TW201811609A - Improvements relating to bicycle transmissions - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to gearing transmission systems, especially those used in bicycles, but may be used in other vehicle and non-vehicle applications. More specifically a freewheel mechanism for a bicycle is disclosed, comprising a bottom bracket axle, the bottom bracket axle having or being able to receive one or more crank arms, and a chain-ring or chain-ring mount, wherein there is provided a one-way bearing between the axle and the chain-ring or chain-ring mount.

Description

 Improvement of bicycle transmission  

The present invention relates to gear transmission systems, and more particularly to those that are used in bicycles, but can be used in other vehicle and non-vehicle applications.

Bicycles usually have a flywheel mechanism. This is provided in the rear hub and allows the rider to stop pedaling without the rear wheel lock, just like a bicycle with a fixed gear.

In this standard prior art setup, once the rider stops pedaling, the chain, front crank, front crank and rear sprocket/rear flywheel all stop spinning and the rear hub continues to rotate.

As the rider applies the torque again, there may be an appreciable and disturbing crank/chain/sprocket assembly receiving torque.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a gear system includes a rotary input device and a rotary output device, the rotary input and output device being coaxially rotated, wherein a one-way bearing is disposed on the rotary input device Between the rotary output devices.

The one-way bearing can be a wedge clutch.

The rotary input device can transmit rotation to an inner mandrel.

The inner mandrel can be formed from two parts: a main inner mandrel and an inner mandrel adapter.

The main inner mandrel and inner mandrel adapter can be mated together by a non-circular profile plug and socket configuration.

A segmented circular plug and socket configuration can be provided that is seated in a plug and socket configuration that abuts the non-circular profile.

The non-circular profile can be of any suitable type, such as a triangle, a square, a pentagon, and the like.

The non-circular profile can be a splined arrangement and can be an ISIS Drive or similar plug-and-socket configuration.

The inner spindle adapter can include an adapter attachment.

The adapter attachment can be a non-circular profile.

The non-circular profile can be of any suitable type, such as a triangle, a square, a pentagon, and the like.

The non-circular profile can be a slotted configuration and can be an ISIS Drive or similar plug-and-socket configuration.

The use of this adapter configuration allows the inner mandrel to have a smaller diameter than the standard and thereby allows the gearing system to be mounted within the standard bottom bracket housing of the bicycle.

The rotary output device can be a projection on the input mandrel.

The projection can be integral with the inner mandrel.

The projections may be separately disposed and rotatably coupled to the inner mandrel.

The projection can be attached via a non-circular contour.

The non-circular profile can be of any suitable type, such as a triangle, a square, a pentagon, and the like.

The non-circular profile can be a slotted configuration and can be an ISIS Drive or similar plug-and-socket configuration.

The one-way bearing can be mounted around the projection.

Additional components may be disposed between the projection and the one-way bearing.

The gear transmission system can be adapted for use with a bicycle.

The rotary input device can be a pedal crank.

The rotary output device can be a link and/or chain configuration.

Providing a one-way bearing or wedge clutch can cause the rotary input device and the rotary output device to be selectively decoupled when the rotational motion of the output device exceeds the rotational motion of the input device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gear transmission system including a rotary input device and a rotary output device that drives an input spindle and the rotary output device is driven by an output spindle Or include an output mandrel that is coaxial and connected by a one-way bearing.

The one-way bearing can be a wedge clutch.

One of the output or input mandrels may be a sleeve that is mounted about the other of the output mandrel or the input mandrel.

The one-way bearing can be integrally formed with one or both of the input mandrel and/or the output mandrel.

The output mandrel can be the sleeve.

The output mandrel can be attached to the inner race of the bearing and the input mandrel can be attached to the outer race of the bearing.

An intermediate bracket can be provided that attaches the input mandrel to the outer race.

The output mandrel can be the inner mandrel and the input mandrel is a sleeve that is wholly or partially around the output mandrel.

The bearing can be a key that is attached to the output mandrel and/or the output mandrel.

By avoiding threaded attachment, possible misalignment of the bearing can be mitigated due to the apparently undesirable effects of the threaded attachment condition on the torque transfer.

The inner mandrel can be formed from two components: a main inner mandrel and an inner mandrel adapter.

The main inner mandrel and inner mandrel adapters can be mounted together by a non-circular profile plug and socket configuration.

The non-circular profile can be of any suitable type, such as a triangle, a square, a pentagon, and the like.

The non-circular profile can be a slotted configuration and can be an ISIS Drive or similar plug-and-socket configuration.

The inner spindle adapter can include an adapter attachment.

The adapter attachment can be a non-circular profile.

The non-circular profile can be of any suitable type, such as a triangle, a square, a pentagon, and the like.

The non-circular profile can be a slotted configuration and can be an ISIS Drive or similar plug-and-socket configuration.

The use of this adapter configuration allows the inner mandrel to have a smaller diameter than the standard and thereby allows the gearing system to be mounted within the standard bottom bracket housing of the bicycle.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising at least one gear transmission system according to the first or second aspect of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a bicycle comprising at least one gear transmission system according to the first or second aspect of the invention.

A pedal crank arm is rotatably coupled and attached to the inner mandrel.

One of the crank arms may be rotatably coupled and attached to the adapter.

The gear transmission system can be disposed within the bottom bracket housing of the bicycle.

The gear transmission system can be mounted on one or more bearings within the bottom bracket housing.

The bearings can be disposed at the distal end of the bottom bracket housing.

The gear transmission system can be seated outside of the bottom bracket housing, for example, the gear transmission system can be disposed between the crank arm and the bottom bracket housing.

The gear transmission system can be located on a crank arm of the bicycle.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a flywheel mechanism for a bicycle, comprising a bottom bracket shaft having or capable of receiving one or more crank arms, and a link or link mounting a seat having a one-way bearing between the axle and the link or link mount.

The one-way bearing can be a wedge clutch.

The crank arm may form part of the axle and may have a one-way bearing mounted to the crank arm.

The axle can be formed from two components: a main inner mandrel and an inner mandrel adapter.

The main inner mandrel and inner mandrel adapters can be mounted together by a non-circular profile plug and socket configuration.

The non-circular profile can be of any suitable type, such as a triangle, a square, a pentagon, and the like.

The non-circular profile can be a slotted configuration and can be an ISIS Drive or similar plug-and-socket configuration.

The inner spindle adapter can include an adapter attachment.

The adapter attachment can be a non-circular profile.

The non-circular profile can be of any suitable type, such as a triangle, a square, a pentagon, and the like.

The non-circular profile can be a slotted configuration and can be an ISIS Drive or similar plug-and-socket configuration.

The use of this adapter configuration allows the inner mandrel to have a smaller diameter than the standard and thereby allows the gearing system to be mounted within the standard bottom bracket housing of the bicycle.

Preferred features of all aspects of the invention may be applied to other points where appropriate.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a prior art gear transmission system; FIG. 2 is the first item according to the present invention. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gear transmission system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gear transmission system according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a gear transmission system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a gear transmission system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 7 is a sixth item according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a gear transmission system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a gear transmission system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a gear transmission system according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 11 is a tenth item according to the present invention. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gear transmission system according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a main inner mandrel, which can be displayed with Embodiments of the invention are used together and form part of this embodiment; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a main inner mandrel adapter that can be used with the illustrated embodiments of the invention and form part of this embodiment And may be connected to the main inner mandrel of FIG. 13; FIG. 15 is a side view of the bicycle according to the fourth aspect of the present invention; and FIGS. 16 to 31 are the bicycle of FIG. 15 and are depicted in the above figures. FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a link, a link mount, and a bearing assembly of a twelfth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 33 is a chain of the twelfth embodiment. 3 is a perspective view of a ring mount and a bearing assembly; FIG. 34 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the link mount and the bearing assembly of the twelfth embodiment; A perspective view of a portion of the link mount and the bearing assembly of the twelfth embodiment as viewed from a second angle; FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the inner bearing portion of the twelfth embodiment as viewed from below; FIG. FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the bearing housing of the twelfth embodiment as viewed from below; FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the bearing housing of the twelfth embodiment as viewed from above; and FIG. A plan view of the inside of a bearing of the bearing of the twelfth embodiment.

Referring to the drawings and initially to FIG. 1, a prior art gear transmission system GS is depicted. The figure is a schematic representation of a "standard" bottom bracket system for a prior art bicycle. The two pedals P are connected through the respective crank arms CA and through one of the axles A. A link CR is positioned around the first side of the axle A and is coupled to the first side. A chain C is carried by the link CR. A bottom bracket shell BBS of the bicycle B covers the axle A. Two standard bidirectional bearings BS are located at either side of the bottom bracket housing BBS, and both bidirectional bearings BS are mounted and allow for smooth rotation of the axle A. This is a standard setting for bicycles, which are fixed gears, geared, equipped with a rear hub flywheel assembly, and so on.

2 depicts a first embodiment of the present invention, which is a gear transmission system 10 that includes a rotary input device and a rotary output device that drives an input spindle 12 and The rotary output device is driven by or includes an output mandrel 14 that is coaxial with the output mandrel 14 and that is coupled by a one-way bearing 16.

The one-way bearing 16 is a wedge clutch 16 among the presently described embodiments.

The output mandrel 14 is a sleeve that is mounted about the input mandrel 12, however this configuration may be reversed.

The output mandrel 14 is attached to the inner race 18 of the bearing 16 and the input mandrel 12 is attached to the outer race 20 of the bearing 16.

An intermediate bracket 22 is provided that allows the input mandrel 12 to be attached to the outer race 20, the intermediate bracket 22 having a key attachment 24 to the input spindle 12 that is a key 26 seat Individual slots 28, 30 that fall on the input mandrel 12 and the bracket 22.

By avoiding threaded attachment, possible misalignment of the action of the bearing with such torque-attached torque transmission can be mitigated, which is clearly undesirable.

The inner mandrel 12 can be formed from two components: a main inner mandrel 12a and an inner mandrel adapter 12b.

The main inner mandrel 12a and inner mandrel adapter 12b are mounted together in a non-circular profile plug and socket arrangement 32. In the current embodiment, this is a bolt-and-groove configuration, but the non-circular profile can be of any suitable type, such as a triangle, a square square, a pentagon, and the like.

The inner spindle adapter 12b includes an adapter attachment 12c. The adapter attachment 12c is an ISIS Drive pin slot configuration that allows a standard crank arm 34 to be attached to the inner spindle adapter 12b and thereby provide an output for the torque application through the rider's motion .

The adapter attachment may have an additional non-circular profile and is not limited to an ISIS Drive configuration. The non-circular profile can be of any suitable type, such as a triangle, a square square, a pentagon, and the like.

The use of this adapter configuration allows the inner mandrel 12 to have a smaller diameter than the standard and thus allows the gear transmission system to be mounted within a standard sized bottom bracket housing 36 of the bicycle B.

A corresponding ISIS Drive configuration 12d is provided on the distal side of the inner mandrel 12. A crank arm 13 is attached to the ISIS Drive configuration 12d.

An inner mandrel projection 12e is seated inside the ISIS Drive configuration 12d. The inner mandrel projection 12e is located within the non-chain side opening 15 of the bottom bracket housing 36.

A bearing 19 surrounds the inner mandrel flange portion 12d and abuts the inner surface of the bottom bracket housing 36.

A crank side support bearing 38 surrounds the output mandrel 14 and is seated within the bottom bracket housing 36 adjacent the side of the link 42 of the bottom bracket housing 36. This ensures a smooth rotation of the output mandrel 14 within the bottom bracket housing 36.

A link 42 is coupled to the outer flange portion 14c that is seated over the bottom bracket housing 36 at the distal end from the axle adapter 12b, and the link 42 is seated adjacent the crank 13.

In use, the cranks are driven by the rider of bicycle B. When driven in the standard "forward direction", that is, when the pedal is directed toward the front wheel of the bicycle B and toward the front of the bottom bracket housing 36, the pedal is forced to be driven downward, and this torque is transmitted to the bottom. The rotation of the inner spindle 12 within the bracket housing 36.

The keyed connection to the bracket 22 causes the bracket 22 to rotate and thus causes the outer race of the one-way bearing 16 to rotate. The bearing 16 is configured such that this action can be transmitted to the inner race that also rotates.

This rotational motion is transmitted through the inner race of the bearing 16 and causes the output spindle 14 to rotate.

This rotational action is transmitted to the link 42 which causes the chain 50 to drive the rear sprocket assembly, which in turn drives the bicycle B.

When the rider stops applying the forward rotation, either completely stops or is less than the rotational speed of the link 42 and the chain 50, or when the pedal is directed toward the rear wheel of the bicycle B, by applying a rearward force Applying a rearward action, the bearing 16 allows the output mandrel 14 to continue to rotate at a greater speed.

This means that only the inner mandrel 12 is affected by the moment applied by the rider, and the remaining configurations of the outer axle 14, link 42, chain 50 and rear sprocket assembly will continue to rotate with the rear wheel.

This is in contrast to the configuration of the prior art flywheel hub, in the case of the prior art configuration, when the rider interrupts applying torque through the pedal to the crank, the crank, link, chain and rear sprocket assembly are rear The effect of the hub is decoupled from the action of the rear wheels.

The second embodiment is shown in Figure 3. Similar components use the same numbering scheme, but prefixed with the number "1" such that the gearing system 110 includes a rotary input device and a rotary output device that drives an inner mandrel 112 and the input device 112 And the rotary output device is coupled to a one-way bearing 116.

In the second embodiment, the one-way bearing 116 is similarly a wedge clutch 116. However, the output mandrel is omitted and the one-way bearing 116 is disposed between the inner mandrel 112 and a housing 117 that surrounds the inner mandrel 112 and mounts the link 142. The housing 117 is a generally cylindrical projection type bracket having four blades 117a projecting from the housing 117 for enabling attachment of the link 142. A key mounting member is provided for rotationally locking the components together.

The components of the inner mandrel 112 are shown in Figures 13 and 14. In the present embodiment of the inner mandrel 112, the inner mandrel adapter attachment 112c is a square profile 112c rather than a spline or ISIS drive configuration. Again, the non-circular plug and socket configuration 132 is also based on a square profile 132a at its outer edge, but includes a circular portion 132b that is identical to the overall outer contour of the inner mandrel 112. This combination of circular and non-circular shapes facilitates torque transfer between the two components of the axle 112 and can reduce shear forces. This axle configuration is used in the third to eighth embodiments described below.

Furthermore, the axle adapter 112b is seated on the non-link side of the bottom bracket housing 136, and the inner race of the wedge clutch 116 is attached around an inner mandrel projection 112d and is rotatable It is coupled to the inner mandrel projection 112d.

In use, the cranks are driven by the rider of bicycle B. When driven in the standard "forward direction", that is, when the pedal is directed toward the front wheel of bicycle B and toward the front of the bottom bracket housing 136, the pedal is forced to be driven downward, and this torque is transmitted to the bottom. The rotation of the inner shaft 112 within the bracket housing 136.

The keyed connection to the inner race of the wedge clutch 116 causes the outer race of the bearing 116 to rotate. The bearing 116 is configured such that this action can be transmitted to the inner race that also rotates.

This rotational motion is transmitted through the inner race of the bearing 116 and causes the outer race to rotate.

This rotational motion is transmitted to the link 142 which causes the chain 150 to drive the rear sprocket assembly and the rear sprocket assembly to drive the bicycle B.

When the rider stops applying the forward rotation, either completely stops or is less than the rotational speed of the link 42 and the chain 50, or when the pedal is facing the rear wheel of the bicycle B, by applying a rearward force The rearward action is indeed applied, and the bearing 116 allows the link 142 and the chain 150 to continue to rotate at a greater speed.

This means that only the inner mandrel 112 is affected by the moment applied by the rider, and the rest of the configuration of clutch 116, link 142, chain 150 and rear sprocket assembly will continue to rotate in the rear wheel.

This is in contrast to the configuration of the prior art flywheel hub, in the case of the prior art configuration, when the rider interrupts applying torque through the pedal to the crank, the crank, link, chain and rear sprocket assembly are rear The effect of the hub is decoupled from the action of the rear wheels.

This is mostly the same operational form as the third to seventh embodiments described below.

The third embodiment is shown in Figure 4. Similar components use the same numbering scheme, but prefixed with the number "2" such that the gearing system 210 includes a rotary input device and a rotary output device that drives an input spindle 112 and the input device 212 and the rotary output device are coupled to a one-way bearing 216.

The third embodiment 210 is mostly similar to the second embodiment 110, however, the housing 217 mounting the link 242 is formed as an integral component with the wedge clutch 216 for mounting the blades of the link 242 Extending directly from the outer race of the wedge clutch 216.

The fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. Similar components use the same numbering scheme, but prefixed with the number "3", such that the gearing system 310 includes a rotary input device and a rotary output device that drives an input mandrel 312 and the input mandrel The 312 and rotary output devices are coupled by a one-way bearing 316.

The fourth embodiment 310 is mostly similar to the second embodiment 110 with a separate housing 317 that surrounds the wedge clutch 316. However, in the fourth embodiment, the inner mandrel projection portion is replaced by a crank arm projection portion 360 which is formed as an integral component with the crank arm 313. The crank arm projection 360 is attached to an axle 312 having a non-circular profile that is a similar square/circular profile section as described above for the axle 112.

The fifth embodiment is shown in FIG. Similar components use the same numbering scheme, but prefixed with the number "4", such that the gearing system 410 includes a rotary input device and a rotary output device that drives an input mandrel 412 and the input mandrel The 412 is coupled to the rotary output device and to a one-way bearing 416.

The fifth embodiment 410 is basically a hybrid of the fourth and third embodiments having a crank arm projection 460 formed as an integral component with the crank arm 413, but also having a link 442 mounted thereon. The housing 417 is formed as an integral assembly with the wedge clutch 416, and the blades used to mount the link 442 extend directly from the outer race of the wedge clutch 416.

The sixth embodiment is shown in FIG. Similar components use the same numbering scheme, but prefixed with the number "5", such that the gearing system 510 includes a rotary input device and a rotary output device that drives an input spindle 512 and the input spindle The 512 and rotary output devices are coupled to a one-way bearing 516.

The sixth embodiment 510 has a crank arm projection 560 that forms an integral assembly with the crank arm 513. A more standard foot link support 570 extends from the raised portion and extends around the raised portion, the wedge clutch 516 being disposed between the foot link support 570 and the link 542. This creates a wedge clutch 516 that is much larger in diameter.

The seventh embodiment is shown in FIG. Similar components use the same numbering scheme, but prefixed with the number "6", such that the gearing system 610 includes a rotary input device and a rotary output device that drives an input mandrel 612 and the input mandrel The 612 and the rotary output device are coupled to a one-way bearing 616.

The seventh embodiment 610 has a crank arm projection 660 that is formed as an integral component with the crank arm 634. A more standard foot link support 670 extends from the raised portion and extends around the raised portion, the wedge clutch 616 being disposed between the foot link support 670 and the link 642. This results in a wedge clutch 616 that is much larger in diameter. The difference between the sixth embodiment and the seventh embodiment is that, in the sixth embodiment, the wedge clutch 516 is "radially" seated on the foot link support 570 and the Between the links 542, however, the wedge clutch 616 is "axially" seated between the foot link support 670 and the link 642 such that the foot link support 670 and the link 642 are Axial offset.

The eighth embodiment is shown in FIG. Similar components use the same numbering scheme, but prefixed with the number "7", such that the gearing system 710 includes a rotary input device and a rotary output device that drives an input spindle 712 and the input spindle The 712 and the rotary output device are coupled to a one-way bearing 716.

The eighth embodiment 710 is largely similar to the first embodiment with a separate output mandrel 714 and a bracket 722. It also has a method of operation similar to that described above.

The output mandrel 714 has three spaced apart sections: an initial thin sleeve portion 714a, a centered thicker sleeve portion 14b, and an outer flange 714c.

The thin sleeve portion 714a is within approximately the outer center of the bottom bracket housing 736 and is within the scope of the bracket 722 and the one-way bearing 716.

The thicker sleeve portion 714b is seated adjacent the bracket 722 and adjacent the outer portion of the bottom bracket housing 736.

In this embodiment, the link 742 is disposed on the adapter 712b side of the axle.

The outer flange portion 714c surrounds the connection of the main inner mandrel 12a and the inner mandrel adapter 712b at the non-circular profile plug and socket configuration 732.

The outer flange portion 714c has a central aperture 714d. The main inner mandrel 712a and the inner mandrel adapter 712b project from the central hole 714d. A flange bearing 740 is located within the central bore 714d and provides support and permits smooth rotation of the inner mandrel 712a.

The ninth embodiment is shown in FIG. Similar components use the same numbering scheme, but prefixed with the number "8", such that the gearing system 810 includes a rotary input device and a rotary output device that drives an input mandrel 812 and the input mandrel The 812 and the rotary output device are coupled to a one-way bearing 816.

The ninth embodiment 810 is largely similar to the first and eighth embodiments with a separate output mandrel 814 and a bracket 822.

As opposed to the eighth embodiment, the output mandrel 814 has only two separate sections: an initial thin sleeve portion 814a and an outer flange 814c. Thicker sections are omitted. In addition, the bearing 816 covers the output mandrel 814 of less width.

The tenth embodiment is shown in FIG. Similar components use the same numbering scheme, but prefixed with the number "9", such that the gearing system 910 includes a rotary input device and a rotary output device that drives an input spindle 912 and the input spindle The 912 and the rotary output device are coupled to a one-way bearing 916.

The tenth embodiment 910 is mostly similar to the first, eighth, and ninth embodiments with separate output mandrels 914 and brackets 922.

The output mandrel 914 has only two separate sections: an initial thin sleeve portion 914a and an outer flange 914c. Thicker sections are omitted. Again, the bearing 916 covers a larger width of the output mandrel 914 than in the ninth embodiment.

An eleventh embodiment is shown in FIG. Similar components use the same numbering scheme, but prefixed with the number "10", such that the gearing system 1010 includes a rotary input device and a rotary output device that drives an input spindle 1012 and the input spindle The 1012 and the rotary output device are coupled to a one-way bearing 1016.

The eleventh embodiment 1010 is mostly similar to the first, eighth, ninth, and tenth embodiments with separate output mandrels 1014 and brackets 1022.

The output mandrel 1114 has only two separate sections: an initial thin sleeve portion 1114a and an outer flange 1114c. Thicker sections are omitted. Moreover, the width of the output mandrel 1114 covered by the bearing 1116 is greater than the eighth, ninth and tenth embodiments.

The twelfth embodiment is shown in Figs. 32 to 40. Similar components use the same numbering scheme, but prefixed with the number "11", such that the gearing system 1110 includes a rotary input device and a rotary output device that drives an input spindle 1112 and the input spindle The 1112 and the rotary output device are coupled to a one-way bearing 1116.

The twelfth embodiment 1110 is very similar to the second embodiment in that the one-way bearing 1116 is coupled to the pedal crank 1113 / drive axle 1112 through its inner race, and the link mount or foot 1117 is attached to the outer race of the one-way bearing 1116.

As with the second embodiment, this means that when the rider stops applying the pedaling force, the one-way bearing 1116 causes the axle/pedal crank to be decoupled from the link, the chain continuing on the rear/rear hub / Rotate with the rear chuck or insert, but there is no feedback to the rider.

Figures 34 and 35 provide further details of the construction of the bearing 1116 and foot 1117 mechanisms.

The foot 1117 has five blades 1117a, although it will be appreciated that the number of blades is modifiable. A bearing mounting aperture 1119 is provided at the center of the foot 1117. Bearing 1116 is mounted within the bearing mounting aperture 1119.

Bearing 1116 includes an inner bearing portion 1160, a bearing housing 1162, and a bearing interior 1164.

The bearing interior 1164 is a resilient, flexible ring 1166 having a toothed bearing member 1168 projecting from the interior surface of the resilient, flexible ring 1166. See further details of Figures 36 through 40.

Bearing 1116 is assembled by positioning the bearing interior 1164 between the inner bearing portion 1160 and the bearing housing 1162.

The inner bearing portion 1160 includes a central, shallow cup, that is, a cylinder open at one end having a short side wall 1160a or, in other words, a disc having a short cylindrical side wall 1160a 1160b, the short cylindrical side wall 1160a protrudes from the disc 1160b. A flange 1160c surrounds the cylindrical side wall 1160a and projects from the cylindrical side wall 1160a. An outer sidewall 1160d is formed from the distal end of the flange 1160c, the outer sidewall 1160d being parallel to the inner cylindrical sidewall 1160a.

A disk 1160b is seated in the bearing mounting aperture 1119 (see Figure 35). The disc 1160b can be friction welded to the bearing mounting aperture, thermally shrink-fitted to the bearing mounting aperture, or simply placed within the bearing mounting aperture.

The bearing housing 1162 includes an annular disk portion 1162a having a central aperture 1163 at its center. A connecting rib 1162b projects from the outermost edge of the annular disk portion 1162a. The outer edge of the annular disk portion is chamfered on the opposite surface from the surface from which the connecting rib 1162b extends. Eight connection holes 1162c are provided in the connection ribs 1162b, and these connection holes cooperate with the holes on the foot for enabling the foot 1117 to be mechanically coupled to the bearing housing 1162, and thus The bearing 1116 can be mechanically coupled to the foot 1117.

The bearing interior 1164 is seated between an interior surface of the connecting rib 1162b of the bearing housing 1162 and an outer sidewall 1160d of the inner bearing portion 1160.

One-way (i.e., forward) pedaling causes the toothed bearing element 1168 to tend to align itself more vertically, thereby causing an interference fit between the bearing components and a rotational motion being transmitted, but in the opposite direction (ie The stepping of the rearward stepping causes the toothed bearing elements 1168 to simply slide over the outer side wall 1160d of the inner bearing portion 1160 and will not be transmitted by a rotational motion.

All of these embodiments of the gear transmission system 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910, 1010, 1110 can be mounted to the bicycle B.

Modifications and improvements of the embodiments described herein may be devised without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, the one-way bearing can be integrally formed with one or both of the output and/or output mandrels.

For example, the bracket can be integrally formed with one or more one-way bearings and integrally formed with one or both of the input and/or output spindles.

The adapter can be formed from a non-ISIS Drive non-circular profile, for example, a square profile.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt;

Claims (14)

 A flywheel mechanism for a bicycle, comprising a bottom bracket shaft having one or more crank arms or capable of receiving one or more crank arms; and a link or link mount having a A one-way bearing between the shaft and the link or link mount.    The flywheel mechanism of claim 1, wherein the one-way bearing is a wedge clutch.    A flywheel mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the crank arm forms a portion of the shaft and the one-way bearing is mounted to the crank arm.    A flywheel mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one-way bearing comprises a bearing inner portion, a bearing housing and an inner bearing portion.    A flywheel mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the bearing housing comprises an outer annular portion and a connecting rib, wherein the connecting rib is attached to the link or link mount.    A flywheel mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the inner and inner bearing portions of the bearing are captured between the outer annular portion and the link or link mount.    A gear transmission system includes a rotary input device and a rotary output device, the rotary input device and the rotary output device being coaxially rotated, wherein a one-way bearing is disposed between the rotary input device and the rotary output device.    A gear transmission system according to claim 7, wherein the rotary input device transmits the rotation to an inner mandrel.    A gear transmission system according to claim 8 wherein the inner mandrel is formed by two components: a main inner mandrel and an inner mandrel adapter.    A gear transmission system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, which is suitable for use with a bicycle.    A gear transmission system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the rotary input device is a pedal crank.    A gear transmission system according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the rotary output device is in the form of a link and/or a chain.    A vehicle comprising at least one gear transmission system and/or a flywheel mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 12.    A bicycle comprising at least one gear transmission system and/or a flywheel mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13.