EP1438227A1

EP1438227A1 - Combined out-in stroke mechanical transmission for facilitating and multiplying the speed of cycles and other pedal appliances

Info

Publication number: EP1438227A1
Application number: EP01980631A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Georges Nicolas Vaskas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-10-27
Filing date: 2001-10-23
Publication date: 2004-07-21
Also published as: FR2815931B1; FR2815931A1; US20050014585A1; AU2002212431A1; WO2002034615A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a combined out-in stroke mechanical transmission for facilitating and multiplying speed of cycles and other pedal systems. The invention is designed to limit the rotation rate of the bottom bracket and the force on the pedals while multiplying speed and it consists in combining elements of transmission from a first multiplying gear element (A2RL) free-wheel mounted (3) on the bottom bracket axle which drives it in its rotation by the movement of the pedals in the forward moving direction, passing through intermediate multiplying gear elements (B, C, ) consisting of concentric toothed wheels rotating on axles fixed in a chassis linked to the frame up to the last sprocket (Z2), fixed on the hub to the rear wheel so as to rotate with it and benefit, through the momentum, of its incremental effect to return energy through the same gears to release the bottom bracket axle by the free wheel effect (3) and thereby relieve pedalling. The invention replaces standard transmission or more frequently takes over therefrom through a clutch when it is mounted in parallel. The invention is applicable in the industry of cycles and other similar means of locomotion.

Description

"COMBINED MECHANICAL TRANSMISSION IN AND BACK FOR

FACILITATING AND MULTIPLYING THE SPEED OF CYCLES AND OTHER PEDAL EQUIPMENT "

The present invention adaptable to cycles, in particular to bicycles, and to other means of locomotion and pedal devices relates to a multiplier transmission mechanism in "round trip" formed of a new combination which allows to recycle part of the energy between the crankset and the rear wheel so as to limit the rate of rotation of the crankset and the force on the pedals while increasing the speed.

The traditional way of increasing the speed of cycles, most often fitted with chain transmission going from the crankset with one or more chainrings to a set of sprockets on the rear wheel hub, is to use different ratios by mechanical or electromechanical gear change systems giving different developments which allow, in particular for runners, to reach speeds from 50km / h to 60km / h. Apart from the expensive auxiliary energy supplies, either electric or by combustion engine which are most often noisy and polluting, it is also well known that such speeds require a significant muscular expenditure cause of fatigue and that the mechanical means for reducing it which consist in the storage of energy in elastic means to then restore it, in the ergonomics of the frame, that of the pedals, in chainrings or intermediate gears and other gearbox systems, etc. ., have limited effects. Adaptable to all types of cycles, the transmission according to the invention, a new combination of gear elements in which the energy circulates in "round trip", with the outward power of the pressure of the feet of the user on the pedals to rotate the rear wheel and on return the speed acquired by the rear wheel to reduce the pressure required on the pedals, has the advantage, due to the return to the pedal a significant part of the energy at the outset, to require much less muscular effort, especially since, according to the reports of its multiplying gears, the number of pedal turns to achieve in order to reach similar speeds is much lower than in traditional transmissions alone ; and the speed of a cycle equipped with this new transmission can, according to the will of the user who controls its continuous acceleration, greatly exceed or multiply the current speeds until approaching those of motorcycles, without excessive fatigue, without noise , without fuel, therefore without pollution.

This “round trip” transmission mechanism combines, from the crankset to the rear hub, a succession of gear transmission elements, reinforced by complementary wheels or toothed rings to facilitate pedaling and increased speed.

Trained when pedaling in the forward direction and free in the other direction, the first element of the succession of gear transmission elements consists of a toothed wheel associated with the crankset axis, on which are fixed the cranks with their pedals, by a freewheel of the one-way type often mounted on an area of enlarged diameter. It meshes with a series of intermediate transmission elements which are multiplier gears (the number of which, most often 3 or 5, can be modified) made up of two or more concentric toothed wheels of different diameters which mesh with toothed wheel of one with pinion of the other in desired multiplication ratios. They are mounted on ball or needle bearings on axes fixed in a chassis or housing integral with the frame of the bicycle or the device. The last element consists of a toothed wheel fixed on the hub to the rear wheel.

To facilitate starting, this gear transmission is most often mounted in parallel to the traditional chain drive going from the bottom bracket, on the cranks or the axis of which are fixed one or more toothed chainrings, to the hub of the rear wheel with its corresponding freewheel pinion (s) and their derailleurs. After having reached a sufficient speed with the traditional chain transmission, the user multiplies it by engaging the transmission object of the present invention which takes over while the chain transmission becomes inoperative.

Constituting new combinations to reinforce the rotation of the intermediate gear transmission elements, wheels and / or complementary toothed rings with single or double teeth, centered on the crankset and / or on the rear wheel hub, can be added and s '' mesh on cogwheels, not integral with the other cogwheels of the corresponding element which are mounted with a one-way freewheel on a shoulder of said intermediate elements which can all be affected by this provision as soon as they cooperate in the direction of travel of the bicycle or of the device and remain neutral when the user stops pressing the pedals. A clutch mechanism couples or uncouples, at the will of the user, the gears of the same gear element, most often intermediate, activating or deactivating the transmission object of the present invention. So, as an example of new pedal-focused combinations:

• A complementary toothed wheel secured to the toothed wheel constituting the first element of the gear transmission can mesh with a gear geared and mounted with a freewheel in one direction on a shoulder of the second element.

• A complementary toothed wheel secured to the axle / crank assembly can mesh with a gear geared and mounted with a one-way freewheel on a shoulder of the second element of the gear transmission.

• A complementary crown, with single or double toothing, integral and fixed to the axle / crank assembly can mesh with toothed wheels mounted with freewheels of the one-way type on shoulders of the third and fourth element (such a ring can double the speed of rotation of the kinematic chain of gears).

Symmetrically, as examples of new combinations focused on the hub of the rear wheel: »A complementary toothed wheel integral and fixed to the fixed toothed wheel constituting the last element of the gear transmission can mesh with a gear toothed and mounted with a freewheel of the one-way type on a shoulder of the penultimate element.

»A complementary toothed wheel secured to the toothed wheel on a freewheel carrying the chain can mesh with a geared gear and mounted with a freewheel of one-way type on a shoulder of the penultimate element of the gear transmission.

• A complementary crown, with single or double toothing, integral and fixed to the toothed wheel on a free wheel carrying the chain can mesh with toothed wheels mounted with free wheels of the one-way type on the shoulders of the sixth and / or fifth elements of the gear transmission.

To clarify the operation of all of these new combinations, when the user presses the pedals in the direction of travel: on the way out, this power actuates the succession of elements of the transmission by gear from from the first element which activates the series of intermediate multiplying elements (the action of the toothed wheels and / or complementary crowns having the effect of reinforcing the setting in motion of the intermediate elements) to the last element, the gear fixed on the hub to the rear wheel, which, under the driving effect of this combined mechanical transmission, increases its movement, and, “in return”, the speed acquired and the leverage of the rear wheel restores a significant part of the power which traverses the succession of multiplying gear elements in the opposite direction, releases the first gear element by the effect of its free wheel on the crankset axle, relieves pressure necessary on the pedals and makes pedaling all the easier ... thus, the continuous pressure on the pedals in the forward direction creates a kinematic chain "round trip" in which the recycling of energy makes the following turns more and more easy ... and the increase in speed can continue according to the will of the user. Depending on the combination adopted, a bicycle equipped with the mechanical transmission which is the subject of the invention can reach and greatly exceed 100 km / hour, all arrangements will be made, in addition to the personal equipment of the user, to ensure safety, in particular by adapting the wheels, the frame, with reinforcements and shock absorbers, and the braking system, so that they are suitable for such speeds.

According to the constraints, the performances requested and the size of the locomotion devices which use it, this combined mechanical transmission in "round trip" is modifiable, in particular on the following points: • Transmission elements: According to the distance from the pedal to the rear wheel and the chosen ratios, their number, their dimensions, the number of concentric cogwheels on the same element, their diameter, their module and their arrangement can be modified. The intermediate transmission elements can rotate on fixed axes or be fixed on axes rotating in bearings fixed to the chassis. Each element can receive on one shoulder, mounted with a freewheel, one or more toothed wheels which are not integral with the other toothed wheels.

• Chain transmission: Although chain transmission is often necessary for starting, it is possible to remove it, in which case the clutch becomes useless.

• Clutch mechanism: Operated by cable and / or lever, manually or electro-mechanically, it can be produced with claws, projections and grooves, jaws, pulleys and belts or by any other coupling mode so as to adapt to either of the axial positions of the transmission elements. • Number of transmission mechanisms combined per locomotion device: It is possible to arrange the transmission on one side or on each side of the pedaling, or to have a central transmission with pedaling on each side.

• Crowns and complementary toothed wheels: their diameter can vary depending on the power enhancement sought and they can be single or double toothing. Generally fixed to the chainring of the crankset or to the freewheel sprocket of the rear wheel, they can also be detached from it and mounted on a freewheel on the front crank axle or fixed on the rear hub. They may also focus on intermediate elements.

»The chassis to which the axes of the intermediate elements of the gear transmission are linked can be fixed at several points in the cycle frame and also linked to the hub of the rear wheel by needle or ball bearings and allow, by a suitable device, easy separation of the rear wheel from the rest of the cycle. The entire mechanism can receive a protective casing or casing to isolate it from the outside environment.

• The materials used can be of different natures The present invention relates to a mechanical transmission between the crankset and the rear wheel of a pedal vehicle, usable for a cycle, characterized in that it comprises:

• a toothed wheel mounted with a freewheel of the one-way type on the axle of the crankset so that the crankset drives it in its rotation in the direction of advance;

• a gear element fixedly attached to the hub of the rear wheel;

• power transmission means intermediate between the toothed wheel and the gear element capable of multiplying the speed of rotation from the toothed wheel to the gear element. According to variants:

the power transmission means consist of a series of intermediate elements formed by pairs of concentric toothed wheels of different diameters, the toothed wheel of larger diameter of a pair meshing with the toothed wheel of smaller diameter the next pair, the smaller diameter gear of the first pair meshing with the gear, the larger diameter gear of the last pair meshing with the gear element.

- It includes a device for clutching power transmission means for controlling their activation. - It comprises a parallel drive system comprising at least one plate secured to the pedal, at least one pinion mounted by a free wheel on the rear wheel and a chain connecting the plate and the pinion. - It comprises at least one wheel or at least one ring gear mounted around the bottom bracket axle, cooperating with the power transmission means to complete their drive.

- The complementary wheel (s) and / or crown gear centered on the crankset is integral with the wheel and meshes with a toothed wheel mounted with a freewheel of the one-way type on a shoulder of an intermediate element.

- the complementary wheel (s) and / or gear gear centered on the crankset is fixed to the crankset and secured to a chainring and / or the gear wheel carrying the chain, the (or) said gear and / or complementary gear crown meshing with a toothed wheel mounted with a freewheel of the one-way type on a shoulder of an intermediate element.

- It comprises one or more wheels and / or complementary toothed rings, centered on the hub of the rear wheel, and integral with the toothed wheel, the said wheel or wheels and / or complementary toothed rings meshing with toothed wheels mounted with freewheel type one way on a shoulder of one or more intermediate elements.

- It comprises one or more and / or complementary toothed rings, centered on the hub of the rear wheel, and fixed on a plate and / or the pinion driven by the chain which turns on the freewheel, the said wheel or wheels and / or complementary toothed rings meshing with toothed wheels mounted with a one-way freewheel on a shoulder of one or more intermediate elements.

The invention also relates to carts, boats and other pedal devices, characterized in that they are equipped with one or more transmissions according to any one of the preceding claims.

The appended drawings illustrate, without being limiting, the elevations of four models of combined return transmission mechanism according to the invention associating a traditional chain transmission with a succession of 7 transmission elements by multiplying gears with wheels and complementary toothed crowns; for the clarity of Figures 1 to 4, no kind of clutch mechanism is shown, the fifth plate gives an illustration: Figure 1 shows such a reinforced combination of two complementary toothed wheels: one secured to the first element on the crankset axle and the other secured to the freewheel gear carrying the chain on the rear wheel hub. FIG. 2 represents such a reinforced combination of a complementary crown with double teeth secured to the toothed wheel on a large diameter free wheel carrying the chain on the hub of the rear wheel.

> FIG. 3 represents such a reinforced combination of two complementary toothed wheels, one secured to the first gear element on the axle of the crankset and the other secured to the toothed wheel on a free wheel carrying the chain on the hub of the rear wheel, and a large diameter double-toothed crown secured to the pedals. FIG. 4 represents a model of such a combination associating the crowns and complementary toothed wheels of the preceding figures. Figure 5 shows an example of a toothed clutch mechanism

With reference to these drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, the mechanism comprises a succession of 7 transmission elements in combination ranging from (A) to (Z) passing through (B), (C), (D), ( E), (F). The first transmission element (A) carries the crankset consisting of pedals (1) and cranks (2) fixed on its axis (A0) which drives, in parallel, by turning in the direction of advance of the bicycle, an element gear consisting of two integral toothed wheels (A2RL-A3RL) and mounted on a freewheel of one-way type (3) which allows free rotation of the crankset in the other direction - (the term RL added to a reference indicates that the gear is mounted on a freewheel of the one-way type). The toothed plate (A1) integral with the axis (A0) and the crank (2), transmits by a chain (4), the pressure applied on the pedals to the toothed wheel (Z1RL) mounted on a freewheel type one-way (8) fixed to the hub (7) of the rear wheel (5). Mounted on bearings around axes fixed on a chassis (6), the intermediate transmission elements, (B), (C), (D), (E), (F) consist of gears which mesh with the wheel. toothed one with pinion on the other in a ratio such that the rotation is multiplied by going from the crankset to the rear wheel. For more details, while the gear wheel (A3RL) drives the gear wheel (B3RL), the gear wheel (A2RL) drives the pinion (B2) and multiplies the speed of rotation of the intermediate transmission element (B), multiplier gear element consisting of integral concentric toothed wheels (B1-B2) and of (B3RL) which is mounted on a freewheel of one-way type on a shoulder of the assembly (B1-B2), in which the toothed wheel (B1) meshes with the pinion (C2) and multiplies the speed of rotation of the intermediate transmission element (C), a multiplying gear element constituted integral concentric toothed wheels (C1-C2) in which the toothed wheel (C1) meshes with the pinion (D2) and multiplies the speed of rotation of the intermediate transmission element (D), consisting of a multiplying gear element integral concentric toothed wheels (D1-D2) in which the toothed wheel (D1) meshes with the pinion (E2) and multiplies the speed of rotation of the intermediate transmission element (E), a multiplying gear element integral concentric toothed wheels (E1-E2) in which the toothed wheel (E1) meshes with the pinion (F2) and multiplies the speed of rotation of the intermediate transmission element (F), a multiplying gear element constituted cogwheels concen integral triques (F1-F2) and (F3RL) which is mounted on a freewheel of one-way type on a shoulder of the assembly (F1-F2), in which the toothed wheel (F1) meshes with the gear wheel (Z2) of the last transmission element (Z) consisting of the gear (Z2) integral with the rear wheel (5) and fixed on its hub (7) and, in parallel, with the gear wheel (Z3RL) - integral of the toothed wheel (Z1RL) carrying the chain - which meshes with the toothed wheel (F3RL). The disassembly of the rear wheel is facilitated by the disjunction of the bearing (12) of the chassis (6) at the level of a device (11). The chassis (6) is fixed to the frame of the bicycle on the pedal side and it can also be fixed on one of the arms of the support fork of the rear wheel. When the user exerts pressure on the pedals (1) and the transmission object of the invention is engaged, the rear wheel (5) is, "to go", encouraged to increase its rotational movement by the actuation of the succession of intermediate multiplier gear elements driven by the toothed wheel (A2RL) to the toothed wheel (Z2) and by the reinforcing action of the toothed wheels (A3RL) and (Z3RL); by turning, the rear wheel (5), by its acquired speed and the effect of its lever on the toothed wheel (Z2) activates, "on the return", the succession of gear elements up to the toothed wheel ( A2RL), which, by the effect of the freewheel (3), releases the axis (AO), relieves pedaling, and makes it possible to increase all the more speed in a kinematic chain "round trip". All of the gear elements and the attached chassis can be protected by a covering or by a box not shown. The transmission clutch device illustrated in FIG. 5 can be adapted to one of the axial positions (C), (D), or (E). With reference to the drawing in FIG. 2, the variants with the combination described in FIG. 1 are as follows: The reinforcement constituted by the engagement of the toothed wheels (A3RL) and (B3RL) is eliminated as well as the pinion (F3RL). On the other hand, the transmission element (Z) is modified by the integral fixing on a plate (9) mounted on the free wheel (8), of a chain support toothed wheel (Z1 RL) of larger diameter and of a double toothed crown (Z3RL-Z4RL), which, by meshing on the toothed wheels (D3RL) and (E3RL) mounted with freewheel on a shoulder of the intermediate gear elements respectively (D1-D2) and (E1 -E2), reinforce the kinematics of the transmission, in particular during the clutching of the transmission by the device illustrated in FIG. 5 which can, in this model, adapt to one of the axial positions (B), ( C), or (F).

With reference to the drawing in FIG. 3, the variants with the combination described in FIG. 1 are as follows: The transmission element (A) is modified by fixing at (10) a plate (13) on the wheel toothed chain support (A1) integral with a complementary crown with double toothing (A4-A5), which, by meshing respectively on the toothed wheels (C3RL) and (D4RL) mounted with free wheel on a shoulder of the elements d 'Intermediate gears respectively (C1-C2) and (D1-D2), reinforce the kinematics of the transmission to further double the speed of advance already multiplied compared to current speeds. The transmission clutch device illustrated in FIG. 5 can be particularly adapted to the axial position (E).

Referring to Figure 4, this elevation represents a transmission model which combines the elements described in the 3 previous figures and combines the power of a complementary crown with double teeth (A4-A5) on the crankset which increases the speed at ease of starting a complementary crown with double teeth (Z3RL-Z4RL) on the hub of the rear wheel. The transmission clutch device illustrated in FIG. 5 can be adapted to either of the axial positions (B) or (F).

The drawing in Figure 5 shows a top view of a toothed clutch model that can be adapted to different axial positions but referenced here relative to the axis B of Figure 2. The transmission object of the invention is engaged by traction on the axis (21), the disc of which presses by means of a needle stop (26) on a second disc (20) carrying teeth which sinks through the pinion (B2P) and enters the housing of the gear (B1 P) of the gear element (B). Ball bearings (24) and bearings (25) facilitate relative movements around the axis (23) which is fixed in the chassis (6). When the user releases his traction on the axis (21), sliding inside the axis (23), the springs (22) relax and the transmission is disengaged.

Particularly intended for the cycle industry, in particular for all sizes and types of bicycles with pedals with normal or smaller wheels, of which it allows, by the reinforcement of the speed and the economy of power achieved, a space-saving design reduced and better suited to urban areas, the combined “round trip” transmission mechanism according to the invention can also be adapted to other locomotion devices with pedals, in particular golf carts and paddlewheel boats or with propellers.

REFERENCES

1. Pedal

2. Crank

3. Freewheel

4. Chain

5. Rear wheel

6. Chassis

7. Hub

8. Freewheel

9. Tray

10. Attachment point

11. Device

12. Landing

13. Tray

Claims

1. Mechanical transmission between the pedals (AO) and the rear wheel (5) of a pedal vehicle, usable for a cycle, characterized in that it comprises:

- a toothed wheel (A2RL) mounted with a freewheel of the one-way type (3) on the axle of the crankset (AO) so that the crankset (AO) drives it in its rotation in the direction of advance; »A gear element (22) fixedly attached to the hub (7) of the rear wheel;

• intermediate power transmission means between the toothed wheel (A2RL) and the gear element (Z2) able to multiply the speed of rotation from the toothed wheel (A2RL) to the gear element (Z2 ).

2. Transmission according to claim 1, characterized in that the power transmission means consist of a series of intermediate elements (B, C, D, E, F) formed by pairs of concentric toothed wheels of diameters different, the larger diameter gear of a pair meshing with the smaller diameter gear the next pair, the smaller diameter gear (B2) of the first pair (B) meshing with the gear ( A2RL), the larger diameter gear (F1) of the last pair (F) meshing with the gear element (Z2).

3. Transmission according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a clutch device of the power transmission means for controlling their activation.

4. Transmission according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a parallel drive system comprising at least one plate (A1) integral with the pedals, at least one pinion (Z1 RL) mounted by a free wheel (8) on the rear wheel (5) and a chain (4) connecting the chainring (A1) and the pinion (Z1 RL).

5. Transmission according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that that it comprises at least one wheel or at least one ring gear mounted around the bottom bracket pin (AO), cooperating with the power transmission means to complete their drive.

6. Transmission according to claims 2 and 5, characterized in that the (or) wheel and / or complementary toothed ring gear centered on the crankset is integral with the wheel (A2RL) and meshes with a toothed wheel mounted with one-way freewheel (B3RL, C3RL, D4RL) on a shoulder of an intermediate element.

7. Transmission according to claims 2, 4 and 5 in combination, characterized in that the (or) wheel and / or complementary toothed ring geared towards the crankset is fixed to the crankset (AO) and secured to a plate ( 13) and / or the toothed wheel (A1) carrying the chain (4), the (or) said wheel and / / complementary toothed ring meshing with a toothed wheel mounted with freewheel of the one-way type (B3RL, C3RL, D4RL) on a shoulder of an intermediate element.

8. Transmission according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises one or more wheels and / or complementary toothed rings, centered on the hub of the rear wheel (5), and integral with the toothed wheel (Z2), the said wheel or wheels and / or complementary toothed rings meshing with toothed wheels mounted with a freewheel of the one-way type (F3RL, E3RL, D3RL) on a shoulder of one or more intermediate elements.

9. Transmission according to claims 2 and 4 in combination, characterized in that it comprises one or more and / or complementary toothed rings, centered on the hub of the rear wheel (5), and fixed on a plate (9 ) and / or the pinion (Z1RL) driven by the chain (4) which turns on the freewheel (8), the said wheel (s) and / or complementary toothed rings meshing with toothed wheels mounted with freewheel type one-way (F3RL, E3RL, D3RL) on a shoulder of one or more intermediate elements.

10. Carts, boats and other pedal devices, characterized in that they are equipped with one or more transmissions according to any one of the preceding claims.