JP2018203237A - Hub assembly for bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve durability of a sprocket support body, and/or enhance a freedom degree of selecting a material of the sprocket support body without reducing durability of the sprocket support body.SOLUTION: A hub assembly for a bicycle comprises a sprocket support body. The sprocket support body contains at least ten outside spline teeth which are configured to be engaged to a rear sprocket assembly for a bicycle. Each of the at least ten outside spline teeth comprises an outside spline driving surface and an outside spline non-driving surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a bicycle hub assembly.

  Bicycling is a means of travel and is also becoming increasingly popular as a form of recreation. Bicycling is a popular sport for both professionals and amateurs. Regardless of recreational, mobile or competition applications, various improvements to the bicycle parts are constantly being made in the bicycle industry. One of the bicycle parts that has been repeatedly designed is a hub assembly (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

U.S. Pat. No. 8,820,852

  The problem of the technique disclosed in the present application is to improve the durability of the sprocket support and / or to increase the freedom to select the material of the sprocket support without reducing the durability of the sprocket support. is there.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly includes a sprocket support. The sprocket support includes at least ten outer spline teeth configured to engage the bicycle rear sprocket assembly. Each of the at least ten outer spline teeth has an outer spline drive surface and an outer spline non-drive surface.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the first aspect, the rotation acting on each of at least 10 outer spline teeth by at least 10 outer spline teeth as compared to a sprocket support including 9 or less outer spline teeth. Force is reduced. This improves the durability of the sprocket support and / or increases the degree of freedom in selecting the material for the sprocket support without reducing the durability of the sprocket support.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the first aspect, the total number of at least 10 outer spline teeth is 20 or more.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the second aspect, the rotation acting on each of at least 20 outer spline teeth by at least 20 outer spline teeth compared to a sprocket support including nine or less outer spline teeth. The force is further reduced. This further improves the durability of the sprocket support and / or further increases the degree of freedom in selecting a material for the sprocket support without reducing the durability of the sprocket support.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the second aspect, the total number of at least 10 outer spline teeth is 25 or more.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the third aspect, the rotation acting on each of at least 25 outer spline teeth by at least 25 outer spline teeth as compared to a sprocket support including nine or less outer spline teeth. The force is further reduced. This further improves the durability of the sprocket support and / or further increases the degree of freedom in selecting a material for the sprocket support without reducing the durability of the sprocket support.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the first to third aspects, the at least ten outer spline teeth include a first outer pitch angle and a first outer pitch. A second outer pitch angle different from the corner.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the fourth aspect, in particular, with respect to the circumferential position of each sprocket of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly, the difference between the first outer pitch angle and the second outer pitch angle causes the user to use the bicycle hub assembly. The rear sprocket assembly is easily attached to the sprocket support correctly.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, at least one of the at least ten outer spline teeth has a first spline shape. The first spline shape is different from the second spline shape of another of the at least 10 outer spline teeth.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifth aspect, in particular, with respect to the circumferential position of each sprocket of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly, the user can change the bicycle rear sprocket due to the difference between the first spline shape and the second spline shape. This makes it easy to correctly attach the assembly to the sprocket support.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, at least one of the at least ten outer spline teeth has a first spline size. The first spline size is different from the second spline size of another tooth of at least 10 outer spline teeth.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the sixth aspect, in particular, with respect to the circumferential position of each sprocket of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly, the user may change the bicycle rear sprocket due to the difference between the first spline size and the second spline size. This makes it easy to correctly attach the assembly to the sprocket support.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, each of the at least ten outer spline teeth has a circumferential maximum width. The total circumferential maximum width is 55 mm or more.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the seventh aspect, the strength of at least 10 outer spline teeth in the shear direction can be increased.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the seventh aspect, the total circumferential maximum width is 60 mm or more.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the eighth aspect, the strength in the shearing direction of at least ten outer spline teeth can be further increased.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the eighth aspect, the total circumferential maximum width is 65 mm or more.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the ninth aspect, the strength in the shearing direction of at least 10 outer spline teeth can be further increased.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly includes a sprocket support. The sprocket support includes a plurality of outer spline teeth configured to engage a bicycle rear sprocket assembly. At least two outer spline teeth among the plurality of outer spline teeth are disposed at a first outer pitch angle in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation center axis of the bicycle hub assembly. The first outer pitch angle is in the range of 10 degrees to 20 degrees.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the tenth aspect, the first outer pitch angle acts on each of the at least two outer spline teeth as compared to the sprocket support having an outer pitch angle larger than the first outer pitch angle. The rotational force is reduced. This improves the durability of the sprocket support and / or increases the degree of freedom in selecting the material for the sprocket support without reducing the durability of the sprocket support.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the tenth aspect, the first outer pitch angle is in the range of 12 degrees to 15 degrees.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the eleventh aspect, the first outer pitch angle acts on each of the at least two outer spline teeth as compared to the sprocket support having an outer pitch angle larger than the first outer pitch angle. The rotational force is further reduced. This further improves the durability of the sprocket support and / or further increases the degree of freedom in selecting a material for the sprocket support without reducing the durability of the sprocket support.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the eleventh aspect, the first outer pitch angle is in the range of 13 degrees to 14 degrees.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the twelfth aspect, the first outer pitch angle acts on each of at least two outer spline teeth as compared to a sprocket support having an outer pitch angle larger than the first outer pitch angle. The rotational force is further reduced. This further improves the durability of the sprocket support and / or further increases the degree of freedom in selecting a material for the sprocket support without reducing the durability of the sprocket support.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, at least two outer spline teeth of the plurality of outer spline teeth are formed on the bicycle hub assembly. It arrange | positions by the 2nd outer side pitch angle in the circumferential direction regarding a rotation center axis. The second outer pitch angle is different from the first outer pitch angle.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirteenth aspect, in particular, with respect to the circumferential position of each sprocket of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly, the difference between the first outer pitch angle and the second outer pitch angle causes the user to This makes it easier to correctly attach the sprocket assembly to the sprocket support.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly includes a sprocket support. The sprocket support includes at least one outer spline tooth configured to engage the bicycle rear sprocket assembly. At least one outer spline tooth has an outer spline peak diameter of 30 mm or less.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the fourteenth aspect, the bicycle rear sprocket assembly including a sprocket having 10 or less sprocket teeth can be mounted on the bicycle hub assembly due to the outer spline mountain diameter. As a result, the gear range of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly attached to the bicycle hub assembly is expanded.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the fourteenth aspect further comprises a brake rotor support including at least one additional outer spline tooth configured to engage with a bicycle brake rotor. Prepare. At least one additional outer spline tooth has an additional outer spline peak diameter that is larger than the outer spline peak diameter.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the fifteenth aspect, the braking performance is improved by the brake rotor support while the gear range of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly attached to the bicycle hub assembly is expanded.

  According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect, the outer spline mountain diameter is 25 mm or more.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the sixteenth aspect, the bicycle rear sprocket assembly including a sprocket having 10 or less sprocket teeth can be mounted on the bicycle hub assembly, and the strength of the sprocket support can be secured.

  According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the sixteenth aspect, the outer spline mountain diameter is 29 mm or more.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the seventeenth aspect, the strength of the sprocket support can be secured while the bicycle rear sprocket assembly including a sprocket having 10 or less sprocket teeth can be attached to the bicycle hub assembly.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the fourteenth to seventeenth aspects, at least one outer spline tooth has an outer spline valley diameter. The outer spline valley diameter is 28 mm or less.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the eighteenth aspect, the radial length of the drive surface of at least one outer spline tooth can be increased by the outer spline valley diameter. Thereby, the intensity | strength of a sprocket support body improves.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the eighteenth aspect, the outer spline valley diameter is 25 mm or more.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the nineteenth aspect, the strength of the sprocket support can be ensured while widening the gear range of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly attached to the bicycle hub assembly.

  According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the nineteenth aspect, the outer spline valley diameter is 27 mm or more.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the twentieth aspect, the strength of the sprocket support can be ensured while widening the gear range of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly attached to the bicycle hub assembly.

  According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the fourteenth to twentieth sides, the at least one outer spline tooth from the bicycle rear sprocket assembly during pedaling. A plurality of outer spline teeth including a plurality of outer spline drive surfaces for receiving a drive torque is included. Each of the plurality of outer spline drive surfaces includes a radially outermost periphery, a radially innermost periphery, and a radial length defined from the radially outermost periphery to the radially innermost periphery. The total radial length of the plurality of outer spline driving surfaces is 7 mm or more.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-first aspect, the radial lengths of the plurality of outer spline drive surfaces can be increased. Thereby, the intensity | strength of a sprocket support body improves.

  According to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-first aspect, the total radial length is 10 mm or more.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-second aspect, the radial lengths of the plurality of outer spline drive surfaces can be further increased. This further improves the strength of the sprocket support.

  According to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-second aspect, the total radial length is 15 mm or more.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-third aspect, the radial lengths of the plurality of outer spline drive surfaces can be further increased. This further improves the strength of the sprocket support.

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the fourteenth to twenty-third aspects, the sprocket support includes a large-diameter portion having an outer diameter larger than the outer spline mountain diameter. .

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the degree of freedom in designing the internal structure of the bicycle hub assembly can be increased. For example, a drive structure such as a one-way clutch mechanism can be accommodated in the internal cavity of the large-diameter portion of such a sprocket support.

  According to the 25th aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the 24th aspect, the outer diameter is in the range of 32 mm to 40 mm.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the degree of freedom in designing the internal structure of the bicycle hub assembly can be further increased. For example, a drive structure such as a one-way clutch mechanism can be easily arranged in the internal cavity of such a large diameter portion.

  According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-fourth aspect further includes a hub shaft including an axial contact surface for making contact with the bicycle frame. The sprocket support is attached to the hub shaft so as to be rotatable about the rotation center axis. A first axial length is defined from the axial contact surface to the large diameter portion in the axial direction with respect to the rotation center axis. The first axial length is in the range of 35 mm to 41 mm.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the axial length of at least one outer spline tooth can be secured.

  According to the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the first axial length is 39 mm or more.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-seventh aspect, the axial length of at least one outer spline tooth can be further secured.

  According to the twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the first axial length is in the range of 35 mm to 37 mm.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-eighth side surface, the axial length of at least one outer spline tooth can be further secured.

  According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the large-diameter portion has an axial end that is farthest from the axial contact surface in the axial direction. A second axial length is defined from the axial contact surface to the axial end in the axial direction. The second axial length is in the range of 38 mm to 47 mm.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-ninth aspect, the axial length of at least one outer spline tooth can be secured while increasing the degree of freedom in designing the internal structure of the bicycle hub assembly.

  According to the 30th aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the 29th aspect, the second axial length is in the range of 44 mm to 45 mm.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirtieth aspect, the axial length of at least one outer spline tooth can be further secured while increasing the degree of freedom in designing the internal structure of the bicycle hub assembly.

  According to the thirty-first aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the twenty-ninth aspect, the second axial length is in the range of 40 mm to 41 mm.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-first aspect, the axial length of at least one outer spline tooth can be further secured while increasing the degree of freedom in designing the internal structure of the bicycle hub assembly.

  According to the thirty-second aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the twenty-fourth to thirty-first aspects, the axial length of the large diameter portion is in the range of 3 mm to 6 mm.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-second aspect, the degree of freedom in designing the internal structure of the bicycle hub assembly can be further increased. For example, a drive structure such as a one-way clutch mechanism can be accommodated in the internal cavity of the large-diameter portion of such a sprocket support.

  According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle hub assembly includes a sprocket support. The sprocket support includes at least nine outer spline teeth configured to engage the bicycle rear sprocket assembly. At least one of the at least nine outer spline teeth has an asymmetric shape with respect to the circumferential tip centerline. At least one of the at least nine outer spline teeth includes an outer spline drive surface and an outer spline non-drive surface. The outer spline drive surface has a first outer spline surface angle defined between the outer spline drive surface and the first radial line. The first radial line extends from the center axis of rotation of the bicycle hub assembly to the radially outermost peripheral edge of the outer spline drive surface. The outer spline non-driven surface has a second outer spline surface angle defined between the outer spline non-driven surface and the second radial line. The second radial line extends from the center axis of rotation of the bicycle hub assembly to the radially outermost peripheral edge of the outer spline non-drive surface. The second outer spline surface angle is different from the first outer spline surface angle.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-third aspect, the sprocket support can be reduced in weight while ensuring the strength of the plurality of outer spline teeth of the sprocket support.

  According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-third aspect, the first outer spline surface angle is smaller than the second outer spline surface angle.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-fourth aspect, the sprocket support can be efficiently reduced in weight while ensuring the strength of the plurality of outer spline teeth of the sprocket support.

  According to a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-third or thirty-fourth side, the first outer spline surface angle is in the range of 0 degrees to 10 degrees.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-fifth aspect, the first outer spline surface angle ensures the strength of the outer spline drive surface.

  According to the thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the thirty-third to thirty-fifth aspects, the second outer spline surface angle is in the range of 0 degrees to 60 degrees.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-sixth aspect, the plurality of outer spline teeth of the sprocket support can be reduced in weight by the second outer spline surface angle.

  According to a thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the bicycle hub assembly according to any one of the thirty-third to thirty-sixth aspects, the at least ten outer spline teeth include the first outer pitch angle and the first outer pitch angle. A second outer pitch angle different from the pitch angle.

  In the bicycle hub assembly according to the thirty-seventh aspect, in particular, with respect to the circumferential direction position of each sprocket of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly, the user can change the bicycle rear assembly by the difference between the first outer pitch angle and the second outer pitch angle. This makes it easier to correctly attach the sprocket assembly to the sprocket support.

  With the technique disclosed in the present application, the durability of the sprocket support is improved and / or the degree of freedom in selecting the material of the sprocket support is increased without reducing the durability of the sprocket support.

1 is a schematic view of a bicycle drive train according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the bicycle drive train shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the bicycle drive train shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle drive train taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. The disassembled perspective view of the bicycle hub assembly of the bicycle drive train shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the bicycle drive train shown in FIG. 4. The perspective view of the sprocket support body of the bicycle hub assembly of the bicycle drive train shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the sprocket support of the bicycle hub assembly of the bicycle drive train shown in FIG. 2. The side view of the sprocket support body shown in FIG. The side view of the sprocket support body of the hub assembly for bicycles concerning a modification. The expanded sectional view of the sprocket support body shown in FIG. Sectional drawing of the sprocket support body shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bicycle hub assembly of the bicycle drive train shown in FIG. 2. The side view of the bicycle hub assembly of the bicycle drive train shown in FIG. The rear view of the bicycle hub assembly of the bicycle drive train shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle hub assembly taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. 5. The side view of the rear sprocket assembly for bicycles of the bicycle drive train shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 18 is a partially exploded perspective view of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 18 is another partially exploded perspective view of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 18 is another partially exploded perspective view of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 18 is another partially exploded perspective view of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 18 is a perspective sectional view of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly taken along line XXIII-XXIII in FIG. 17. The perspective view of the minimum sprocket of the rear sprocket assembly for bicycles shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the smallest sprocket of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly shown in FIG. 17. The side view of the minimum sprocket of the rear sprocket assembly for bicycles shown in FIG. The side view of the minimum sprocket which concerns on a modification. FIG. 25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the smallest sprocket shown in FIG. 24. FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the smallest sprocket shown in FIG. 24. Sectional drawing of the sprocket support body and minimum sprocket of the bicycle drive train shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a partially exploded perspective view of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly shown in FIG. 17. The perspective view of the sprocket support part of the rear sprocket assembly for bicycles shown in FIG.

  Here, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate corresponding or identical elements.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the bicycle drive train 10 according to the embodiment includes a bicycle hub assembly 12 and a bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14. The bicycle hub assembly 12 is fixed to the bicycle frame BF. The bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 is mounted on 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 crankshaft 22, a right crank arm 24, a left crank arm 26, and a front sprocket 27. The right crank arm 24 and the left crank arm 26 are fixed to the crankshaft 22. The front sprocket 27 is fixed to at least one of the crankshaft 22 and the right crank arm 24. The bicycle chain 20 is engaged with the front sprocket 27 and the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 so as to transmit the pedaling force from the front sprocket 27 to the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the crank assembly 18 includes a front sprocket 27 as a single sprocket, but the crank assembly 18 may include a plurality of front sprockets. The bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 is a rear sprocket assembly, but the structure of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 can be applied to a front sprocket.

  In the present application, directions such as “front (front)”, “rear (rear)”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “lateral”, “upward”, and “lower” are indicated. The term as well as any other similar direction term refers to a direction that is determined relative to a user (e.g., a rider) sitting on a bicycle saddle (not shown) toward a handlebar (not shown). Accordingly, these terms used to describe the bicycle drivetrain 10, the bicycle hub assembly 12, or the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 are for bicycles when used in an upright ride position on a horizontal plane. It is interpreted with reference to a bicycle equipped with the drive train 10, the bicycle hub assembly 12, or the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bicycle hub assembly 12 and the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 have a rotation center axis A1. The bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 is supported by the bicycle hub assembly 12 so as to be rotatable about the rotation center axis A1 with respect to the bicycle frame BF (FIG. 1). The bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 engages the bicycle chain 20 so as to transmit a driving rotational force F1 between the bicycle chain 20 and the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 during pedaling. The bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 rotates in the drive rotation direction D11 about the rotation center axis A1 during pedaling. The drive rotation direction D11 is defined along the circumferential direction D1 of the bicycle hub assembly 12 or the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14. The reverse rotation direction D12 is a direction opposite to the drive rotation direction D11 and is defined along the circumferential direction D1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the bicycle hub assembly 12 includes a sprocket support 28. The bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 is mounted on the sprocket support 28 so as to transmit the driving rotational force F1 between the sprocket support 28 and the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14. The bicycle hub assembly 12 further includes a hub axle 30. The sprocket support 28 is attached to the hub shaft 30 so as to be rotatable about the rotation center axis A1. The bicycle hub assembly 12 includes a lock ring 32. The lock ring 32 is fixed to the sprocket support 28 so as to hold the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 against the sprocket support 28 in an axial direction D2 parallel to the rotation center axis A1.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the bicycle hub assembly 12 is fixed to the bicycle frame BF by a wheel fixing mechanism WS. The hub shaft 30 has a through hole 30A. A fixing rod WS1 of the wheel fixing mechanism WS extends through the through hole 30A of the hub shaft 30. The hub shaft 30 includes a first shaft end portion 30B and a second shaft end portion 30C. The hub shaft 30 extends along the rotation center axis A1 between the first shaft end portion 30B and the second shaft end portion 30C. The first shaft end 30B is provided in the first recess BF11 of the first frame BF1 of the bicycle frame BF. The second shaft end 30C is provided in the second recess BF21 of the second frame BF2 of the bicycle frame BF. The hub shaft 30 is held between the first frame BF1 and the second frame BF2 by the wheel fixing mechanism WS. Since the wheel fixing mechanism WS includes a structure well known in the bicycle field, detailed description thereof is omitted here for the sake of brevity.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bicycle hub assembly 12 further includes a brake rotor support 34. The brake rotor support 34 is attached to the hub shaft 30 so as to be rotatable about the rotation center axis A1. The brake rotor support 34 is coupled to the bicycle brake rotor 16 (FIG. 1) so as to transmit a braking rotational force from the bicycle brake rotor 16 to the brake rotor support 34.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the bicycle hub assembly 12 further includes a hub body 36. The hub body 36 is attached to the hub shaft 30 so as to be rotatable about the rotation center axis A1. In the present embodiment, the sprocket support 28 is a member different from the hub body 36. The brake rotor support 34 is provided integrally with the hub body 36 as one single member. However, the sprocket support 28 may be provided integrally with the hub body 36. The brake rotor support 34 may be a member different from the hub body 36.

  The hub body 36 includes a first flange 36A and a second flange 36B. A first spoke (not shown) is connected to the first flange 36A. A second spoke (not shown) is connected to the second flange 36B. The second flange 36B is separated from the first flange 36A in the axial direction D2. The first flange 36A is provided between the sprocket support 28 and the second flange 36B in the axial direction D2. The second flange 36B is provided between the first flange 36A and the brake rotor support 34 in the axial direction D2.

  The lock ring 32 includes a male screw portion 32A. The sprocket support 28 includes a female screw portion 28A. In a state where the lock ring 32 is fixed to the sprocket support 28, the male screw portion 32A is screwed into the female screw portion 28A.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the bicycle hub assembly 12 further includes a ratchet mechanism 38. The sprocket support 28 is operably connected to the hub body 36 by a ratchet mechanism 38. The ratchet mechanism 38 is configured to couple the sprocket support 28 to the hub body 36 so as to rotate the sprocket support 28 along the hub body 36 in the drive rotation direction D11 (FIG. 5) during pedaling. The ratchet mechanism 38 is configured to allow the sprocket support 28 to rotate in the reverse rotation direction D12 (FIG. 5) with respect to the hub body 36 during inertial traveling. Therefore, the ratchet mechanism 38 is paraphrased as the one-way clutch mechanism 38. Since the ratchet mechanism 38 includes a structure well known in the bicycle field, detailed description thereof is omitted here for the sake of brevity.

  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 provided between the sprocket support 28 and the hub shaft 30 so as to support the sprocket support 28 so as to be rotatable about the rotation center axis A1 with respect to the hub shaft 30.

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

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the sprocket support 28 includes at least one outer spline tooth 40 configured to engage the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 (FIG. 6). The sprocket support 28 includes a plurality of outer spline teeth 40 configured to engage the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 (FIG. 6). That is, the at least one outer spline tooth 40 includes a plurality of outer spline teeth 40. The sprocket support 28 includes at least nine outer spline teeth 40 configured to engage the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 (FIG. 6). The sprocket support 28 includes at least ten outer spline teeth 40 configured to engage the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 (FIG. 6).

  The sprocket support 28 includes a base support portion 41 having a cylindrical shape. The base support portion 41 extends along the rotation center axis A1. The outer spline teeth 40 extend radially outward from the base support portion 41. The sprocket support 28 includes a large diameter portion 42, a flange 44, and a plurality of outer helical spline teeth 46. The large diameter portion 42 and the flange 44 extend radially outward from the base support portion 41. The large diameter portion 42 is provided between the plurality of outer spline teeth 40 and the flange 44 in the axial direction D2. The large diameter portion 42 and the flange 44 are provided between the plurality of outer spline teeth 40 and the plurality of outer helical spline teeth 46 in the axial direction D2. As shown in FIG. 6, the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 is held between the large diameter portion 42 and the lock flange 32B of the lock ring 32 in the axial direction D2. The large-diameter portion 42 may have an internal cavity that can accommodate a drive structure such as a one-way clutch mechanism. The large-diameter portion 42 may be omitted from the bicycle hub assembly 12 as necessary.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the total number of at least 10 outer spline teeth 40 is 20 or more. The total number of at least 10 outer spline teeth 40 is 25 or more. In the present embodiment, the total number of at least 10 outer spline teeth 40 is 26. However, the total number of the plurality of outer spline teeth 40 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

  At least ten outer spline teeth 40 have a first outer pitch angle PA11 and a second outer pitch angle PA12. At least two outer spline teeth among the plurality of outer spline teeth 40 are arranged at the first outer pitch angle PA11 in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation center axis A1 of the bicycle hub assembly 12. At least two outer spline teeth among the plurality of outer spline teeth 40 are arranged at the second outer pitch angle PA12 in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation center axis A1 of the bicycle hub assembly 12. In the present embodiment, the second outer pitch angle PA12 is different from the first outer pitch angle PA11. However, the second outer pitch angle PA12 may be substantially equal to the first outer pitch angle PA11.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of outer spline teeth 40 are arranged at the first outer pitch angle PA11 in the circumferential direction D1. Of the plurality of outer spline teeth 40, two outer spline teeth are arranged at the second outer pitch angle PA12 in the circumferential direction D1. However, at least two outer spline teeth among the plurality of outer spline teeth 40 may be arranged at different outer pitch angles in the circumferential direction D1.

  The first outer pitch angle PA11 is in the range of 10 degrees to 20 degrees. The first outer pitch angle PA11 is in the range of 12 degrees to 15 degrees. The first outer pitch angle PA11 is in the range of 13 degrees to 14 degrees. In the present embodiment, the first outer pitch angle PA11 is 13.3 degrees, but the first outer pitch angle PA11 is not limited to the present embodiment and the above range.

  The second outer pitch angle PA12 is in the range of 5 degrees to 30 degrees. In the present embodiment, the second outer pitch angle PA12 is 26 degrees, but the second outer pitch angle PA12 is not limited to the present embodiment and the above range.

  The plurality of outer spline teeth 40 have substantially the same shape. The plurality of outer spline teeth 40 have substantially the same spline size. The plurality of outer spline teeth 40 have substantially the same outer shape when viewed along the rotation center axis A1. However, as shown in FIG. 10, at least one of the at least ten outer spline teeth 40 has a first spline shape that is different from the second spline shape of another of the at least ten outer spline teeth 40. You may have. At least one of the at least ten outer spline teeth 40 may have a first spline size that is different from a second spline size of another tooth of at least ten outer spline teeth 40. At least one of the at least ten outer spline teeth 40 has an outer shape different from the outer shape of another of the at least ten outer spline teeth 40 when viewed along the rotation center axis A1. It may be. In FIG. 10, one of the plurality of outer spline teeth 40 has a spline shape different from the spline shape of another tooth of the plurality of outer spline teeth 40. One of the plurality of outer spline teeth 40 has a spline size that is different from the spline size of another tooth of the plurality of outer spline teeth 40. One of the plurality of outer spline teeth 40 has an outer shape different from the outer shape of another tooth among the plurality of outer spline teeth 40 when viewed along the rotation center axis A1.

  As shown in FIG. 11, each of the at least ten outer spline teeth 40 has an outer spline drive surface 48 and an outer spline non-drive surface 50. The plurality of outer spline teeth 40 includes a plurality of outer spline drive surfaces 48 for receiving a driving rotational force F1 from the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 (FIG. 6) during pedaling. The plurality of outer spline teeth 40 includes a plurality of outer spline non-drive surfaces 50. The outer spline drive surface 48 can contact 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 outer spline drive surface 48 faces the reverse rotation direction D12. The outer spline non-driving surface 50 is provided on the back side of the outer spline driving surface 48 in the circumferential direction D1. The outer spline non-drive surface 50 faces the drive rotation direction D11 so as not to receive the drive rotation force F1 from the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 during pedaling.

  Each of the at least ten outer spline teeth 40 has a circumferential maximum width MW1. Each of the plurality of outer spline teeth 40 has a circumferential maximum width MW1. The circumferential maximum width MW1 is defined as the maximum width that receives the thrust force F2 acting on the outer spline teeth 40. The circumferential maximum width MW1 is defined as a linear distance with the outer spline driving surface 48 as a reference.

  Each of the plurality of outer spline driving surfaces 48 includes a radially outermost peripheral edge 48A and a radially innermost peripheral edge 48B. The outer spline drive surface 48 extends from the radially outermost peripheral edge 48A to the radially innermost peripheral edge 48B. The first reference circle RC11 is defined on the radially innermost peripheral edge 48B and is centered on the rotation center axis A1. The first reference circle RC11 intersects the outer spline non-drive surface 50 at the reference point 50R. The circumferential maximum width MW1 extends linearly from the radially innermost peripheral edge 48B to the reference point 50R in the circumferential direction D1.

  Each of the plurality of outer spline non-driving surfaces 50 includes a radially outermost peripheral edge 50A and a radially innermost peripheral edge 50B. The outer spline non-driving surface 50 extends from the radially outermost peripheral edge 50A to the radially innermost peripheral edge 50B. The reference point 50R is provided between the radially outermost peripheral edge 50A and the radial innermost periphery 50B. However, the reference point 50R may coincide with the radially innermost peripheral edge 50B.

  The sum of the circumferential maximum width MW1 is 55 mm or more. The sum of the circumferential maximum width MW1 is 60 mm or more. The sum of the circumferential maximum width MW1 is 65 mm or more. In the present embodiment, the sum of the circumferential maximum width MW1 is 68 mm, but the sum of the circumferential maximum width MW1 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

  As shown in FIG. 12, at least one outer spline tooth 40 has an outer spline peak diameter DM11. The outer spline peak diameter DM11 is 25 mm or more. The outer spline peak diameter DM11 is 29 mm or more. The outer spline peak diameter DM11 is 30 mm or less. In the present embodiment, the outer spline mountain diameter DM11 is 29.6 mm, but the outer spline mountain diameter DM11 is not limited to the present embodiment and the above range.

  At least one outer spline tooth 40 has an outer spline valley diameter DM12. At least one outer spline tooth 40 has an outer spline root circle RC12 having an outer spline valley diameter DM12. However, the outer spline root circle RC12 may have another diameter different from the outer spline valley diameter DM12. The outer spline valley diameter DM12 is 28 mm or less. The outer spline valley diameter DM12 is 25 mm or more. The outer spline valley diameter DM12 is 27 mm or more. In the present embodiment, the outer spline valley diameter DM12 is 27.2 mm, but the outer spline valley diameter DM12 is not limited to the present embodiment and the above range.

  The large diameter portion 42 has an outer diameter DM13 that is larger than the outer spline peak diameter DM11. The outer diameter DM13 is in the range of 32 mm to 40 mm. In the present embodiment, the outer diameter DM13 is 35 mm, but the outer diameter DM13 is not limited to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, each of the plurality of outer spline drive surfaces 48 includes a radial length RL11 defined from the radially outermost peripheral edge 48A to the radial innermost peripheral edge 48B. The total of the radial lengths RL11 of the plurality of outer spline drive surfaces 48 is 7 mm or more. The sum of the radial lengths RL11 is 10 mm or more. The total of the radial length RL11 is 15 mm or more. In the present embodiment, the total of the radial length RL11 is 19.5 mm, but the total of the radial length RL11 is not limited to this embodiment.

  The plurality of outer spline teeth 40 has an additional radial length RL12. The additional radial length RL12 is defined as the length from the outer spline root circle RC12 to the radially outermost end 40A of the plurality of outer spline teeth 40, respectively. The total of the additional radial length RL12 is 12 mm or more. In the present embodiment, the total of the additional radial length RL12 is 31.85 mm, but the total of the additional radial length RL12 is not limited to this embodiment.

  At least one of the at least nine outer spline teeth 40 has an asymmetric shape with respect to the circumferential tooth center line CL1. The circumferential tooth 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 outer spline teeth 40. However, at least one of the plurality of outer spline teeth 40 may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the circumferential tip center line CL1. At least one of the at least nine outer spline teeth 40 has an outer spline drive surface 48 and an outer spline non-drive surface 50.

  The outer spline drive surface 48 has a first outer spline surface angle AG11. The first outer spline surface angle AG11 is defined between the outer spline drive surface 48 and the first radial line L11. The first radial line L11 extends from the rotation center axis A1 of the bicycle hub assembly 12 to the radially outermost peripheral edge 48A of the outer spline drive surface 48. The first outer pitch angle PA11 or the second outer pitch angle PA12 is defined between adjacent first radial lines L11 (see, for example, FIG. 9).

  The outer spline non-drive surface 50 has a second outer spline surface angle AG12. The second outer spline surface angle AG12 is defined between the outer spline non-drive surface 50 and the second radial line L12. The second radial line L12 extends from the rotation center axis A1 of the bicycle hub assembly 12 to the radially outermost peripheral edge 50A of the outer spline non-drive surface 50.

  In the present embodiment, the second outer spline surface angle AG12 is different from the first outer spline surface angle. The first outer spline surface angle AG11 is smaller than the second outer spline surface angle AG12. However, the first outer spline surface angle AG11 may be equal to or greater than the second outer spline surface angle AG12.

  The first outer spline surface angle AG11 is in the range of 0 degrees to 10 degrees. The second outer spline surface angle AG12 is in the range of 0 degrees to 60 degrees. In the present embodiment, the first outer spline surface angle AG11 is 5 degrees. The second outer spline surface angle AG12 is 45 degrees. However, the first outer spline surface angle AG11 and the second outer spline surface angle AG12 are not limited to the present embodiment and the above range.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the brake rotor support 34 includes at least one additional outer spline tooth 52 configured to engage the bicycle brake rotor 16 (FIG. 4). In this embodiment, the brake rotor support 34 includes an additional base support 54 and a plurality of additional outer spline teeth 52. The additional base support portion 54 has a cylindrical shape and extends from the hub body 36 along the rotation center axis A1. The additional outer spline teeth 52 extend radially outward from the additional base support 54. The total number of additional outer spline teeth 52 is 52. However, the total number of the plurality of additional outer spline teeth 52 is not limited to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 14, at least one additional outer spline tooth 52 has an additional outer spline peak diameter DM14. As shown in FIG. 15, the additional outer spline peak diameter DM14 is larger than the outer spline peak diameter DM11. The additional outer spline peak diameter DM14 is substantially equal to the outer diameter DM13 of the large diameter portion 42. However, the additional outer spline peak diameter DM14 may be equal to or smaller than the outer spline peak diameter DM11. The additional outer spline peak diameter DM14 may be different from the outer diameter DM13 of the large diameter portion 42.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the hub axle 30 includes an axial contact surface 30B1 that contacts the bicycle frame BF. In the present embodiment, the axial contact surface 30B1 can contact the first frame BF1 of the bicycle frame BF. The first frame BF1 includes a frame contact surface BF12. In a state where the bicycle hub assembly 12 is fixed to the bicycle frame BF by the wheel fixing mechanism WS, the axial contact surface 30B1 contacts the frame contact surface BF12.

  The first axial length AL11 is defined from the axial contact surface 30B1 to the large diameter portion 42 in the axial direction D2 with respect to the rotation center axis A1. The first axial length AL11 is in the range of 35 mm to 41 mm. The first axial length AL11 may be 39 mm or more. The first axial length AL11 may be in a range of 35 mm to 37 mm. In the present embodiment, the first axial length AL11 is 36.2 mm, but the first axial length AL11 is not limited to the present embodiment and the above range.

  The large diameter portion 42 has an axial end portion 42A farthest from the axial contact surface 30B1 in the axial direction D2. The second axial length AL12 is defined from the axial contact surface 30B1 to the axial end portion 42A in the axial direction D2. The second axial length AL12 is in the range of 38 mm to 47 mm. The second axial length AL12 may be different in the range of 44 mm to 45 mm. The second axial length AL12 may be different in the range of 40 mm to 41 mm. In the present embodiment, the second axial length AL12 is 40.75 mm, but the second axial length AL12 is not limited to the present embodiment and the above range.

  The axial length AL13 of the large diameter portion 42 is in the range of 3 mm to 6 mm. In the present embodiment, the axial length AL13 is 4.55 mm, but the axial length AL13 is not limited to the present embodiment and the above range.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 includes at least one sprocket. The at least one sprocket includes a minimum sprocket SP1 and a maximum sprocket SP12. The smallest sprocket SP1 may also be referred to as sprocket SP1. Maximum sprocket SP12 may also be referred to as sprocket SP12. In the present embodiment, the at least one sprocket further includes sprockets SP2 to SP11. The sprocket SP1 corresponds to the top gear. The sprocket SP12 corresponds to the low gear. The total number of sprockets in the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 is not limited to this embodiment.

  The smallest sprocket SP1 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP1B. The total number of at least one sprocket tooth SP1B of the smallest sprocket SP1 is 10 or less. In the present embodiment, the total number of at least one sprocket tooth SP1B of the smallest sprocket SP1 is ten. However, the total number of at least one sprocket tooth SP1B of the smallest sprocket SP1 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

  The largest sprocket SP12 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP12B. The total number of at least one sprocket tooth SP12B of the largest sprocket SP12 is 46 or more. The total number of at least one sprocket tooth SP12B of the largest sprocket SP12 is 50 or more. In the present embodiment, the total number of at least one sprocket tooth SP12B of the largest sprocket SP12 is 51. However, the total number of at least one sprocket tooth SP12B of the largest sprocket SP12 is not limited to the present embodiment and the above range.

  Sprocket SP2 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP2B. The sprocket SP3 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP3B. Sprocket SP4 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP4B. The sprocket SP5 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP5B. Sprocket SP6 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP6B. Sprocket SP7 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP7B. The sprocket SP8 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP8B. Sprocket SP9 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP9B. The sprocket SP10 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP10B. The sprocket SP11 includes at least one sprocket tooth SP11B.

  The total number of at least one sprocket tooth SP2B is twelve. The total number of at least one sprocket tooth SP3B is 14. The total number of at least one sprocket tooth SP4B is 16. The total number of at least one sprocket tooth SP5B is 18. The total number of at least one sprocket tooth SP6B is 21. The total number of at least one sprocket tooth SP7B is 24. The total number of at least one sprocket tooth SP8B is 28. The total number of at least one sprocket tooth SP9B is 33. The total number of at least one sprocket tooth SP10B is 39. The total number of at least one sprocket tooth 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, each of the sprockets SP1 to SP12 is a separate member. However, at least one of the sprockets SP1 to SP12 may be at least partially integrated with another sprocket of the sprockets SP1 to SP12. 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.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the sprocket SP1 includes a sprocket body SP1A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP1B. The plurality of sprocket teeth SP1B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP1A. The sprocket SP2 includes a sprocket body SP2A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP2B. The plurality of sprocket teeth SP2B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP2A. The sprocket SP3 includes a sprocket body SP3A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP3B. The plurality of sprocket teeth SP3B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP3A. The sprocket SP4 includes a sprocket body SP4A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP4B. The plurality of sprocket teeth SP4B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP4A. The sprocket SP5 includes a sprocket body SP5A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP5B. The plurality of sprocket teeth SP5B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP5A. The first ring 59A is provided between the sprockets SP3 and SP4. The second ring 59B is provided between the sprockets SP4 and SP5.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the sprocket SP6 includes a sprocket body SP6A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP6B. The plurality of sprocket teeth SP6B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP6A. The sprocket SP7 includes a sprocket body SP7A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP7B. The plurality of sprocket teeth SP7B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP7A. The sprocket SP8 includes a sprocket body SP8A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP8B. The plurality of sprocket teeth SP8B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP8A.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the sprocket SP9 includes a sprocket body SP9A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP9B. The plurality of sprocket teeth SP9B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP9A. The sprocket SP10 includes a sprocket body SP10A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP10B. The plurality of sprocket teeth SP10B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP10A. The sprocket SP11 includes a sprocket body SP11A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP11B. The plurality of sprocket teeth SP11B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP11A. The sprocket SP12 includes a sprocket body SP12A and a plurality of sprocket teeth SP12B. The plurality of sprocket teeth SP12B extend radially outward from the sprocket body SP12A.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the sprocket support portion 56 includes a hub engagement portion 60 and a plurality of support arms 62. The plurality of support arms 62 extend radially outward from the hub engagement portion 60. The support arm 62 includes a first attachment portion 62A to an eighth attachment portion 62H. The plurality of spacers 58 include 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 spacers. The seventh spacer 58G.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the plurality of first spacers 58A are provided between the sprockets SP5 and SP6. The plurality of second spacers 58B are provided between the sprockets SP6 and SP7. The plurality of third spacers 58C are provided between the sprockets SP7 and SP8. The plurality of fourth spacers 58D are provided between the sprockets SP8 and SP9. The plurality of fifth spacers 58E are provided between the sprockets SP9 and SP10. The plurality of sixth spacers 58F are provided between the sprockets SP10 and SP11. The plurality of seventh spacers 58G are provided between the sprockets SP11 and SP12.

  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 coupling structure such as an adhesive. The sprocket SP5 and the second ring 59B are attached to the eighth attachment portion 62H by a coupling structure such as an adhesive. The hub engaging portion 60, the sprockets SP1 to SP4, the first ring 59A, and the second ring 59B are held between the large diameter portion 42 and the lock flange 32B of the lock ring 32 in the axial direction D2.

  In this embodiment, each of sprockets SP1-SP12 is comprised from metal materials, such as aluminum, iron, and titanium. The sprocket support 56, the first spacer 58A to the seventh spacer 58G, the first ring 59A, and the second ring 59B are each made of a non-metallic material such as a resin material. However, at least one of the sprockets SP1 to SP12 may be at least partially made of a non-metallic material. At least one of the sprocket support portion 56, the first spacer 58A to the seventh spacer 58G, the first ring 59A, and the second ring 59B is at least partially composed of a non-metal such as aluminum, iron, or titanium. May be.

  The at least one sprocket includes at least one inner spline tooth configured to engage the bicycle hub assembly 12. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the at least one sprocket includes at least 10 inner spline teeth configured to engage the bicycle hub assembly 12. The at least one inner spline tooth includes a plurality of inner spline teeth. Accordingly, the at least one sprocket includes a plurality of inner spline teeth configured to engage the bicycle hub assembly 12. In this embodiment, the sprocket SP1 includes at least ten inner spline teeth 64 that are configured to engage the bicycle hub assembly 12. In this embodiment, the sprocket SP 1 includes a plurality of inner spline teeth 64 configured to mate with the plurality of outer spline teeth 40 of the sprocket support 28 of the bicycle hub assembly 12. The sprocket body SP1A has an annular shape. The plurality of inner spline teeth 64 extend radially inward from the sprocket body SP1A.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the total number of at least 10 inner spline teeth 64 is 20 or more. The total number of at least 10 inner spline teeth 64 is 25 or more. In the present embodiment, the total number of the plurality of inner spline teeth 64 is 26. However, the total number of the plurality of inner spline teeth 64 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

  At least ten inner spline teeth 64 have a first inner pitch angle PA21 and a second inner pitch angle PA22. At least two inner spline teeth among the plurality of inner spline teeth 64 are arranged at the first inner pitch angle PA21 in the circumferential direction about the rotation center axis A1 of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14. At least two inner spline teeth among the plurality of inner spline teeth 64 are arranged at the second inner pitch angle PA22 in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation center axis A1. In the present embodiment, the second inner pitch angle PA22 is different from the first inner pitch angle PA21, but the second inner pitch angle PA22 may be substantially equal to the first inner pitch angle PA21.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of inner spline teeth 64 are arranged at the first inner pitch angle PA21 in the circumferential direction D1. Two inner spline teeth among the plurality of inner spline teeth 64 are arranged at the second inner pitch angle PA22 in the circumferential direction D1. However, at least two inner spline teeth among the plurality of inner spline teeth 64 may be arranged at another inner pitch angle in the circumferential direction D1.

  The first inner pitch angle PA21 is in the range of 10 degrees to 20 degrees. The first inner pitch angle PA21 is in the range of 12 degrees to 15 degrees. The first inner pitch angle PA21 is in the range of 13 degrees to 14 degrees. In the present embodiment, the first inner pitch angle PA21 is 13.3 degrees, but the first inner pitch angle PA21 is not limited to the present embodiment and the above range.

  The second inner pitch angle PA22 is in the range of 5 degrees to 30 degrees. In the present embodiment, the second inner pitch angle PA22 is 26 degrees, but the second inner pitch angle PA22 is not limited to the present embodiment and the above range.

  At least one of the at least ten inner spline teeth 64 has a first spline shape that is different from the second spline shape of another tooth of the at least ten inner spline teeth 64. At least one of the at least ten inner spline teeth 64 has a first spline size that is different from a second spline size of another of the at least ten inner spline teeth 64. At least one of the at least ten inner spline teeth 64 has a cross-sectional shape that is different from the cross-sectional shape of another tooth of the at least ten inner spline teeth 64. However, as shown in FIG. 27, the plurality of inner spline teeth 64 may all have the same shape. The plurality of inner spline teeth 64 may all be the same size. The plurality of inner spline teeth 64 may all have the same cross-sectional shape.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the at least one inner spline tooth 64 includes an inner spline driving surface 66 and an inner spline non-driving surface 68. The at least one inner spline tooth 64 includes a plurality of inner spline teeth 64. The plurality of inner spline teeth 64 include a plurality of inner spline drive surfaces 66 for receiving drive torque F1 from the bicycle hub assembly 12 (FIG. 6) during pedaling. The plurality of inner spline teeth 64 includes a plurality of inner spline non-drive surfaces 68. The inner spline drive surface 66 can contact the sprocket support 28 so as to transmit the driving rotational force F1 from the sprocket SP1 to the sprocket support 28 during pedaling. The inner spline drive surface 66 faces the drive rotation direction D11. The inner spline non-driving surface 68 is provided on the back side of the inner spline driving surface 66 in the circumferential direction D1. The inner spline non-drive surface 68 faces the reverse rotation direction D12 so as not to transmit the driving torque F1 from the sprocket SP1 to the sprocket support 28 during pedaling.

  Each of the at least ten inner spline teeth 64 has a circumferential maximum width MW2. Each of the plurality of inner spline teeth 64 has a circumferential maximum width MW2. The circumferential maximum width MW2 is defined as the maximum width for receiving the thrust force F3 applied to the inner spline teeth 64. The circumferential maximum width MW2 is defined as a linear distance with the inner spline drive surface 66 as a reference.

  The inner spline drive surface 66 includes a radially outermost peripheral edge 66A and a radially innermost peripheral edge 66B. The inner spline drive surface 66 extends from the radially outermost peripheral edge 66A to the radially innermost peripheral edge 66B. The second reference circle RC21 is defined on the radially outermost peripheral edge 66A and is centered on the rotation center axis A1. The second reference circle RC21 intersects the inner spline non-drive surface 68 at the reference point 68R. The circumferential maximum width MW2 linearly extends in the circumferential direction D1 from the radially innermost peripheral edge 66B to the reference point 68R.

  The inner spline non-drive surface 68 includes a radially outermost peripheral edge 68A and a radially innermost peripheral edge 68B. The inner spline non-drive surface 68 extends from the radially outermost peripheral edge 68A to the radially innermost peripheral edge 68B. The reference point 68R is provided between the radially outermost peripheral edge 68A and the radial innermost peripheral edge 68B.

  The sum of the circumferential maximum width MW2 is 40 mm or more. The sum of the circumferential maximum width MW2 is 45 mm or more. The sum of the circumferential maximum width MW2 is 50 mm or more. In the present embodiment, the sum of the circumferential maximum width MW2 is 50.8 mm, but the sum of the circumferential maximum width MW2 is not limited to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 29, at least one inner spline tooth 64 has an inner spline valley diameter DM21. At least one inner spline tooth 64 has an inner spline root circle RC22 having an inner spline root diameter DM21. However, the inner spline root circle RC22 may have a different diameter from the inner spline valley diameter DM21. The inner spline valley diameter DM21 is 30 mm or less. The inner spline valley diameter DM21 is 25 mm or more. The inner spline valley diameter DM21 is 29 mm or more. In the present embodiment, the inner spline valley diameter DM21 is 29.8 mm, but the inner spline valley diameter DM21 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

  At least one inner spline tooth 64 has an inner spline peak diameter DM22 of 28 mm or less. The inner spline peak diameter DM22 is 25 mm or more. The inner spline peak diameter DM22 is 27 mm or more. In the present embodiment, the inner spline mountain diameter DM22 is 27.7 mm, but the inner spline mountain diameter DM22 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the plurality of inner spline drive surfaces 66 include a radially outermost peripheral edge 66A and a radially innermost peripheral edge 66B. Each of the plurality of inner spline drive surfaces 66 includes a radial length RL21 defined from the radially outermost peripheral edge 66A to the radial innermost peripheral edge 66B. The total of the radial lengths RL21 of the plurality of inner spline drive surfaces 66 is 7 mm or more. The total of the radial length RL21 is 10 mm or more. The total radial length RL21 is 15 mm or more. In the present embodiment, the total of the radial length RL21 is 19.5 mm, but the total of the radial length RL21 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

  The plurality of inner spline teeth 64 have an additional radial length RL22. Each of the plurality of additional radial lengths RL22 is defined from the inner spline root circle RC22 of the plurality of inner spline teeth 64 to the radially innermost end 64A. The total of the additional radial length RL22 is 12 mm or more. In the present embodiment, the total of the additional radial length RL22 is 27.95 mm, but the total of the additional radial length RL22 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

  At least one of the inner spline teeth 64 has an asymmetric shape with respect to the circumferential tooth center line CL2. The circumferential tooth center line CL2 is a line connecting the rotation center axis A1 and the circumferential center point CP2 of the radially innermost circumferential end portion 64A of the inner spline tooth 64. However, at least one of the plurality of inner spline teeth 64 may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the circumferential tooth center line CL2. At least one of the inner spline teeth 64 has an inner spline drive surface 66 and an inner spline non-drive surface 68.

  The inner spline drive surface 66 has a first inner spline surface angle AG21. The first inner spline surface angle AG21 is defined between the inner spline drive surface 66 and the first radial line L21. The first radial line L21 extends from the rotation center axis A1 of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 to the radially outermost peripheral edge 66A of the inner spline drive surface 66. A first inner pitch angle PA21 or a second inner pitch angle PA22 is defined between adjacent first radial lines L21 (see, for example, FIG. 26).

  The inner spline non-drive surface 68 has a second inner spline surface angle AG22. The second inner spline surface angle AG22 is defined between the inner spline non-drive surface 68 and the second radial line L22. The second radial line L22 extends from the rotation center axis A1 of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly 14 to the radially outermost peripheral edge 68A of the inner spline non-drive surface 68.

  In the present embodiment, the second inner spline surface angle AG22 is different from the first inner spline surface angle AG21. The first inner spline surface angle AG21 is smaller than the second inner spline surface angle AG22. However, the first inner spline surface angle AG21 may be equal to or greater than the second inner spline surface angle AG22.

  The first inner spline surface angle AG21 is in the range of 0 degrees to 10 degrees. The second inner spline surface angle AG22 is in the range of 0 degrees to 60 degrees. In the present embodiment, the first inner spline surface angle AG21 is 5 degrees. The second inner spline surface angle AG22 is 45 degrees. However, the first inner spline surface angle AG21 and the second inner spline surface angle AG22 are not limited to the present embodiment and the above range.

  As shown in FIG. 30, the plurality of inner spline teeth 64 mesh with the plurality of outer spline teeth 40 so as to transmit the driving rotational force F1 from the sprocket SP1 to the sprocket support 28. The inner spline driving surface 66 can contact the outer spline driving surface 48 so as to transmit the driving rotational force F1 from the sprocket SP1 to the sprocket support 28. With the inner spline drive surface 66 in contact with the outer spline drive surface 48, the inner spline non-drive surface 68 is separated from the outer spline non-drive surface 50.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the sprocket SP <b> 2 includes a plurality of inner spline teeth 70. The sprocket SP3 includes a plurality of inner spline teeth 72. The sprocket SP4 includes a plurality of inner spline teeth 74. The first ring 59 </ b> A includes a plurality of inner spline teeth 76. As shown in FIG. 32, the hub engagement portion 60 of the sprocket support portion 56 includes a plurality of inner spline teeth 78. The plurality of inner spline teeth 70 have substantially the same structure as the plurality of inner spline teeth 64. The plurality of inner spline teeth 72 have substantially the same structure as the plurality of inner spline teeth 64. The plurality of inner spline teeth 74 have substantially the same structure as the plurality of inner spline teeth 64. The plurality of inner spline teeth 76 have substantially the same structure as the plurality of inner spline teeth 64. The plurality of inner spline teeth 78 have substantially the same structure as the plurality of inner spline teeth 64. Therefore, for the sake of simplicity, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  In this application, “comprising” and its derivatives are non-limiting terms describing the presence of a component and do not exclude the presence of other components not described. This also applies to “having”, “including” and their derivatives.

  The terms “˜member”, “˜part”, “˜element”, “˜body”, and “˜structure” may have multiple meanings, such as a single part or multiple parts.

  Ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” are merely terms for identifying the configuration, and have no other meaning (for example, a specific order). For example, just because there is a “first element” does not imply that a “second element” exists, and because there is a “second element”, there is a “first element”. It does not imply to do.

  As used herein, the term “pair” includes not only the case where a pair of elements have the same shape or structure, but also the case where the pair of elements have different shapes or structures.

  Words such as “substantially”, “about”, and “approximately” representing the degree may mean a reasonable amount of deviation that does not significantly change the final result. All numerical values set forth herein may be interpreted to include words such as “substantially”, “about”, and “approximately”.

  Obviously, various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above disclosure. Therefore, the present invention may be implemented by a method different from the specific disclosure content of the present application without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

10 bicycle drive train, 12 bicycle hub assembly, 14 bicycle rear sprocket assembly, 16 bicycle brake rotor, 18 crank assembly, 20 bicycle chain, 28 sprocket support, 30 hub axle, 32 lock ring, 36 Hub Body, 40 Outer Spline Teeth, 41 Base Support, 42 Large Diameter, 44 Flange, 64 Inner Spline Teeth, 70 Inner Spline Teeth, 72 Inner Spline Teeth, 74 Inner Spline Teeth, 76 Inner Spline Teeth, 78 Inner Spline Teeth, A1 Rotation center axis

Claims (37)

A sprocket support including at least 10 outer spline teeth configured to engage a bicycle rear sprocket assembly;
Each of the at least ten outer spline teeth has an outer spline drive surface and an outer spline non-drive surface;
Bicycle hub assembly. The total number of the at least 10 outer spline teeth is 20 or more.
The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 1. A total number of the at least 10 outer spline teeth is 25 or more;
The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 2. The at least ten outer spline teeth have a first outer pitch angle and a second outer pitch angle different from the first outer pitch angle.
The bicycle hub assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3. At least one of the at least ten outer spline teeth has a first spline shape different from a second spline shape of another tooth of the at least ten outer spline teeth;
The bicycle hub assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4. At least one of the at least ten outer spline teeth has a first spline size that is different from a second spline size of another tooth of the at least ten outer spline teeth;
The bicycle hub assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Each of the at least ten outer spline teeth has a circumferential maximum width;
The total circumferential maximum width is 55 mm or more.
The bicycle hub assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The circumferential maximum width is 60 mm or more.
The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 7. The circumferential maximum width is 65 mm or more.
The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 8. A sprocket support including a plurality of outer spline teeth configured to engage with a bicycle rear sprocket assembly;
At least two outer spline teeth among the plurality of outer spline teeth are disposed at a first outer pitch angle in a circumferential direction with respect to a rotation center axis of the bicycle hub assembly,
The first outer pitch angle is in the range of 10 degrees to 20 degrees;
Bicycle hub assembly. The first outer pitch angle is in the range of 12 degrees to 15 degrees;
The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 10. The first outer pitch angle is in the range of 13 degrees to 14 degrees;
The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 11. At least two outer spline teeth among the plurality of outer spline teeth are arranged at a second outer pitch angle in a circumferential direction with respect to the rotation center axis of the bicycle hub assembly,
The second outer pitch is different from the first outer pitch angle.
The bicycle hub assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 12. A sprocket support including at least one outer spline tooth configured to engage a bicycle rear sprocket assembly;
The at least one outer spline tooth has an outer spline peak diameter of 30 mm or less;
Bicycle hub assembly. A brake rotor support including at least one additional outer spline tooth configured to engage a bicycle brake rotor;
The at least one additional outer spline tooth has an additional outer spline peak diameter greater than the outer spline peak diameter;
The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 14. The outer spline peak diameter is 25 mm or more.
The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 14 or 15. The outer spline peak diameter is 29 mm or more,
The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 16. The at least one outer spline tooth has an outer spline valley diameter;
The outer spline valley diameter is 28 mm or less,
The bicycle hub assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 17. The outer spline valley diameter is 25 mm or more,
The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 18. The outer spline valley diameter is 27 mm or more.
The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 19. The at least one outer spline tooth includes a plurality of outer spline teeth including a plurality of outer spline drive surfaces for receiving a driving rotational force from the bicycle rear sprocket assembly during pedaling;
Each of the plurality of outer spline drive surfaces is
A radially outermost periphery,
Radially innermost periphery,
A radial length defined from the radially outermost periphery to the radially innermost periphery,
The total of the radial lengths of the plurality of outer spline driving surfaces is 7 mm or more.
The bicycle hub assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 20. The total radial length is 10 mm or more,
The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 21. The total radial length is 15 mm or more,
The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 22. The sprocket support includes a large diameter portion having an outer diameter larger than the outer spline peak diameter.
The bicycle hub assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 23. The outer diameter is in the range of 32 mm to 40 mm;
The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 24. A hub axle including an axial contact surface for contacting the bicycle frame;
The sprocket support is attached to a hub shaft so as to be rotatable about a rotation center axis,
A first axial length is defined from the axial contact surface to the large diameter portion in the axial direction with respect to the rotation center axis;
The first axial length is in a range of 35 mm to 41 mm.
The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 24. The first axial length is 39 mm or more.
27. The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 26. The first axial length is in a range of 35 mm to 37 mm.
27. The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 26. The large diameter portion has an axial end that is farthest from the axial contact surface in the axial direction;
A second axial length is defined from the axial contact surface to the axial end in the axial direction;
The second axial length is in the range of 38 mm to 47 mm.
27. The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 26. The second axial length is in a range of 44 mm to 45 mm.
30. The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 29. The second axial length is in a range of 40 mm to 41 mm.
30. The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 29. The axial length of the large diameter portion is in the range of 3 mm to 6 mm.
The bicycle hub assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 31. A sprocket support including at least nine outer spline teeth configured to engage a bicycle rear sprocket assembly;
At least one of the at least nine outer spline teeth has an asymmetric shape with respect to the circumferential tip centerline;
Of the at least nine outer spline teeth, the at least one tooth has an outer spline driving surface and an outer spline non-driving surface;
The outer spline driving surface is defined between the outer spline driving surface and a first radial line extending from a rotation center axis of the bicycle hub assembly to a radially outermost peripheral edge of the outer spline driving surface. Having a first outer spline face angle,
The outer spline non-driving surface includes the outer spline non-driving surface, a second radial line extending from the rotation center axis of the bicycle hub assembly to a radially outermost peripheral edge of the outer spline non-driving surface, A second outer spline face angle defined between
The second outer spline surface angle is different from the first outer spline surface angle;
Bicycle hub assembly. The first outer spline surface angle is smaller than the second outer spline surface angle;
34. A bicycle hub assembly according to claim 33. The first outer spline surface angle is in the range of 0 degrees to 10 degrees,
The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 33 or 34. The second outer spline surface angle is in the range of 0 to 60 degrees;
36. The bicycle hub assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 35. The at least ten outer spline teeth have a first outer pitch angle and a second outer pitch angle different from the first outer pitch angle.
The bicycle hub assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 36.

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