fig. 35, the second ratchet member 82 includes at least one second ratchet tooth 82A configured to be torque-transmitting engaged with the at least one first ratchet tooth 80A. The at least one second ratchet tooth 82A engages the at least one first ratchet tooth 80A to transfer the rotational force F1 from the sprocket support body 28 to the hub body 36 (FIG. 33). In this embodiment, the at least one second ratchet tooth 82A includes a plurality of second ratchet teeth 82A configured to be torque transmitting engaged with the plurality of first ratchet teeth 80A. The plurality of second ratchet teeth 82A are arranged in the circumferential direction D1 to provide a saw tooth. The second plurality of ratchet teeth 82A are engageable with the first plurality of ratchet teeth 80A. With the second ratchet teeth 82A engaged with the first ratchet teeth 80A, the first and second ratchet members 80, 82 rotate together.

As seen in fig. 34 and 35, the sprocket support body 28 includes an outer peripheral surface 28P having a first helical spline 28H. The first ratchet member 80 is configured to be torque-transmitting engaged with the sprocket support body 28 and includes a second helical spline 80H that mates with the first helical spline 28H. During driving by the first thrust force applied from the sprocket support body 28, the first ratchet member 80 is movably mounted relative to the sprocket support body 28 in the axial direction D2 via the mating of the second helical spline 80H with the first helical spline 28H. In this embodiment, the first helical spline 28H includes a plurality of helical external spline teeth 46. The second helical spline 80H includes a plurality of helical internal spline teeth 80H1 that mate with the plurality of helical external spline teeth 46.

As shown in fig. 36, the hub body 36 includes an inner peripheral surface 36S and at least one first tooth 36T. At least one first tooth 36T is provided on the inner peripheral surface 36S. In this embodiment, the flywheel housing 36H includes an inner peripheral surface 36S. The hub body 36 includes a plurality of first teeth 36T. A plurality of first teeth 36T are provided on the inner peripheral surface 36S and extend radially inward from the inner peripheral surface 36S with respect to the rotational center axis a 1. The first teeth 36T are arranged in the circumferential direction D1 to define a plurality of recesses 36R between adjacent ones of the first teeth 36T.

The second ratchet member 82 is engaged with the hub body 36 in a torque transmitting manner. The second ratchet member 82 includes a drum body engagement portion 82E, the drum body engagement portion 82E being torque-transmitting engaged with the drum body 36 to transmit the rotational force F1 from the first ratchet member 80 to the drum body 36 via the drum body engagement portion 82E. One of the drum body engagement portion 82E and the drum body 36 includes at least one projection extending radially relative to the center axis of rotation a1 of the bicycle drum assembly 12. The other of the drum body engagement portion 82E and the drum body 36 includes at least one recess that engages with the at least one projection. In this embodiment, the hub body engagement portion 82E includes at least one projection 82T extending radially as at least one projection. The hub body 36 includes at least one recess 36R that engages with the at least one projection 82T. In this embodiment, the hub body engagement portion 82E includes a plurality of projections 82T. The plurality of projections 82T engage with the plurality of recesses 36R.

As shown in fig. 35, the sprocket support body 28 has a guide portion 28G provided on the outer peripheral surface 28P to guide the first ratchet member 80 toward the hub body 36 during coasting. The guide portion 28G is preferably arranged to define an obtuse angle AG28 (fig. 41) with respect to the first helical spline 28H. The sprocket support body 28 includes a plurality of guide portions 28G. The guide portion 28G is configured to guide the first ratchet member 80 toward the hub body 36 during coasting or freewheeling. During coasting, the guide portion 28G guides the first ratchet member 80 toward the drum body 36 to release the engagement between the at least one first ratchet tooth 80A (fig. 34) and the at least one second ratchet tooth 82A. The guide portion 28G is configured to move the first ratchet member 80 away from the second ratchet member 82 in the axial direction D2. The guide portion 28G extends at least in the circumferential direction D1 relative to the sprocket support body 28. The guide portion 28G extends from one of the plurality of helical male spline teeth 46 at least in the circumferential direction D1. Although the guide portion 28G is provided integrally with the helical external spline teeth 46 as a one-piece, unitary member in this embodiment, the guide portion 28G may be a separate member from the plurality of helical external spline teeth 46. During coasting, the first and second ratchet members 80, 82 are smoothly disengaged from each other due to the guide portion 28G, particularly if the guide portion 28G is arranged to define an obtuse angle AG28 with respect to the first helical spline 28H. This also results in reduced noise during coasting, as the at least one first ratchet tooth 80A and the at least one second ratchet tooth 82A are smoothly separated from each other during coasting.

As seen in fig. 33, the bicycle hub assembly 12 further includes a biasing member 84. The biasing member 84 is disposed between the hub body 36 and the first ratchet member 80 to bias the first ratchet member 80 in the axial direction D2 toward the second ratchet member 82. In this embodiment, for example, the biasing member 84 is a compression spring.

As seen in fig. 37, the biasing member 84 is compressed between the hub body 36 and the first ratchet member 80 in the axial direction D2. The biasing member 84 biases the first ratchet member 80 toward the second ratchet member 82 to maintain an engaged state in which the first and second ratchet members 80, 82 are engaged with each other via the first and second ratchet teeth 80A, 82A.

Preferably, biasing member 84 is engaged with hub body 36 for rotation with hub body 36. The biasing member 84 is mounted to the hub body 36 for rotation with the hub body 36 about the rotational center axis a1 (fig. 33). The biasing member 84 includes a coiled body 84A and a connecting end 84B. The hub body 36 includes a connection hole 36F. The connecting end portion 84B is disposed in the connecting hole 36F such that the biasing member 84 rotates about the rotational center axis a1 (fig. 33) together with the hub body 36.

As seen in fig. 37, the outer peripheral surface 28P of the sprocket support body 28 supports a first ratchet member 80 and a second ratchet member 82. The first ratchet member 80 includes an axially facing surface 80S facing in the axial direction D2. At least one first ratchet tooth 80A is provided on an axially facing surface 80S of the first ratchet member 80. In this embodiment, a plurality of first ratchet teeth 80A are provided on an axially facing surface 80S of the first ratchet member 80. The axially facing surface 80S is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction D2. However, the axially facing surface 80S may not be perpendicular to the axial direction D2.

The second ratchet member 82 includes an axially facing surface 82S that faces in the axial direction D2. At least one second ratchet tooth 82A is provided on an axially facing surface 82S of the second ratchet member 82. A plurality of second ratchet teeth 82A are provided on an axially facing surface 82S of the second ratchet member 82. An axially facing surface 82S of the second ratchet member 82 faces the axially facing surface 80S of the first ratchet member 80. The axially facing surface 82S is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction D2. However, the axially facing surface 82S may not be perpendicular to the axial direction D2.

As seen in fig. 33, the bicycle hub assembly 12 includes a spacer 86, a support member 88, a slide member 90, an additional biasing member 92 and a receiving member 94. However, at least one of the spacer 86, the support member 88, the slide member 90, the additional biasing member 92 and the receiving member 94 can be omitted from the bicycle hub assembly 12.

As shown in fig. 37 and 38, the spacer 86 is at least partially disposed between the at least one first tooth 36T and the at least one protrusion 82T in a circumferential direction D1 defined about the central axis of rotation a 1. In this embodiment, the spacer 86 is partially disposed between the first tooth 36T and the protrusion 82T in the circumferential direction D1. However, the spacers 86 may be disposed entirely between the first teeth 36T and the projections 82T in the circumferential direction D1.

As shown in fig. 38-40, the spacer 86 includes at least one intermediate portion 86A disposed between the at least one first tooth 36T and the at least one protrusion 82T. The at least one intermediate portion 86A is disposed between the at least one first tooth 36T and the at least one protrusion 82T in the circumferential direction D1. In this embodiment, the spacer 86 includes a plurality of intermediate portions 86A disposed between the first teeth 36T and the projections 82T, respectively, in the circumferential direction D1. Although the spacer 86 includes a plurality of intermediate portions 86A in this embodiment, the spacer 86 may include one intermediate portion 86A.

As shown in fig. 39 and 40, the spacer 86 includes a connecting portion 86B. The plurality of intermediate portions 86A extend from the connecting portion 86B in an axial direction D2 that is parallel to the rotational center axis a 1. Although the spacer 86 includes the connection portion 86B in this embodiment, the spacer 86 may omit the connection portion 86B.

The spacer 86 comprises a non-metallic material. In this embodiment, the non-metallic material comprises a resin material. Examples of the resin material include synthetic resins. The non-metallic material may include a material other than a resin material instead of or in addition to a resin material. Although in this embodiment, the intermediate portion 86A and the connecting portion 86B are provided integrally with each other as a one-piece, unitary member, at least one of the intermediate portions 86A may be a portion separate from the connecting portion 86B.

As shown in fig. 37 and 38, a plurality of intermediate portions 86A are provided between the inner peripheral surface 36S of the hub body 36 and the outer peripheral surface 82P of the second ratchet member 82 in the radial direction.

As shown in fig. 37, the support member 88 is disposed between the hub body 36 and the second ratchet member 82 in the axial direction D2. The support member 88 is attached to the second ratchet member 82. The support member 88 is disposed radially outward of the first ratchet member 80. The support member 88 is contactable with the first ratchet member 80. The support member 88 preferably comprises a non-metallic material. The support member 88 made of a non-metallic material reduces noise during operation of the bicycle hub assembly 12. In this embodiment, the non-metallic material comprises a resin material. The non-metallic material may include a material other than a resin material instead of or in addition to a resin material.

The slide member 90 is disposed between the sprocket support body 28 and the second ratchet member 82 in an axial direction D2 that is parallel to the rotational center axis a 1. The second ratchet member 82 is disposed between the first ratchet member 80 and the slide member 90 in the axial direction D2. The sliding member 90 preferably comprises a non-metallic material. The sliding member 90, which is made of a non-metallic material, reduces noise during operation of the bicycle hub assembly 12. In this embodiment, the non-metallic material comprises a resin material. The non-metallic material may include a material other than a resin material instead of or in addition to a resin material.

The sprocket support body 28 includes an abutment 28E to abut the second ratchet member 82 to limit axial movement of the second ratchet member 82 away from the hub body 36. In this embodiment, the abutment 28E may indirectly abut the second ratchet member 82 via the slide member 90. Alternatively, the abutment 28E may directly abut the second ratchet member 82. The first ratchet member 80 is disposed on an axial side of the second ratchet member 82 opposite the abutment 28E of the sprocket support body 28 in the axial direction D2. The slide member 90 is disposed between the abutment 28E of the sprocket support body 28 and the second ratchet member 82 in the axial direction D2.

As seen in fig. 37, an additional biasing member 92 is disposed between the hub body 36 and the second ratchet member 82 in the axial direction D2 to bias the second ratchet member 82 toward the sprocket support body 28. In this embodiment, the additional biasing member 92 biases the second ratchet member 82 in the axial direction D2 via the support member 88. An additional biasing member 92 is disposed radially outward of the biasing member 84. In this embodiment, the additional biasing member 92 is disposed radially outward of the plurality of second ratchet teeth 82A.

The receiving member 94 comprises a non-metallic material. The receiving member 94, which is made of a non-metallic material, prevents the biasing member 84 from being excessively twisted during operation of the bicycle hub assembly 12. In this embodiment, the non-metallic material comprises a resin material. The non-metallic material may include a material other than a resin material instead of or in addition to a resin material. The receiving member 94 includes an axial receiving portion 96 and a radial receiving portion 98. The axial receiving portion 96 is disposed between the first ratchet member 80 and the biasing member 84 in the axial direction D2. The radial receiving portion 98 extends from the axial receiving portion 96 in the axial direction D2. The radial receiving portion 98 is disposed radially inward of the biasing member 84. The axial receiving portion 96 and the radial receiving portion 98 are provided integrally with each other as a one-piece, unitary member. However, the axial receiving portion 96 may be a separate member from the radial receiving portion 98.

As seen in fig. 37, the bicycle hub assembly 12 includes a seal structure 100. The seal structure 100 is disposed between the sprocket support body 28 and the hub body 36. The hub body 36 includes an interior space 102. Each of the sprocket support body 28, the biasing member 84, the first ratchet member 80 and the second ratchet member 82 is at least partially disposed in the interior space 102 of the hub body 36. The interior space 102 is sealed by the sealing structure 100. In this embodiment, no lubricant is provided in the interior space 102. However, the bicycle hub assembly 12 can include a lubricant disposed in the interior space 102. Each of the gaps between the components disposed in the interior space 102 may be reduced if no lubricant is provided as compared to a case where the bicycle hub assembly 12 may include a lubricant disposed in the interior space 102.

The operation of the bicycle hub assembly 12 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 37, 41 and 42.

As shown in fig. 37, the axial direction D2 includes a first axial direction D21 and a second axial direction D22 opposite the first axial direction D21. The biasing force F5 is applied from the biasing member 84 to the receiving member 94 in the first axial direction D21. The biasing force F5 of the biasing member 84 biases the receiving member 94, the first ratchet member 80, the second ratchet member 82, and the slide member 90 in the first axial direction D21 toward the sprocket support body 28. This causes the first ratchet teeth 80A to engage the second ratchet teeth 82A.

Further, as shown in fig. 41, when the pedaling torque T1 is input to the sprocket support body 28 in the driving rotation direction D11, the helical inner spline teeth 80H1 are guided by the helical outer spline teeth 46 relative to the sprocket support body 28 in the first axial direction D21. This securely engages the first ratchet teeth 80A with the second ratchet teeth 82A. In this state, the pedaling torque T1 is transmitted from the sprocket support body 28 to the hub body 36 (fig. 37) via the first and second ratchet members 80 and 82 (fig. 37).

As shown in fig. 41, during coasting, the first ratchet member 80 contacts the guide portion 28G to disengage the second ratchet member 82 and generate a rotational frictional force F6 between the biasing member 84 (fig. 37) and the first ratchet member 80. As shown in fig. 42, during coasting, a coasting torque T2 is applied to the hub body 36 in the driving rotation direction D11. The coasting torque T2 is transmitted from the hub body 36 (fig. 37) to the first ratchet member 80 via the second ratchet member 82 (fig. 37). At this time, the helical inner spline teeth 80H1 are guided by the helical outer spline teeth 46 in the second axial direction D22 relative to the sprocket support body 28. This causes the first ratchet member 80 to move in the second axial direction D22 relative to the sprocket support body 28 against the biasing force F5. Thus, the first ratchet member 80 moves away from the second ratchet member 82 in the second axial direction D22, resulting in a weakened engagement between the first and second ratchet teeth 80A, 82A. This allows the second ratchet member 82 to rotate relative to the first ratchet member 80 in the drive rotational direction D11, preventing the transmission of the coasting torque T2 from the hub body 36 to the sprocket support body 28 via the first and second ratchet members 80, 82. At this time, the first and second ratchet teeth 80A and 82A slide in the circumferential direction D1.

Second embodiment

A bicycle hub assembly 212 in accordance with a second embodiment will now be described with reference to fig. 43 and 44. The bicycle hub assembly 212 has the same structure and/or configuration as the bicycle hub assembly 12, except for the hub body 36. Accordingly, elements having substantially the same function as elements in the first embodiment will be numbered the same herein and will not be described and/or illustrated in detail herein for the sake of brevity.

As seen in fig. 43, the bicycle hub assembly 212 includes a hub body 236. The hub body 236 is rotatably mounted on the hub axle 30 about a center axis of rotation A1 of the bicycle hub assembly 212. The hub body 236 has substantially the same structure as the hub body 36 of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the hub body 236 includes a first spoke mounting portion 236A and a second spoke mounting portion 236B. The first spoke mounting portion 236A has substantially the same structure as the first spoke mounting portion 36A of the first embodiment. The second spoke mounting portion 236B has substantially the same structure as the second spoke mounting portion 36B of the first embodiment.

The first spoke mounting portion 236A includes a plurality of first attachment holes 36A1 and a plurality of first recesses 236A 2. The plurality of first recesses 236A2 are disposed on an outer periphery of the first spoke mounting portion 236A. The plurality of first recesses 236a2 are arranged in the circumferential direction D1.

The second spoke mounting portion 236B includes a plurality of second attachment holes 36B1 and a plurality of second recesses 236B 2. A plurality of second recesses 236B2 are provided on the outer periphery of the second spoke mounting portion 236B. The plurality of second recesses 236B2 are arranged in the circumferential direction D1.

As shown in fig. 44, the plurality of first attachment holes 36a1 are arranged at a constant pitch in the circumferential direction D1. The plurality of first recesses 236a2 are arranged at a constant pitch in the circumferential direction D1. When viewed along the rotation center axis a1, the circumferential position of the first recess 236a2 is offset from the circumferential position of the first attachment hole 36a1 in the circumferential direction D1. The first recess 236a2 is disposed between two adjacent holes of the plurality of first attachment holes 36a1 in the circumferential direction D1.

The plurality of second attachment holes 36B1 are arranged at a constant pitch in the circumferential direction D1. The plurality of second recesses 236B2 are arranged at a constant pitch in the circumferential direction D1. When viewed along the rotation center axis a1, the circumferential position of the second recess 236B2 is offset from the circumferential position of the second attachment hole 36B1 in the circumferential direction D1. The second recess 236B2 is disposed between two adjacent holes of the plurality of second attachment holes 36B1 in the circumferential direction D1.

The first spoke mounting portion 236A has a first outer diameter DM 236A. The second spoke mounting portion 236B has a second outer diameter DM 236B. Because the freewheel structure 38 needs to be disposed radially inward from the first spoke mounting portion 236A relative to the center axis of rotation A1, the first outer diameter DM236A is greater than the second outer diameter DM 236B. However, the first outer diameter DM236A may be equal to or less than the second outer diameter DM 236B.

The plurality of first attachment holes 36a1 are disposed radially outward of the second spoke mounting portion 236B when viewed along the rotational center axis a 1. The plurality of first attachment holes 36a1 are disposed radially outward of the plurality of second attachment holes 36B1 and the plurality of second recesses 236B2 when viewed along the rotational center axis a 1.

The circumferential position of the second recess 236B2 is substantially the same as the circumferential position of the first attachment hole 36a1 when viewed along the rotational center axis a 1. The circumferential position of the first recess 236a2 is substantially the same as the circumferential position of the second attachment hole 36B1 when viewed along the rotational center axis a 1. This circumferential positional relationship between the first recess 236a2 and the second attachment hole 36B1 allows the spokes to be easily and smoothly mounted to the second spoke mounting portion 236B.

Variants

As shown in fig. 45, in the above-described embodiment, the male spline teeth 40 may include grooves 40G disposed between the male spline driving surfaces 48 and the male spline non-driving surfaces 50 in the circumferential direction D1. The slots 40G reduce the weight of the bicycle hub assembly 12 or 212.

As shown in fig. 46, in the above-described embodiment, the internally splined teeth 64 may include a groove 64G disposed in the circumferential direction D1 between the internally splined driving surface 66 and the internally splined non-driving surface 68. The slots 64G reduce the weight of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14.

The term "comprises/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, e.g., the terms "having," "including," and their derivatives.

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

Ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" recited in this application are merely labels, but do not have other meanings, e.g., a particular order, etc. Further, for example, the term "first element" does not itself imply the presence of "second element", and the term "second element" does not itself imply the presence of "first element".

The term "pair" as used herein may include configurations in which a pair of elements have different shapes or structures from each other, except for configurations in which a pair of elements have the same shape or structure as each other.

The terms "a", "an", "one or more" and "at least one" may be used interchangeably herein.

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 numerical values described in this application may be construed to include terms such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately".

Obviously, many 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.

Claims (61)

1. A bicycle hub assembly comprising:

a hub shaft;

a hub body rotatably mounted on the hub axle about a center axis of rotation of the bicycle hub assembly;

a sprocket support body rotatably mounted on the drum shaft about the center axis of rotation, the sprocket support body including at least ten externally splined teeth configured to engage a bicycle rear sprocket assembly, each of the at least ten externally splined teeth having an externally splined driving surface and an externally splined non-driving surface; and

a flywheel construction, the flywheel construction comprising:

a first ratchet member comprising at least one first ratchet tooth; and

a second ratchet member including at least one second ratchet tooth configured to be in torque-transmitting engagement with the at least one first ratchet tooth, the first ratchet member being configured to be in torque-transmitting engagement with one of the drum body and the sprocket support body, the second ratchet member being configured to be in torque-transmitting engagement with the other of the drum body and the sprocket support body, at least one of the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member being movable relative to the drum shaft in an axial direction about the central axis of rotation;

wherein the at least ten externally splined teeth comprise a plurality of externally splined drive surfaces to receive driving rotational force from the bicycle rear sprocket assembly during pedaling,

the externally splined drive surfaces each comprise:

a radially outermost edge;

a radially innermost edge; and

a radial length defined from the radially outermost edge to the radially innermost edge, an

The sum of the radial lengths of the plurality of externally splined drive surfaces is equal to or greater than 7mm,

at least one of the plurality of externally splined drive surfaces has a first externally splined surface angle defined between the at least one of the plurality of externally splined drive surfaces and a first radial line extending from the central axis of rotation to the radially outermost edge of the at least one of the plurality of externally splined drive surfaces; and

the first external spline surface angle ranges from 0 degrees to 10 degrees.

2. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 1,

the total number of the at least ten external spline teeth is equal to or greater than 20.

3. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 1,

the total number of the at least ten external spline teeth is equal to or greater than 25.

4. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 1,

the at least ten external spline teeth have a first external pitch angle and a second external pitch angle different from the first external pitch angle.

5. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 1,

the sprocket support body includes a plurality of external spline teeth configured to engage the bicycle rear sprocket assembly,

at least two of the plurality of external spline teeth are circumferentially arranged at a first external pitch angle relative to the central axis of rotation, an

The first outer pitch angle ranges from 10 degrees to 20 degrees.

6. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 5,

the first outer pitch angle ranges from 12 degrees to 15 degrees.

7. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 1,

the at least one first ratchet tooth is disposed on an axially facing surface of the first ratchet member,

the at least one second ratchet tooth is disposed on an axially facing surface of the second ratchet member, an

An axially facing surface of the second ratchet member faces an axially facing surface of the first ratchet member.

8. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 1,

the sprocket support body includes an outer peripheral surface having a first helical spline, an

The first ratchet member is configured to be torque-transmitting engaged with the sprocket support body and includes a second helical spline that mates with the first helical spline.

9. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 8,

the first ratchet member is movably mounted relative to the sprocket support body in the axial direction via engagement of the second helical spline with the first helical spline during driving by a first thrust force applied from the sprocket support body.

10. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 1,

the at least one second ratchet tooth engages the at least one first ratchet tooth to transfer rotational force from the sprocket support body to the hub body.

11. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 8,

the sprocket support body has a guide portion disposed on the outer peripheral surface to guide the first ratchet member toward the hub body during coasting.

12. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 11,

during coasting, the guide portion guides the first ratchet member towards the hub body to release the engagement between the at least one first ratchet tooth and the at least one second ratchet tooth.

13. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 11,

the guide portion extends at least in a circumferential direction relative to the sprocket support body.

14. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 11,

the guide portion is arranged to define an obtuse angle with respect to the first helical spline.

15. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 1,

the second ratchet member includes a hub body engagement portion that is engaged with the hub body in a torque transmitting manner to transmit a rotational force from the first ratchet member to the hub body via the hub body engagement portion.

16. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 15,

one of the drum body engagement portion and the drum body includes at least one projection extending radially with respect to the rotational center axis, and

the other of the drum body engagement portion and the drum body includes at least one recess that engages the at least one projection.

17. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 1, further comprising

A biasing member disposed between the hub body and the first ratchet member to bias the first ratchet member in the axial direction toward the second ratchet member.

18. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 11, further comprising

A biasing member disposed between the hub body and the first ratchet member to bias the first ratchet member in the axial direction toward the second ratchet member,

the second ratchet member is in torque transmitting engagement with the hub body,

the biasing member is engaged with the hub body to rotate therewith, an

During coasting, the first ratchet member contacts the guide portion to disengage the second ratchet member and generate rotational friction between the biasing member and the first ratchet member.

19. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 1,

the at least one first ratchet tooth comprises a plurality of first ratchet teeth, an

The at least one second ratchet tooth comprises a plurality of second ratchet teeth.

20. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 1,

each of the first and second ratchet members has an annular shape.

21. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 1,

the sprocket support body includes an abutment to abut the second ratchet member to limit axial movement of the second ratchet member away from the hub body, and

the first ratchet member is disposed on an axial side of the second ratchet member opposite the abutment of the sprocket support body in the axial direction.

22. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 21, further comprising

A biasing member disposed between the hub body and the first ratchet member to bias the first ratchet member in the axial direction toward the second ratchet member.

23. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 22,

the hub body comprises an inner space,

the outer peripheral surface of the sprocket support body supports the first and second ratchet members, an

Each of the sprocket support body, the biasing member, the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member is at least partially disposed in the interior space of the hub body.

24. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 1,

the hub body includes:

a first spoke mounting portion having a first axially outermost portion;

a second spoke mounting portion having a second axially outermost portion; and

a first axial length defined in the axial direction between the first axially outermost portion of the first spoke mounting portion and the second axially outermost portion of the second spoke mounting portion, the first axial length being equal to or greater than 55 mm.

25. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 24,

the first axial length is equal to or greater than 60 mm.

26. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 24,

the first axial length is equal to or greater than 65 mm.

27. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 24,

the hub shaft includes:

a first axial frame abutment surface configured to abut against a first portion of a bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state in which the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame;

a second axial frame abutment surface configured to abut against a second portion of the bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state in which the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame; and

a second axial length defined in the axial direction between the first and second axial frame abutment surfaces, the second axial length being equal to or greater than 140 mm.

28. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 24,

the hub shaft includes:

a first axial frame abutment surface configured to abut against a first portion of a bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state in which the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame;

a second axial frame abutment surface configured to abut against a second portion of the bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state in which the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame; and

a second axial length defined in the axial direction between the first and second axial frame abutment surfaces, the second axial length being equal to or greater than 145 mm.

29. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 24,

the hub shaft includes:

a first axial frame abutment surface configured to abut against a first portion of a bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state in which the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame;

a second axial frame abutment surface configured to abut against a second portion of the bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state in which the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame; and

a second axial length defined in the axial direction between the first axial frame abutment surface and the second axial frame abutment surface, the second axial length being equal to or greater than 147 mm.

30. A bicycle hub assembly comprising:

a hub shaft;

a hub body rotatably mounted on the hub axle about a center axis of rotation of the bicycle hub assembly;

a sprocket support body rotatably mounted on the drum shaft about the rotational center axis, the sprocket support body including a plurality of external spline teeth configured to engage a bicycle rear sprocket assembly, the plurality of external spline teeth having an external spline top diameter equal to or less than 30 mm;

wherein the plurality of externally splined teeth comprise a plurality of externally splined drive surfaces to receive a driving rotational force from the bicycle rear sprocket assembly during pedaling,

the plurality of externally splined drive surfaces each comprise:

the radially outermost edge of the outer casing is,

the radially innermost edge, and

a radial length defined from the radially outermost edge to the radially innermost edge, an

A sum of the radial lengths of the plurality of external spline drive surfaces is equal to or greater than 7 mm;

at least one of the plurality of externally splined drive surfaces has a first externally splined surface angle defined between the at least one of the plurality of externally splined drive surfaces and a first radial line extending from the central axis of rotation to the radially outermost edge of the at least one of the plurality of externally splined drive surfaces; and

the first external spline surface angle ranges from 0 degrees to 10 degrees; and

a flywheel construction, the flywheel construction comprising:

a first ratchet member comprising at least one first ratchet tooth; and

a second ratchet member including at least one second ratchet tooth configured to be in torque-transmitting engagement with the at least one first ratchet tooth, the first ratchet member being configured to be in torque-transmitting engagement with one of the drum body and the sprocket support body, the second ratchet member being configured to be in torque-transmitting engagement with the other of the drum body and the sprocket support body, at least one of the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member being movable relative to the drum shaft in an axial direction about the central axis of rotation.

31. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 30, further comprising:

a brake rotor support body including at least one additional external spline tooth configured to engage a bicycle brake rotor, the at least one additional external spline tooth having an additional external spline crest diameter that is greater than the external spline crest diameter.

32. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 30,

the external spline top diameter is equal to or larger than 25 mm.

33. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 30,

the external spline top diameter is equal to or larger than 29 mm.

34. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 30,

the at least one external spline tooth has an external spline base diameter, an

The bottom diameter of the external spline is equal to or less than 28 mm.

35. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 34,

the bottom diameter of the external spline is equal to or larger than 25 mm.

36. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 34,

the bottom diameter of the external spline is equal to or larger than 27 mm.

37. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 30,

the sum of the radial lengths is equal to or greater than 10 mm.

38. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 30,

the sum of the radial lengths being equal to or greater than 15 mm.

39. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 30,

the at least one first ratchet tooth is disposed on an axially facing surface of the first ratchet member,

the at least one second ratchet tooth is disposed on an axially facing surface of the second ratchet member, an

An axially facing surface of the second ratchet member faces an axially facing surface of the first ratchet member.

40. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 30,

the sprocket support body includes an outer peripheral surface having a first helical spline, an

The first ratchet member is configured to be torque-transmitting engaged with the sprocket support body and includes a second helical spline that mates with the first helical spline.

41. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 40,

the first ratchet member is movably mounted relative to the sprocket support body in the axial direction via engagement of the second helical spline with the first helical spline during driving by a first thrust force applied from the sprocket support body.

42. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 30,

the at least one second ratchet tooth engages the at least one first ratchet tooth to transfer rotational force from the sprocket support body to the hub body.

43. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 40,

the sprocket support body has a guide portion disposed on the outer peripheral surface to guide the first ratchet member toward the hub body during coasting.

44. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 43,

during coasting, the guide portion guides the first ratchet member towards the hub body to release the engagement between the at least one first ratchet tooth and the at least one second ratchet tooth.

45. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 43,

the guide portion extends at least in a circumferential direction relative to the sprocket support body.

46. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 43,

the guide portion is arranged to define an obtuse angle with respect to the first helical spline.

47. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 30,

the second ratchet member includes a hub body engagement portion that is engaged with the hub body in a torque transmitting manner to transmit a rotational force from the first ratchet member to the hub body via the hub body engagement portion.

48. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 47,

one of the drum body engagement portion and the drum body includes at least one projection extending radially with respect to the rotational center axis, and

the other of the drum body engagement portion and the drum body includes at least one recess that engages the at least one projection.

49. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 30, further comprising

A biasing member disposed between the hub body and the first ratchet member to bias the first ratchet member in the axial direction toward the second ratchet member.

50. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 43, further comprising

A biasing member disposed between the hub body and the first ratchet member to bias the first ratchet member in the axial direction toward the second ratchet member,

the second ratchet member is in torque transmitting engagement with the hub body,

the biasing member is engaged with the hub body to rotate therewith, an

During coasting, the first ratchet member contacts the guide portion to disengage the second ratchet member and generate rotational friction between the biasing member and the first ratchet member.

51. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 30,

the at least one first ratchet tooth comprises a plurality of first ratchet teeth, an

The at least one second ratchet tooth comprises a plurality of second ratchet teeth.

52. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 30,

each of the first and second ratchet members has an annular shape.

53. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 30,

the sprocket support body includes an abutment to abut the second ratchet member to limit axial movement of the second ratchet member away from the hub body, and

the first ratchet member is disposed on an axial side of the second ratchet member opposite the abutment of the sprocket support body in the axial direction.

54. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 53, further comprising

A biasing member disposed between the hub body and the first ratchet member to bias the first ratchet member in the axial direction toward the second ratchet member.

55. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 54,

the hub body comprises an inner space,

the outer peripheral surface of the sprocket support body supports the first and second ratchet members, an

Each of the sprocket support body, the biasing member, the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member is at least partially disposed in the interior space of the hub body.

56. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 30,

the hub body includes:

a first spoke mounting portion having a first axially outermost portion;

a second spoke mounting portion having a second axially outermost portion; and

a first axial length defined in the axial direction between the first axially outermost portion of the first spoke mounting portion and the second axially outermost portion of the second spoke mounting portion, the first axial length being equal to or greater than 55 mm.

57. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 56,

the first axial length is equal to or greater than 60 mm.

58. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 56,

the first axial length is equal to or greater than 65 mm.

59. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 56,

the hub shaft includes:

a first axial frame abutment surface configured to abut against a first portion of a bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state in which the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame;

a second axial frame abutment surface configured to abut against a second portion of the bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state in which the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame; and

a second axial length defined in the axial direction between the first and second axial frame abutment surfaces, the second axial length being equal to or greater than 140 mm.

60. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 56,

the hub shaft includes:

a first axial frame abutment surface configured to abut against a first portion of a bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state in which the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame;

a second axial frame abutment surface configured to abut against a second portion of the bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state in which the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame; and

a second axial length defined in the axial direction between the first and second axial frame abutment surfaces, the second axial length being equal to or greater than 145 mm.

61. The bicycle hub assembly of claim 56,

the hub shaft includes:

a first axial frame abutment surface configured to abut against a first portion of a bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state in which the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame;

a second axial frame abutment surface configured to abut against a second portion of the bicycle frame in the axial direction in a state in which the bicycle hub assembly is mounted to the bicycle frame; and

a second axial length defined in the axial direction between the first axial frame abutment surface and the second axial frame abutment surface, the second axial length being equal to or greater than 147 mm.

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