TW201925024A - Elastic member used in the rotatable-transmission mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an elastic member used in a rotation transmission mechanism including an internal rotation member and an external rotation member rotatably arranged with respect to the internal rotation member. The internal rotation member has one or a plurality of outer-peripheral-projected portions protruding toward an outer-peripheral side. The external rotation member has one or a plurality of inner-peripheral-projected portions. The outer-peripheral-projected portions have a forward-movement surface located at a position displaced from a center of the outer-peripheral-projected portion in a forward movement direction in which the rotation transmission mechanism rotates by forward movement. An elastically-deformable portion is disposed between the forward-movement surface and the inner-peripheral-projected portion. A space is partially formed in the elastically-deformable portion. When the internal rotation member rotates relative to the external rotation member, the elastically-deformable portion is sandwiched between the outer-peripheral-projected portion and the inner-peripheral-projected portion and is thereby elastically deformed.

Description

Elastic deformation part used by the rotation transmitting mechanism

The present invention relates to an elastically deformable body used in a rotation transmitting mechanism and a rotation transmitting mechanism, and more particularly to a rotation transmitting mechanism that is used by being attached to a rotating shaft such as a crankshaft of a bicycle.

In the case of a bicycle in which the driver rotates the wheel by human power, the bicycle can be driven with a small force once the bicycle starts traveling. However, when starting a bicycle during start-up, acceleration, climbing, etc., the driver receives a particularly large reaction force from the bicycle, and a part of the input energy is fed back to the knee, ankle, waist, etc. as an impact. A large load is applied to the human body, and the input energy cannot be effectively utilized, resulting in a decrease in propulsive force. In addition, when the bicycle is suddenly started, the acceleration is accelerated, the situation of the steep slope, the weight of the driver of the bicycle, or the weight of the cargo is heavy, the load (resistance) to the human body is particularly large, and accordingly The energy required is also increased.

In the transmission of force in a bicycle, the crank is used to convert the up and down motion of the foot into a rotational motion. Therefore, particularly at the top dead center and the bottom dead center, it is difficult to smoothly transmit the foot force to the bicycle, resulting in an increase in the burden on the knee or the ankle, and an interruption of the moment and a decrease in the speed. Further, there is a problem in that when the bicycle is driven at a low speed, it is easy to shake to the left and right with respect to the traveling direction of the bicycle, and the stability of running is lowered.

For this reason, various structures have been studied for the purpose of absorbing the impact during running, improving the rotational efficiency, and reducing the propulsion and acceleration, and reducing the fatigue of the driver.

For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-312581 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) discloses a bicycle including an automatic telescopic change type crank mechanism that is pedaled in a cruise riding mode. The radius of rotation is small, and when entering the riding mode subjected to the weighted load, the radius of rotation of the pedal automatically elongates corresponding to the resistance, resulting in a larger rotational moment.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. Hei 11-278350 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 2) discloses a bicycle shock absorber including a first member that can be fixed to a first frame member and has a built-in interior. The storage space and the at least one first protruding portion that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the storage space; the second member is fixed to the second frame member and is rotatably disposed in the storage space of the first member; a second protruding portion that protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface; and a first elastic member that is attached to one of two types of spaces formed by the two protruding portions being partitioned between the first member and the second member. The first protruding portion and the second protruding portion are held by the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion, and are disposed to be spaced apart from each other by at least one of the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface, and are expanded and contracted by relative rotation of the two members.

A drive gear for a bicycle including a gear main body including a plurality of teeth on the outer circumference and a main body supporting the gear main body are disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. SHO-64-63489 (hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 3"). The support body is provided with a power transmission portion that transmits power from one of the gear main body and the support body to the other between the gear main body and the support body, and the power transmission portion is provided such that the gear main body and the support body can be provided A gap that is rotated relative to a predetermined angle is performed, and an elastic body is provided at a portion different from the power transmission portion, the elastic body maintains a gap, and elastically deforms when the gear body and the support body rotate relative to each other to absorb a gap, so that the power is transmitted. The power transmission of the ministry is possible.

A power transmission device for a bicycle is disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. Hei 9-076980 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 4), which is characterized in that: a front gear is attached to the inner peripheral wall of the front gear The coil spring wound in the opposite direction of rotation, under the action of the coil spring, accumulates the torque caused by the excessive pedaling pressure of the pedal arm in the coil spring, and when the pedal input is insufficient, the accumulated The torque is added to improve the rotation efficiency of the pedal."

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. SHO-58-036789 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 5) discloses a crank device for a bicycle characterized in that a radial projection is provided on a gear shaft of a bicycle. The metal piece of the spring supporting piece is embedded with an annular body whose inner peripheral surface is supported by the outer peripheral edge of the spring supporting piece and rotates in the same core as the gear shaft, and is used as a base end portion of the crank in the annular inner circumference A spring pressing piece is protruded from the surface corresponding to the spring supporting piece, and a spring body is inserted between the spring supporting piece and the spring pressing piece, so that when the crank is rotated by the force, the annular body of the base end portion is also first Rotating on the gear shaft, the protruding spring pressing piece compresses the spring body, and the reaction force presses the spring supporting piece to rotate the gear shaft.

However, the above prior art has the following problems.

(1) In the bicycle disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the radius of rotation of the pedal is automatically extended in accordance with the resistance, there is a problem that the structure of the crank mechanism is complicated, the number of parts is increased, and the stability of the operation is lacking. , assembly workability, mass production.

Further, when the resistance is large, by increasing the radius of rotation of the pedal, a large output can be obtained with a small input, and the load at the time of starting the vehicle or the like can be reduced, but the trajectory of the pedal cannot be drawn. The circular orbit requires a forced braking method, and therefore has a problem that the knee or the ankle is subjected to a large burden.

(2) In the bicycle cushioning device disclosed in Patent Document 2, when an impact is applied to the first frame member or the second frame member from the road surface, the first member and the second member are relatively rotated, and are mounted on the two. The first elastic member of one of the spaces defined by the protruding portions is clamped by the two protruding portions and compressed and deformed to generate an elastic restoring force to absorb the impact. However, since the suspension assembly is fixed to the main frame member by the outer member, the impact energy at the time of the initial movement of the crank cannot be absorbed and accumulated, and the accumulated energy is converted into a rotational force when the elastic body is restored, and is effectively utilized as The propulsive force does not consider the improvement of the rotation efficiency or the acceleration, the uniformity of the rotational moment, and the like.

(3) The bicycle drive gear disclosed in Patent Document 3 is intended to alleviate the impact caused by the driving force when the pedal is started, and the elastic body is provided to the gear main body at a portion different from the power transmission portion. A structure in which the support body is deformed in a twisted manner between the supports. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is difficult to deform the elastic body and it is difficult to accumulate energy. Therefore, it is difficult to efficiently convert the recovery of the elastic body into a rotational force, and the energy is effectively utilized.

In addition, since the number of parts is large and the structure is complicated, the mass productivity is lacking, and the gear main body and the support body are integrated via the elastic body. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to replace the gear main body or the elastic body, and maintenance is lacking. Sex.

(4) The power transmission device for a bicycle disclosed in Patent Document 4 is intended to accumulate torque due to excessive pedaling pressure of the pedal and to supplement the accumulated torque when the pedal input is insufficient. In order to stabilize the pedaling pressure input, the rotation efficiency of the pedal is improved, and the advancement and acceleration are smooth and the fatigue is reduced. However, since the torque is accumulated and replenished by a coil spring such as a spring (spring) or a coil spring, there is a problem that it takes time to wind up the coil spring and accumulate the torque. At this time, the pedal shaft is idling with respect to the front gear, and power cannot be transmitted, which is remarkably lacking in usability.

Further, when the coil spring is broken, power cannot be transmitted from the pedal axial front gear, and it is impossible to travel. Therefore, there is a problem that reliability and stability of power transmission are lacking.

(5) In the crank device for a bicycle disclosed in Patent Document 5, since the inner peripheral surface of the annular body which is the base end portion of the crank is supported by the outer peripheral edge of the spring supporting piece, the inner peripheral surface of the annular body and the spring are provided. Under the action of the friction between the outer peripheral edges of the support piece, the crank and the gear shaft are easily rotated together, and it is difficult to rotate the annular body before the gear shaft. Further, there is a problem that the spring body cannot be reliably compressed, the operation stability is lacking, and the accumulating force (absorption of impact energy) at the top dead center and the recovery at the bottom dead center, the rotation efficiency and the acceleration cannot be sufficiently performed. The effect of improving the uniformity of the rotational torque is insufficient.

In addition, since the crank device must be attached to both ends of the gear shaft, there is a problem in that the number of parts is increased, the overall size of the device is increased, the size is large, the default space is small, mass production is performed, and the cranks at both ends are The phase is twisted on the gear shaft, and the energy of the input energy or the energy of the stored force cannot be efficiently converted to the rotational force, which lacks durability, operational stability, and efficiency.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the invention is to provide a rotation transmission mechanism such as a bicycle that is excellent in usability, a bicycle having a rotation transmission mechanism, and an elastic deformation body used in a rotation transmission mechanism. .

In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present inventors have proposed a bicycle disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4,456,179 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 6). This patent document 6 provides a bicycle that achieves the following objects.

(1) By arranging on a rotating shaft of a bicycle that is driven by a person to rotate the wheel, an impact caused by a large load or the like from the outside during start-up, acceleration, climbing, or the like during driving or during traveling Energy or excessive input energy is reliably absorbed and accumulated, and the load on the human body can be greatly reduced.

(2) The stored energy can be effectively utilized for the rotation of the rotating shaft without being wasted when the input energy is reduced or interrupted, and the reliability and efficiency of the rotation transmission are excellent, and the simple configuration with a small number of parts can be used. Achieve lightweight.

(3) It is easy to disassemble and assemble, and it is excellent in maintainability and productivity, and can be easily assembled to an existing bicycle, and can be reduced by a bicycle rotation transmission mechanism that is excellent in mass productivity, assembly workability, space saving, and versatility. The load on the user's legs and waist.

(4) Even when transporting heavier cargo or carrying heavy weight, the acceleration, the uniformity of the rotational torque, and the stability at low speed driving are excellent, and complicated operation is required, and the driver's knee can be reduced. Or the load that the ankles are subjected to.

(5) Females or seniors or housewives who carry heavier goods or children can also easily drive, not only as a commodity that can easily travel on slopes or on roads with high resistance, but also acceleration and rotation. It has excellent torque uniformity and stability at low speed driving, and can be used as a training or competition. It is excellent in stability, operability, and versatility.

That is, in order to achieve the objects (1) to (5) above, Patent Document 6 provides "a bicycle including a bicycle rotation transmission mechanism, left and right crank arms, and a foot pedal, the bicycle rotation transmission mechanism having an internal rotation member and An external rotating member having a rotating shaft that is rotatably disposed on the rotating shaft of the internal rotating member, the left and right crank arms being in the internal rotating member of the bicycle rotation transmitting mechanism The both end portions are disposed at a phase difference of 180 degrees, and the pedal is rotatably disposed at an end portion of the crank arm. In the bicycle, the inner rotating member is integrally formed or fixed to the outer circumference of the rotating shaft, and has one or more outer peripheral convex portions that protrude toward the outer peripheral side of the rotating shaft. The external rotating member has a side plate portion, an outer tubular portion, and one or more inner circumferential convex portions, and the side plate portion is rotatably inserted into the rotating shaft at a side portion of the outer circumferential convex portion of the inner rotating member, and the outer tubular portion The outer side of the outer peripheral convex portion of the inner rotating member is erected on the outer circumference of the side plate portion concentrically with the rotating shaft, and the one or more inner circumferential convex portions are protruded toward the inner peripheral side of the outer tubular portion. Formed integrally with the side plate portion and/or the outer tubular portion, or fixed to the side plate portion and/or the outer tubular portion, and alternately arranged with the outer circumferential convex portion of the inner rotating member; The side plate portion or the outer tube portion of the member is formed on the outer plate portion or fixedly provided with a tooth plate; on the outer circumferential convex portion and the forward portion An elastic deformation portion is disposed between the inner circumferential convex portions on the rotation direction side of the outer circumferential convex portion, and when the inner rotary member and the outer rotary member rotate relative to each other, the elastic deformation portion is sandwiched between the outer circumferential convex portion and the inner circumferential convex portion Between and elastic deformation.

The bicycle disclosed in Patent Document 6 achieves the above-described objects (1) to (5). However, the present inventors have repeatedly conducted intensive studies in order to further improve the usability of the bicycle of Patent Document 6, and have completed the present invention.

In order to achieve the above object, the rotation transmission mechanism of the first aspect of the present invention is as follows:

A rotation transmitting mechanism includes: an inner rotating member that is inserted through a rotating shaft, and an outer rotating member that is rotatably disposed on the inner rotating member,

The inner rotating member includes a disk-shaped inner rotating member main body having a rotating shaft insertion hole, and one or more outer peripheral convex portions integrally formed with or fixed to the inner rotating member main body. a body protruding toward an outer peripheral side of the inner rotating member body,

The external rotating member includes an annular portion that is rotatably disposed outside the outer peripheral convex portion of the inner rotating member to the inner rotating member, and one or more inner peripheral convex portions that are oriented toward the ring The inner circumferential side of the portion protrudes integrally with or formed on the annular portion, and is alternately disposed with the outer circumferential convex portion of the inner rotating member.

The outer circumferential convex portion has a forward surface that is displaced from a center of the outer circumferential convex portion along a forward rotational direction, and the forward rotational direction is a direction in which the rotation transmitting mechanism rotates due to advancement;

An elastic deformation portion is disposed between the forward surface and the inner circumferential portion facing the forward surface in the forward rotation direction;

In the elastic deformation portion, a space is partially formed;

When the inner rotating member and the outer rotating member rotate relative to each other, the elastic deformation portion is sandwiched between the outer circumferential convex portion and the inner circumferential convex portion and elastically deformed.

According to this configuration, the elastic deformation portion is disposed between the outer circumferential convex portion and the inner circumferential convex portion on the rotational direction side of the outer circumferential convex portion during advancement, that is, between the advancing surface of the outer circumferential convex portion and the inner circumferential convex portion. A partial space is formed in the elastic deformation portion. The compressive (elastic) energy accumulated in the elastic deformation portion by the force of the compression elastic deformation portion is converted into the rotational energy, for example, by the propulsion force of a bicycle or the like. By forming a partial space in the elastic deformation portion, the elastic deformation portion can be compressed with a smaller force, and the weight of the elastic deformation portion can be reduced. Further, for example, by sandwiching the elastic deformation portion with the side plate portion or the like and setting the elastic deformation portion to a state of being sealed or being close to the seal, even if the elastic deformation portion is compressed, the air in the partial space is not from the rotation transmission mechanism. When it leaks, the air compresses itself, and the elastic force of the elastic deformation portion can be maintained. Further, the force for compressing the elastic deformation portion can be adjusted, for example, by changing the shape or size of the partial space. Therefore, when the rotation transmission mechanism is used, for example, in a bicycle or the like, the load on the human body can be particularly reduced. As a result, it is possible to realize a bicycle or the like which is excellent in usability compared with the related art.

In the rotation transmission mechanism according to the first aspect of the invention, the external rotation member may include a side plate portion and a lid portion, and the elastic deformation portion may be sandwiched between the side plate portion and the lid portion, and the space may be substantially sealed. .

According to this configuration, the elastic deformation portion is sandwiched between the side plate portion and the lid portion, whereby the space is substantially sealed, and a gas such as air in the space can maintain an appropriate elastic force. Further, the lateral deformation of the elastic deformation portion, that is, the deformation of the elastic deformation portion in the axial direction of the rotation transmission mechanism is blocked by the side plate portion and the cover portion, whereby the rotation can be input to the rotation by the driver pedaling the pedal A portion of the energy of the transfer mechanism is efficiently stored in the elastic deformation portion.

In the rotation transmission mechanism according to the first aspect of the present invention, the outer circumferential convex portion may be formed to have a gentle inclination with respect to an opposing surface opposite to the advancing surface, and may be rotated on the advancing surface and the inner portion. A curved surface is formed at a boundary portion of the member body.

According to this configuration, the height of the outer circumferential convex portion can be reduced, and the size of the rotation transmission mechanism can be reduced. Further, since the compression distance of the elastically deformable portion increases as going to the outer peripheral side, more compression energy can be accumulated.

In the rotation transmission mechanism according to the first aspect of the invention, the elastic deformation portion may include a main body having a space and a protrusion provided on a surface of the main body, and the protrusion may have the above-mentioned protrusion from the above The space radially expands outward in the radial direction of the elastic deformation portion.

According to this configuration, the elastic deformation portion is prevented from being distorted in the radial direction of the elastic deformation portion, and the shape of the flat plate of the elastic deformation portion can be maintained while sufficiently accumulating the energy input to the rotation transmission mechanism.

In the rotation transmission mechanism according to the first aspect of the invention, the protrusion may have an isosceles triangle shape in a cross-sectional view.

According to this configuration, by using the isosceles triangle as the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion, the manufacturing cost of the mold of the elastic deformation portion can be reduced.

In the rotation transmission mechanism according to the first aspect of the invention, the main body of the elastic deformation portion may have an upper surface and a lower surface, and the protrusion may be provided on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface. .

A bicycle according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the rotation transmission mechanism according to the second aspect described above.

According to the configuration of the bicycle of the present invention, since the rotation transmission mechanism that achieves the above-described effects is obtained, it is possible to provide a bicycle having superior usability compared with the related art.

The elastic deformation body according to the third aspect of the present invention is the rotation transmission mechanism according to the first aspect, comprising: a main body having a space; and a protrusion provided on a surface of the main body, wherein the protrusion has a view in a plan view The space radially expands outward in the radial direction of the elastic deformation portion.

Effect of the invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a rotation transmission mechanism that can realize a bicycle or the like that is excellent in usability compared with the related art.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described using preferred embodiments. However, the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[Embodiment 1].

(Configuration of the rotation transmission mechanism).

First, the configuration of the rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6B.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a surface of a rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the back surface of the first embodiment of the rotation transmission mechanism. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of Fig. 1; 4A is a plan view showing an external rotating member constituting the rotation transmitting mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 4B is a plan view showing a surface of an internal rotating member constituting the rotation transmitting mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 4C is a plan view showing a surface of a lid portion constituting the rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a back surface of an internal rotating member constituting the rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and showing a state in which the cover portion is removed. Fig. 6B is an enlarged plan view showing a portion indicated by reference numeral X of Fig. 6A.

In Fig. 3, reference numeral FS denotes a surface of a rotation transmitting mechanism, and reference numeral BS denotes a rear surface of the rotation transmitting mechanism. That is, the plan view shown by reference numeral FS corresponds to FIG. 1, and the plan view shown by reference numeral BS corresponds to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 6B, the rotation transmission mechanism 1 of the present embodiment includes, for example, an inner rotation member 3 through which a rotation shaft such as a crankshaft of a bicycle is inserted, and an outer portion that is rotatably disposed on the inner rotation member 3 a rotating member 4; and an elastic deformation portion 6 (elastically deformable body).

(internal rotating member).

The inner rotating member 3 includes a disk-shaped inner rotating member main body 3a, a cylindrical convex portion 3b integrally formed on the surface of the inner rotating member main body 3a, and a cylindrical convex portion integrally formed on the inner surface of the inner rotating member main body 3a. 3c; a press-fitting recess 3d formed in the convex portion 3b; and a crank-shaft insertion hole 3e which penetrates the convex portion 3c and the inner rotating member main body 3a and reaches the press-fitting recess 3d.

As shown in FIG. 3, the height of the convex portion 3b protruding from the surface of the inner rotating member main body 3a (the distance from the surface of the inner rotating member main body 3a to the end surface of the convex portion 3b in the crank axis direction) is larger than the cover portion 4c to be described later. The thickness is large.

Further, the height of the convex portion 3c protruding from the back surface of the inner rotating member main body 3a (the distance from the back surface of the inner rotating member main body 3a to the end surface of the convex portion 3c in the crank axis direction) is larger than the thickness of the side plate portion 4a to be described later.

The press-fitting recessed portion 3d has a substantially elliptical shape as shown in Fig. 4B, and has a depth substantially corresponding to the height of the convex portion 3b as shown in Fig. 3 .

Further, the inner rotating member 3 includes five outer circumferential convex portions 3f integrally formed with the inner rotating member main body 3a and protruding outward from the outer circumference of the inner rotating member main body 3a. Bearing balls 3g and 3h are rotatably held on the front and back surfaces of the outer peripheral convex portion 3f, respectively. In the radial direction of the inner rotating member 3 (the centrifugal direction centering on the crankshaft), the amount of protrusion (length) of the balls 3g and 3h with respect to the outer peripheral convex portion 3f is 45 to 65%, preferably 58 to 62%. s position. In other words, in the radial direction of the inner rotating member 3, when the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the inner rotating member main body 3a to the outer end of the outer peripheral convex portion 3f is 100%, the outer peripheral surface of the inner rotating member main body 3a is 45 to 65%. The position is preferably 58 to 62%, and balls 3g and 3h are provided.

As shown in FIG. 6B, each of the plurality of outer circumferential convex portions 3f has an advancing surface 3ff and an opposing surface 3fb on the opposite side of the advancing surface 3ff. In other words, the advancing surface 3ff is located at a position shifted from the center line CL of the outer peripheral convex portion 3f in the radial direction RDa (the forward rotational direction, the rotational direction of the rotational transmission mechanism 1 during the bicycle advancement) in the radial direction of the inner rotating member 3, That is, the position on the right side of the outer peripheral convex portion 3f in Fig. 6B. On the other hand, the opposing surface 3fb is located at a position shifted in the radial direction of the inner rotating member 3 from the center line CL of the outer peripheral convex portion 3f in the reverse direction of the rotational direction RDa, that is, the left side of the outer peripheral convex portion 3f in Fig. 6B. s position.

(External rotating member).

The outer rotating member 4 includes a side plate portion 4a, an annular portion 4b, and a lid portion 4c. The side plate portion 4a is located at a side portion of the outer circumferential convex portion 3f of the inner rotating member 3, and is rotatable with respect to the convex portion 3c of the inner rotating member 3. An insertion hole 4e is formed in the side plate portion 4a, and a convex portion 3c is inserted into the insertion hole 4e. The annular portion 4b is fixed to the outer circumference of the side plate portion 4a by screwing on the outer side of the outer circumferential convex portion 3f of the inner rotating member 3. The lid portion 4c is rotatable relative to the convex portion 3b in a state of being disposed opposite to the side plate portion 4a. An insertion hole 4f is formed in the lid portion 4c, and a convex portion 3b is inserted into the insertion hole 4f. The lid portion 4c is fixed to the annular portion 4b by screwing.

In addition, the bearing balls 3g and 3h which are held on the front surface and the back surface of the outer peripheral convex portion 3f of the inner rotating member 3 are rotated while rolling on the lid portion 4c and the side plate portion 4a. Thereby, the internal rotating member 3 can be smoothly rotated.

Further, the outer rotating member 4 includes five inner peripheral convex portions 4d. The inner circumferential convex portion 4d is integrally formed with the annular portion 4b so as to protrude toward the inner circumferential side of the annular portion 4b, and is alternately disposed with the outer circumferential convex portion 3f of the inner rotating member 3. Specifically, the plurality of inner circumferential convex portions 4d and the plurality of outer circumferential convex portions 3f are disposed such that one outer circumferential convex portion 3f is disposed between the mutually adjacent inner circumferential convex portions 4d in the rotation direction of the rotation transmission mechanism 1 and One inner circumferential convex portion 4d is disposed between the outer circumferential convex portions 3f adjacent to each other.

Further, a toothed disc 5 is fixedly provided on the outer peripheral portion of the back surface side of the annular portion 4b of the outer rotating member 4.

(elastic deformation part).

As shown in FIG. 3, the elastic deformation portion 6 is made of an elastic member such as synthetic rubber, and is elastically deformable. The elastic deformation portion 6 is sandwiched by the lid portion 4c and the side plate portion 4a, and is surrounded by the annular portion 4b. As will be described later, each of the elastic deformation portions 6 is sandwiched between the advancing surface 3ff of the outer peripheral convex portion 3f and the inner circumferential convex portion 4d opposed to the advancing surface 3ff in the rotational direction RDa. In addition, although the number of the elastic deformation parts 6 shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 8 is five, the number of the elastic deformation parts 6 is not limited. The elastic deformation portion 6 transmits a rotational force from the outer rotating member 4 to the inner rotating member 3 while being elastically deformed. Further, the elastic deformation portion 6 transmits the energy stored in the elastic deformation portion 6 as a rotational force to the inner rotating member 3.

The rotation transmitting mechanism 1 is assembled in the following order. That is, first, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the side plate portion 4a is screwed and fixed to the annular portion 4b from the back side of the annular portion 4b. Next, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4A to 4C, and 6A, the convex portion 3c located on the back side of the inner rotating member 3 is inserted into the side plate portion 4a from the front surface side FS of the side plate portion 4a toward the back side BS. Inserted through the hole 4e. Thereby, the inner rotating member 3 is disposed in the annular portion 4b. Next, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C, the convex portion 3b located on the surface side of the inner rotating member 3 is inserted into the insertion hole 4f of the lid portion 4c, and the lid portion 4c is screwed. The stopper is fixed to the surface of the annular portion 4b.

(The contact structure between the elastic deformation portion and the outer circumferential convex portion and the inner circumferential convex portion).

As shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, an elastic deformation portion 6 is disposed between the advancing surface 3ff of the outer peripheral convex portion 3f and the inner circumferential convex portion 4d. In other words, the outer circumferential convex portion 3f is elastically deformed between the inner circumferential convex portion 4d at a position forward of the rotation direction of the outer circumferential convex portion 3f (when the rotation transmitting mechanism 1 rotates in the rotational direction RDa). Department 6. When the inner rotating member 3 and the outer rotating member 4 are relatively rotated, the elastic deformation portion 6 is sandwiched between the outer circumferential convex portion 3f and the inner circumferential convex portion 4d and elastically deformed (compressively deformed). Here, the deformation of the elastic deformation portion 6 to the side, that is, the deformation of the elastic deformation portion 6 in the axial direction of the rotation transmission mechanism 1 in FIG. 3 is blocked by the side plate portion 4a and the lid portion 4c, whereby the driving can be performed by driving A part of the energy input to the rotation transmitting mechanism 1 by the stepping pedal is efficiently stored in the elastic deformation portion 6.

As shown in FIG. 6B, in the rotation transmission mechanism 1 of the present embodiment, the area of the surface (the forward surface 3ff) of the outer circumferential convex portion 3f in the rotational direction is larger than the surface in the opposite direction to the rotational direction (the opposing surface 3fb is at the center The area of the surface of the line CL which is shifted in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation RDa is as large as 10 to 15%, preferably about 12 to 13%. Therefore, the outer peripheral convex portion 3f and the inner circumferential convex portion 4d at a position forward in the rotational direction of the bicycle forward direction with respect to the outer circumferential convex portion 3f are provided in a larger area (range) than the conventional one (the forward surface 3ff and the inner surface) The elastic deformation portion 6 between the circumferential convex portions 4d is compressively deformed, and the compression (elastic) energy can be efficiently accumulated in the elastic deformation portion 6. This compressed (elastic) energy is converted into rotational energy and used as a propulsive force for a bicycle or the like.

More specifically, the outer peripheral convex portion 3f is formed such that the advancing surface 3ff (the surface facing the rotational direction) has a gentle inclination with respect to the opposing surface 3fb (the surface opposite to the rotational direction). Further, a curved surface that continuously connects the advancing surface 3ff and the outer peripheral surface of the inner rotating member main body 3a is formed at a boundary portion between the advancing surface 3ff (surface facing the rotational direction) and the inner rotating member main body 3a. By adopting such a shape, the area of the advancing surface 3ff (surface facing the rotational direction) of the outer peripheral convex portion 3f is increased, whereby the height of the outer peripheral convex portion 3f can be increased (from the outer peripheral surface to the outer periphery of the inner rotating member main body 3a) The distance of the outer end of the convex portion 3b is reduced, and the size of the rotation transmission mechanism 1 can be reduced. Further, since the length of the outer circumferential convex portion 3f (the advancing surface 3ff) of the compression elastic deformation portion 6 becomes larger from the outer circumferential surface of the inner rotating member main body 3a toward the outer end of the outer circumferential convex portion 3f, it is possible to accumulate more compression. energy.

Further, since the centrifugal force at the time of rotation of the rotation transmitting mechanism 1 can be adjusted by adjusting the thickness of the annular portion 4b, the inertial force of the rotation can be adjusted.

The surface of the inner circumferential convex portion 4d that faces the advancing surface 3ff (the surface facing the rotational direction) of the outer circumferential convex portion 3f is formed in a recessed state. Therefore, it is possible to increase the elastic deformation between the outer circumferential convex portion 3f and the inner circumferential convex portion 4d (between the forward surface 3ff and the inner circumferential convex portion 4d) which is disposed at a position forward of the outer circumferential convex portion 3f in the rotational direction of the bicycle. The amount of the part 6. Therefore, it is possible to accumulate the compressive (elastic) energy of an amount sufficient for use as the propulsive force in the elastic deformation portion 6. The volume of the recessed inner space formed by the recess is preferably 2 to 5% with respect to the volume of the elastic deformation portion 6. The reason is that when the depression is excessively large, the compression of the elastic deformation portion 6 becomes insufficient.

(Example of use of the rotation transmission mechanism).

Next, an example of use of the rotation transmission mechanism 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8 .

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a rotation transmission mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotation transmission mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state in which the lid portion 4c is removed and the elastically deformable portion is elastically deformed (compressed and deformed).

As shown in FIG. 7, the crankshaft 2 of the bicycle as a rotating shaft is rotatably held by the crankshaft holding portion 7 integrated with the bicycle frame by the left and right ball bearings 8a and 8b. The right end portion of the crankshaft 2 is inserted and fixed in the crankshaft insertion hole 3e of the internal rotating member 3 (refer to FIG. 3), whereby the rotation transmitting mechanism 1 is attached to the crankshaft 2. Further, crank arms 9a and 9b are fixed to the right and left ends of the crankshaft 2 so as to have a phase difference of 180 degrees from each other. In Fig. 7, reference numeral 10 is a crank arm fixing member 10 for fixing the crank arms 9a, 9b to the crank shaft 2. The crankshaft 2 is fitted into a four-sided cylinder of the crankshaft insertion hole 3e of the inner rotating member 3, and both of them rotate integrally.

A pedal (not shown) that is rotatable is disposed at an end of the crank arms 9a and 9b.

The operation of the rotation transmitting mechanism 1 attached to the crankshaft 2 of the bicycle as described above will be described with reference to Figs. 6A to 8 .

In FIG. 7, when the driver pedals a pedal (not shown) disposed at the end of the crank arms 9a and 9b, the outer peripheral convex portion 3f and the crank that are protruded from the outer circumference of the inner rotating member main body 3a are cranked. The shaft 2 rotates together in the direction of the arrow RDa shown in FIGS. 6A and 8.

When the crankshaft 2 rotates and the outer circumferential convex portion 3f approaches the inner circumferential convex portion 4d, the elastic deformation portion 6 is compressed by being sandwiched between the outer circumferential convex portion 3f (the forward surface 3ff) and the inner circumferential convex portion 4d, and a part of the input energy is input. It is accumulated in the elastic deformation portion 6.

The elastic deformation portion 6 is elastically deformed at the initial stage of the rotation of the crankshaft 2 (Fig. 6A → Fig. 8). However, after the elastic deformation portion 6 is deformed, the rotational force of the crankshaft 2 is transmitted from the outer circumferential convex portion 3f to the inner circumferential convex portion 4d. The crankshaft 2 is rotated substantially integrally with the crankset 5. The rotational force is reliably transmitted to the sprocket provided on the rear wheel side of the bicycle via a chain (not shown) that is tensioned on the dial 5 .

The elastically deformable portion 6 that has been elastically deformed (compressed and deformed) is restored when the energy input from the pedal to the rotation transmission mechanism 1 is interrupted or weakened, and the inner circumferential convex portion 4d is pressed as the restoration energy, and the outer rotating member 4 and the dial 5 are moved in the traveling direction. Rotate. That is, the compression (elastic) energy of the elastic deformation portion 6 is converted into rotational energy and used as the propulsive force of the bicycle.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the crank arms 9a and 9b are fixed only to the left and right ends of the crankshaft 2 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the press-fitting convex portion 11 may be provided on the surface of the crank arm 9b facing the rotation transmitting mechanism 1, and the press-fitting convex portion 11 may be pressed into the inner rotating member 3. The recess 3d is used, and the crank arm 9b is fixed to the right end of the crankshaft 2. According to this configuration, since the crank arm 9b and the internal rotating member 3 can be completely integrated, the pedaling operation of the pedal can be reliably converted into the rotation operation of the outer peripheral convex portion 3f of the internal rotating member 3.

In the present embodiment, the case where five outer circumferential convex portions 3f and inner circumferential convex portions 4d are provided is described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. The number of outer circumferential convex portions 3f and the number of inner circumferential convex portions 4d may be one or more, respectively. However, in order to transmit the force accumulated in the elastic deformation portion 6 in the circumferential direction, the number of outer circumferential convex portions 3f and the inner circumferential convex portion are preferable. The number of 4d is 4 or more. Further, in order to sufficiently secure the volume of the elastic deformation portion 6, it is preferable that the number of the outer circumferential convex portions 3f and the inner circumferential convex portions 4d is eight or less.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the outer circumferential convex portion 3f is integrally formed with the inner rotating member main body 3a has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. The outer peripheral convex portion may also be fixedly disposed to the inner rotating member main body.

In the present embodiment, the case where the inner circumferential convex portion 4d is integrally formed with the annular portion 4b has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. The inner circumferential convex portion may also be fixedly disposed on the annular portion.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the elastic deformation portion 6 is made of synthetic rubber has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration.

The elastically deformable portion is elastically deformable (compressively deformed) as long as the inner rotating member 3 and the outer rotating member 4 are relatively rotated, and can be rotated between the inner rotating member 3 and the outer rotating member 4 after the deformation, and the elastically deformable portion The shape, size, amount of deformation, modulus of elasticity, and the like can be appropriately selected according to the user's preference. As the elastic deformation portion, in addition to the synthetic rubber, for example, a gas sealed between the outer circumferential convex portion 3f and the inner circumferential convex portion 4d can be used.

[Application example of the first embodiment].

A space may be partially formed in the elastic deformation portion.

10A and FIG. 10B are plan views showing a state in which a lid portion of a rotation transmission mechanism that constitutes an application example of the first embodiment of the present invention is detached. FIG. 10A is a plan view showing a state in which the elastic deformation portion is not elastically deformed (compressed and deformed). FIG. 10B is a plan view showing a state in which the elastically deformable portion is elastically deformed (compressed and deformed).

The rotation transmission mechanism 1A of the application example of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B has the configuration of the elastic deformation portion, and the rotation transmission mechanism 1 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 6A, 6B, 8 and the like). different. Therefore, the same components as those of the components of the rotation transmission mechanism 1 of the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

A space 6a is partially formed in the elastic deformation portion 6A (elastic deformation body) of the rotation transmission mechanism 1A.

In the example shown in FIG. 10A, the space 6a is a through hole extending in the same direction as the crankshaft 2 at substantially the center of the elastic deformation portion 6A. The size of the space 6a can also be adjusted according to a desired force (elastic deformation) of the elastically deformable portion 6A (load when the rotation transmitting mechanism 1A is rotated). For example, the area of the space 6a (as viewed from the extending direction of the crankshaft 2) is set to be 20% or more and 5 square centimeters or less with respect to the area of the elastic deformation portion 6A. The elastic deformation portion 6A in the case where the space 6a is not present is compressed as a whole at the time of compression, but the elastic deformation portion 6A is locally subjected to stress at the time of compression by the presence of the space 6a. Therefore, if the size of the space occupied by the area of the elastic deformation portion 6A is large, the advantage of weight reduction is increased, but conversely, if the space is too large, the deformation due to the stress becomes excessive and may become elastic. The reason why the deformed portion 6A is deteriorated. Further, when the cross-sectional area of the elastic deformation portion 6A is too large, air cannot be trapped inside during compression. When the rotation transmission mechanism 1 is applied to a bicycle, it is sufficient to set the air to about 0.1 second depending on the normal rotation speed at the time of braking. Therefore, the opening area is 5 square centimeters or less, preferably 3 square. Less than a centimeter. Further, a member having a different elastic modulus from the elastic deformation portion 6A may be inserted into the space 6a.

Further, the space 6a is not limited to the through hole, and may be a hole or the like having a partial shape in which the elastic deformation portion 6A is partially cut. In this case, it is easy to shut in air inside when being compressed, and it is easy to function as a medium for elastic deformation.

Further, the space 6a may be formed in an arbitrary shape such as an ellipse, a circle, or a polygon as viewed from the extending direction of the crankshaft 2. In other words, if it is a perfect circle as viewed from the extending direction of the crankshaft 2, the elastic deformation portion 6A is deformed uniformly from which direction, and is therefore optimal. However, it may be an ellipse or a polygon. In this case, it is preferable that the outer circumferential convex portion 3f and the inner circumferential convex portion 4d have a portion parallel to the surface in contact with the elastic deformation portion. In this case, it is possible to adopt a spatial shape that matches the overall shape of the elastic deformation portion 6A, and uniformly apply the compressive force to the elastic deformation portion 6A. Further, the number of spaces 6a is not limited to one, and may be plural.

When the crankshaft 2 rotates (rotation direction RDa) from the state shown in FIG. 10A, the outer circumferential convex portion 3f approaches the inner circumferential convex portion 4d, and the elastic deformation portion 6 is sandwiched between the outer circumferential convex portion 3f and the inner circumferential convex portion 4d to be compressed. The space 6a is collapsed and becomes the state shown in Fig. 10B.

The rotation transmission mechanism 1A according to the application example of the first embodiment is disposed between the outer circumferential convex portion 3f and the inner circumferential convex portion 4d at a position forward in the rotational direction with respect to the outer circumferential convex portion 3f when the bicycle is advanced (advance A partial space 6a is formed in the elastic deformation portion 6A between the surface 3ff and the inner circumferential convex portion 4d. The compression (elastic) energy accumulated in the elastic deformation portion 6A by the force of the compression elastic deformation portion 6A is converted into rotational energy, and is used, for example, as a propulsive force of a bicycle or the like. By forming the partial space 6a in the elastic deformation portion 6A, the elastic deformation portion can be compressed with a smaller force, and the weight of the elastic deformation portion 6A can be reduced. Further, for example, by sandwiching both ends of the elastic deformation portion 6A in the axial direction of the rotation transmission mechanism 1A by the side plate portion 4a, the lid portion 4c, or the like, the elastic deformation portion 6A is sealed or nearly sealed, and even the elastic deformation portion is formed. 6A is compressed, and the air in the partial space 6a does not leak from the inside to the outside of the rotation transmission mechanism 1A, and the air itself is compressed, and the elastic force of the elastic deformation portion 6A can be maintained. Further, for example, by changing the shape or size of the partial space 6a, the force for compressing the elastic deformation portion 6A can be adjusted. Therefore, when the rotation transmission mechanism 1A is used, for example, in a bicycle or the like, the load on the human body can be particularly reduced. As a result, it is possible to realize a bicycle or the like which is excellent in usability compared with the related art.

Further, in the present embodiment and the application example, the rotation transmission mechanism 1 used for the bicycle has been described as an example. However, the rotation transmission mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described use. The rotation transmission mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention can be utilized for all mechanisms having wheels, and can be used not only for a wheeled vehicle such as a unicycle for civil engineering, a wheelchair, a rickshaw, or a two-wheel trailer, but also for a robot, a generator, or the like. , can get the same effect.

[Embodiment 2].

(Configuration of the rotation transmission mechanism).

Next, a configuration of a rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 11 to 13 .

11 is a plan view showing a surface of a rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a back surface of the rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is along the XII- shown in FIG. A cross-sectional view of the XII line.

In Fig. 13, reference numeral FS denotes a surface of a rotation transmitting mechanism, and reference numeral BS denotes a rear surface of the rotation transmitting mechanism. That is, the plan view shown by reference numeral FS corresponds to FIG. 11, and the plan view shown by reference numeral BS corresponds to FIG.

The rotation transmission mechanism 12 of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 differs from the rotation transmission mechanism 1 (see FIGS. 1 to 3 and the like) of the first embodiment in the configuration of the internal rotation member. Therefore, the same components as those of the components of the rotation transmission mechanism 1 of the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the internal rotating member 3' of the rotation transmitting mechanism 12 of the present embodiment includes a disk-shaped inner rotating member main body 3a, and a cylindrical shape integrally formed on the surface of the inner rotating member main body 3a. The convex portion 3b; a cylindrical convex portion 3c integrally formed on the back surface of the inner rotating member main body 3a; and a spline hole 3'd formed through the convex portion 3b and the inner rotating member main body 3a and the convex portion 3c.

Further, the inner rotating member 3' includes five outer peripheral convex portions 3f which are integrally formed with the inner rotating member main body 3a and protrude outward from the outer circumference of the inner rotating member main body 3a. Bearing balls 3g and 3h are rotatably held on the front and back surfaces of the outer peripheral convex portion 3f (see FIGS. 4A to 5).

(Example of use of the rotation transmission mechanism).

Next, an example of use of the rotation transmission mechanism 12 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 14 and 15 .

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example in which the rotation transmission mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention is used for a power-assisted bicycle, and is an exploded cross-sectional view showing a main part of the rotation transmission mechanism. 15 is a view showing an example in which the rotation transmission mechanism is used for a power-assisted bicycle according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the rotation transmission mechanism.

The rotation transmission mechanism 12 of the present embodiment is used by being attached to a crankshaft of a power-assisted bicycle.

As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the motor drive unit 13 of the power-assisted bicycle is rotatably held with a crankshaft 14 as a rotating shaft that penetrates the left and right portions of the motor drive unit 13. At the right end portion of the crankshaft 14, a spline 14a fitted to the spline hole 3'd of the inner rotating member 3' is fixed concentrically with the crankshaft 14. By inserting the spline 14a into the spline hole 3'd of the inner rotating member 3', the rotation transmitting mechanism 12 is attached to the right end portion of the crankshaft 14. Further, crank arms 15a and 15b are fixed to the left and right ends of the crankshaft 14 with a phase difference of 180 degrees from each other. In Figs. 14 and 15, reference numeral 16 is a crank arm fixing member for fixing the crank arms 15a, 15b to the crank shaft 14.

At the ends of the crank arms 15a and 15b, pedals (not shown) that are rotatable are disposed.

In the motor drive unit 13, a torque sensor is disposed at a position close to the crankshaft 14, and the torque sensor can be used to detect the human driving force caused by the pedaling force input from the pedal to the motor drive unit 13. Moreover, the motor can be driven in accordance with the detection result of the torque sensor, and the rotation of the crankshaft 14 (auxiliary driving force) can be assisted.

The operation of the rotation transmitting mechanism 12 attached to the crankshaft 14 of the power-assisted bicycle as described above is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above. However, unlike the case of the above-described first embodiment, the human driving force by the pedaling force input from the pedal to the motor driving unit 13 is detected by the torque sensor, and the auxiliary driving force of the motor corresponding to the human driving force is added ( Auxiliary power). This makes it easy to travel even on a steep slope. Further, by using the rotation transmission mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention to be attached to the crankshaft of the electric assist bicycle, the fatigue of the driver can be particularly reduced.

[Embodiment 3].

(Configuration of the rotation transmission mechanism).

Next, a configuration of a rotation transmission mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 16 to 19B.

16 is a plan view showing a surface of a rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a back surface of the rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a view along XVII shown in FIG. FIG. 19A is a plan view showing the rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, showing a state in which the cover portion is removed, and FIG. 19B is a portion shown by reference numeral Y in FIG. 19A. Magnified enlarged top view.

In Fig. 18, reference numeral FS denotes a surface of a rotation transmitting mechanism, and reference numeral BS denotes a rear surface of the rotation transmitting mechanism. That is, the plan view shown by reference numeral FS corresponds to FIG. 16, and the plan view shown by reference numeral BS corresponds to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 16 to FIG. 19B, the rotation transmission mechanism 17 of the present embodiment includes, for example, an internal rotation member 18 that is inserted into a rotation shaft such as a crankshaft of a power-assisted bicycle, and an external rotation member 19 that is rotatably fitted. The inner rotating member 18 is provided; and the elastic deforming portion 21 (elastically deformable body).

(internal rotating member).

The inner rotating member 18 includes a disk-shaped inner rotating member main body 18a, a cylindrical convex portion 18b formed on the outer peripheral body of the inner rotating member main body 18a, and a cylindrical convex portion 18c inside. An outer peripheral body of the back surface of the rotating member main body 18a is formed; and a crank shaft insertion hole 18d is formed to penetrate the inner rotating member main body 18a. Here, the back side of the crankshaft insertion hole 18d is a spline hole 18e.

Further, the inner rotating member 18 includes six outer peripheral convex portions 18f which are integrally formed with the inner rotating member main body 18a and protrude outward from the outer circumference of the inner rotating member main body 18a. Bearing balls 18g and 18h are rotatably held on the front and back surfaces of the outer peripheral convex portion 18f, respectively. In the radial direction of the inner rotating member 18 (the centrifugal direction centering on the crankshaft), the amount of protrusion (length) of the balls 18g and 18h with respect to the outer peripheral convex portion 18f is 45 to 65%, preferably 58 to 62%. s position. In other words, in the radial direction of the inner rotating member 18, when the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the inner rotating member main body 18a to the outer end of the outer peripheral convex portion 18f is 100%, the outer peripheral surface of the inner rotating member main body 18a is 45 to 65%. The position is preferably 58 to 62%, and balls 18g and 18h are provided.

As shown in FIG. 19B, each of the plurality of outer circumferential convex portions 18f has an advancing surface 18ff and an opposing surface 18fb on the opposite side of the advancing surface 18ff. In other words, the advancing surface 18ff is located at a position shifted from the center line CL of the outer peripheral convex portion 18f in the radial direction of the inner rotating member 18 in the rotational direction RDa (the forward rotational direction, the rotational direction of the rotational transmission mechanism 17 when the bicycle is advanced). The position of the right side of the outer peripheral convex portion 18f in Fig. 19B. On the other hand, the opposing surface 18fb is located at a position shifted from the center line CL of the outer peripheral convex portion 18f in the radial direction of the inner rotating member 18 in the reverse direction of the rotational direction RDa, that is, the left side of the outer peripheral convex portion 18f in Fig. 19B position.

(External rotating member).

The outer rotating member 19 includes a side plate portion 19a, an annular portion 19b, and a lid portion 19c. The side plate portion 19a is located at a side portion of the outer circumferential convex portion 18f of the inner rotating member 18, and is rotatable with respect to the convex portion 18c of the inner rotating member 18. A convex portion 18c is inserted into the side plate portion 19a. The annular portion 19b is fixed to the outer circumference of the side plate portion 19a by a screw stopper on the outer side of the outer circumferential convex portion 18f of the inner rotating member 18. The lid portion 19c is rotatable relative to the convex portion 18b in a state of being disposed to face the side plate portion 19a. A convex portion 18b is inserted into the lid portion 19c. In addition, the inner rotating members 18 rotate while the bearing balls 18g and 18h held on the front and back surfaces of the outer peripheral convex portion 18f roll on the lid portion 19c and the side plate portion 19a, respectively. Thereby, the internal rotating member 18 can be smoothly rotated.

Further, the outer rotating member 19 includes six inner circumferential convex portions 19d. The inner circumferential convex portion 19d is integrally formed with the annular portion 19b so as to protrude toward the inner circumferential side of the annular portion 19b, and is alternately disposed with the outer circumferential convex portion 18f of the inner rotating member 18. Specifically, the plurality of inner circumferential convex portions 19d and the plurality of outer circumferential convex portions 18f are disposed such that one outer circumferential convex portion 18f is disposed between the mutually adjacent inner circumferential convex portions 19d in the rotation direction of the rotation transmission mechanism 17, and One inner circumferential convex portion 19d is disposed between the outer circumferential convex portions 18f adjacent to each other.

The side plate portion 19a and the lid portion 19c are fixed to the inner circumferential convex portion 19d by screwing.

Further, a toothed disc 20 is fixedly provided on the outer peripheral portion of the back side of the annular portion 19b of the outer rotating member 19.

(elastic deformation part).

As shown in Fig. 18, the elastic deformation portion 21 is made of an elastic member such as synthetic rubber and is elastically deformable. The elastic deformation portion 21 is sandwiched by the lid portion 19c and the side plate portion 19a, and is surrounded by the annular portion 19b. Each of the elastic deformation portions 21 is sandwiched between the advancing surface 18ff of the outer circumferential convex portion 18f and the inner circumferential convex portion 19d opposed to the advancing surface 18ff in the rotational direction RDa. In addition, although the number of the elastic deformation parts 21 shown in FIG. 19A and FIG. 22 is six, the number of the elastic deformation parts 21 is not limited. The elastic deformation portion 21 transmits a rotational force from the outer rotating member 19 to the inner rotating member 18 while elastically deforming. Further, the elastic deformation portion 21 transmits the energy stored in the elastic deformation portion 21 to the inner rotation member 18 as a rotational force.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19A, a space 21a is partially formed in each of the elastic deformation portions 21. This space 21a corresponds to the above-described space 6a. When the elastic deformation portion 21 is compressed by being sandwiched between the outer circumferential convex portion 18f and the inner circumferential convex portion 19d, the space 21a is collapsed. The elastic deformation portion 21 including the space 21a can obtain the same operational effects as the space 6a.

(The contact structure between the elastic deformation portion and the outer circumferential convex portion and the inner circumferential convex portion).

As shown in FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B, an elastic deformation portion 21 is disposed between the advancing surface 18ff of the outer circumferential convex portion 18f and the inner circumferential convex portion 19d. In other words, the outer circumferential convex portion 18f is elastically deformed between the inner circumferential convex portion 19d at a position forward of the rotation direction of the outer circumferential convex portion 18f (when the rotation transmitting mechanism 17 rotates in the rotational direction RDb). Department 21. When the inner rotating member 18 and the outer rotating member 19 are relatively rotated, the elastic deformation portion 21 is sandwiched between the outer circumferential convex portion 18f and the inner circumferential convex portion 19d and elastically deformed (compressively deformed). Here, the lateral deformation of the elastic deformation portion 21, that is, the deformation of the elastic deformation portion 21 in the axial direction of the rotation transmission mechanism 17 in Fig. 18 is blocked by the side plate portion 19a and the cover portion 19c, whereby the driving can be performed by driving A part of the energy input to the rotation transmitting mechanism 17 by the foot pedal is efficiently stored in the elastic deformation portion 21. The space 6a described above may be provided on the elastic deformation portion 21.

As shown in FIG. 19B, in the rotation transmission mechanism 17 of the present embodiment, the area of the surface of the outer circumferential convex portion 18f in the rotational direction (the advancing surface 18ff) and the surface opposite to the rotational direction (opposing surface 18fb, from the center) The surface CL is larger by about 10 to 15%, preferably about 12 to 13%, larger than the surface at which the direction of the rotation of the line RDa is reversed. Therefore, the elasticity between the outer circumferential convex portion 18f and the inner circumferential convex portion 19d (between the front surface 18ff and the inner circumferential convex portion 19d) at a position forward of the outer circumferential convex portion 18f in the rotational direction when the bicycle is advanced can be disposed. The deformed portion 21 is compressively deformed in a larger area (range) than the conventional one, and the compressed (elastic) energy can be efficiently accumulated in the elastic deformation portion 21. This compressed (elastic) energy is converted into rotational energy and used as a propulsive force of a power-assisted bicycle or the like.

More specifically, the outer circumferential convex portion 18f is formed such that the advancing surface 18ff (the surface facing the rotational direction) has a gentle inclination with respect to the opposing surface 18fb (the surface opposite to the rotational direction). Further, a curved surface is formed at a boundary portion between the advancing surface 18ff (surface facing the rotational direction) and the inner rotating member main body 18a. By adopting such a shape, the area of the advancing surface 18ff (surface facing the rotational direction) of the outer circumferential convex portion 18f is increased, whereby the height of the outer circumferential convex portion 18f can be increased (from the outer circumferential surface to the outer circumference of the inner rotating member main body 18a) The distance of the outer end of the convex portion 18f is reduced, and the size of the rotation transmission mechanism 17 can be reduced. Further, since the length of the outer circumferential convex portion 18f (the advancing surface 18ff) of the compression elastic deformation portion 21 becomes larger as it goes from the outer circumferential surface of the inner rotating member main body 18a toward the outer end of the outer circumferential convex portion 18f, it is possible to accumulate more compression. energy.

The surface of the inner circumferential convex portion 19d that faces the advancing surface 18ff (the surface facing the rotational direction) of the outer circumferential convex portion 18f is formed in a recessed state. Therefore, it is possible to increase the elastic deformation between the outer circumferential convex portion 18f and the inner circumferential convex portion 19d (between the advancing surface 18ff and the inner circumferential convex portion 19d) which is disposed at a position forward of the outer circumferential convex portion 18f in the rotational direction when the bicycle is advanced. The amount of the part 21. Therefore, it is possible to accumulate the compressive (elastic) energy of an amount sufficient for use as the propulsive force in the elastic deformation portion 21. The volume of the inner space of the recess formed by the recess is preferably 2 to 5% with respect to the volume of the elastic deformation portion 21. The reason is that when the depression is excessively large, the compression of the elastic deformation portion 21 becomes insufficient.

(Example of use of the rotation transmission mechanism).

Next, an example of use of the rotation transmission mechanism 17 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 20 to 22 .

FIG. 20 is a view showing an example in which the rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is used for a power-assisted bicycle, and is an exploded cross-sectional view showing a main part of the rotation transmission mechanism. FIG. 21 is a view showing an example in which the rotation transmission mechanism is used for a power-assisted bicycle according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the rotation transmission mechanism. FIG. 22 is a plan view showing the rotation transmission mechanism according to the third embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the cover portion 19c is detached and the elastic deformation portion is elastically deformed (compressed and deformed).

The rotation transmission mechanism 17 of the present embodiment is used by being attached to a crankshaft of a power-assisted bicycle.

As shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the motor drive unit 13 of the electric assist bicycle rotatably holds a crank shaft 14 as a rotating shaft that penetrates the left and right portions of the motor drive unit 13. A spline 14a fitted to the spline hole 18e of the inner rotating member 18 is fixed concentrically with the crank shaft 14 at the right end portion of the crank shaft 14. By inserting the spline 14a into the spline hole 18e of the inner rotating member 18, the rotation transmitting mechanism 17 is attached to the right end portion of the crank shaft 14. Further, crank arms 15a and 15b are fixed to the left and right ends of the crankshaft 14 with a phase difference of 180 degrees from each other. In Figs. 20 and 21, reference numeral 16 is a crank arm fixing member for fixing the crank arms 15a, 15b to the crank shaft 14.

A pedal (not shown) that is rotatable is disposed at an end of the crank arms 15a and 15b.

In the motor drive unit 13, a torque sensor is disposed at a position close to the crankshaft 14, and the torque sensor can be used to detect the human driving force caused by the pedaling force input from the pedal to the motor drive unit 13. Moreover, the motor can be driven in accordance with the detection result of the torque sensor, and the rotation of the crankshaft 14 (auxiliary driving force) can be assisted.

The operation of the rotation transmitting mechanism 17 attached to the crankshaft 14 of the power-assisted bicycle as described above will be described with reference to Figs. 19A to 22 .

In FIG. 21, when the driver pedals a pedal (not shown) disposed at the end of the crank arms 15a and 15b, the outer peripheral convex portion 18f and the crank that are projected on the outer circumference of the inner rotating member main body 18a are cranked. The shafts 14 rotate together in the direction of the arrow RDb of Figs. 19A and 22 .

When the crankshaft 14 rotates and the outer circumferential convex portion 18f approaches the inner circumferential convex portion 19d, the elastic deformation portion 21 is compressed by being sandwiched between the outer circumferential convex portion 18f (the forward surface 18ff) and the inner circumferential convex portion 19d, and a part of the input energy is input. It is accumulated in the elastic deformation portion 21.

At the initial stage of the rotation of the crankshaft 14 (FIG. 19A → FIG. 22), the elastic deformation portion 21 is elastically deformed. However, after the elastic deformation portion 21 is deformed, the rotational force of the crankshaft 14 is transmitted from the outer circumferential convex portion 18f to the inner circumferential convex portion 19d. The crankshaft 14 is rotated substantially integrally from the crankset 20. The rotational force is reliably transmitted to the sprocket provided on the rear wheel side of the bicycle via a chain (not shown) that is tensioned on the dial 20 .

The elastically deformable portion 21 that has been elastically deformed (compressed and deformed) is restored when the energy input from the pedal to the rotation transmitting mechanism 17 is interrupted or weakened, and the inner peripheral convex portion 19d is pressed as the restoring energy, and the outer rotating member 19 and the dial 20 are moved in the traveling direction. Rotate. That is, the compression (elastic) energy of the elastic deformation portion 21 is converted into rotational energy, and is used as the propulsive force of the electric assist bicycle.

Further, the human driving force by the pedaling force input from the pedal to the motor driving unit 13 is detected by the torque sensor, and the auxiliary driving force (assisting force) of the motor corresponding to the human driving force is added. This makes it easy to travel even on a steep slope.

By using the rotation transmission mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention on the crankshaft of the electric assist bicycle as described above, it is possible to particularly reduce the fatigue of the driver.

In the present embodiment, the case where six outer circumferential convex portions 18f and inner circumferential convex portions 19d are provided is described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. The number of the outer circumferential convex portions 18f and the number of the inner circumferential convex portions 19d may be one or more, respectively. However, in order to transmit the force accumulated in the elastic deformation portion 21 in the circumferential direction, the number of the outer circumferential convex portions 18f and the inner circumferential convex portion are preferable. The number of 19d is more than four. Further, in order to sufficiently secure the volume of the elastic deformation portion 21, it is preferable that the number of the outer circumferential convex portions 18f and the inner circumferential convex portions 19d is eight or less.

In the present embodiment, the case where the outer circumferential convex portion 18f is integrally formed in the inner rotating member main body 18a has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. The outer peripheral convex portion may also be fixedly disposed to the inner rotating member main body.

In the present embodiment, the case where the inner circumferential convex portion 19d is integrally formed in the annular portion 19b has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. The inner circumferential convex portion may also be fixedly disposed on the annular portion.

In the present embodiment, the case where the elastic deformation portion is the elastic deformation portion 21 made of synthetic rubber has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration.

The elastically deformable portion is elastically deformable (compressively deformed) as long as the inner rotating member 18 and the outer rotating member 19 are relatively rotated, and can be rotated between the inner rotating member 18 and the outer rotating member 19 after the deformation, and the elastic deformation portion The amount of deformation, the modulus of elasticity, and the like can be appropriately selected according to the preference of the user. As the elastic deformation portion, in addition to the synthetic rubber, for example, a gas sealed between the outer circumferential convex portion 18f and the inner circumferential convex portion 19d can be used.

Further, in the present embodiment, the rotation transmitting mechanism 17 used in the electric assist bicycle has been described as an example. However, the rotation transmitting mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described use. The rotation transmission mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention can also be applied to a mechanism having a wheel, such as a normal bicycle, a unicycle for civil engineering, a wheelchair, a rickshaw, a two-wheeled trailer, etc., and the same operational effects can be obtained.

[Embodiment 4]

(Configuration of the rotation transmission mechanism)

Next, a configuration of a rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 23 .

FIG. 23 is a view showing a rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, and is a plan view showing a state in which a cover portion is detached.

As shown in FIG. 23, the rotation transmitting mechanism 22 of the present embodiment includes, for example, an inner rotating member 23 that is inserted into a rotating shaft of a crankshaft or the like of a bicycle, and an outer rotating member 24 that is rotatably disposed inside. Rotating member 23. The rotation transmission mechanism 22 of the present embodiment can be used not only for a bicycle but also for a mechanism having a wheel and a robot (joint portion or the like).

The inner rotating member 23 includes a disk-shaped inner rotating member main body 23a, a cylindrical convex portion 23b integrally formed on the outer circumference of the surface of the inner rotating member main body 23a, and a cylindrical convex portion 23c (not shown in the convex portion 23c). It is integrally formed on the outer circumference of the back surface of the inner rotating member main body 23a, and the crankshaft insertion hole 23d is formed to penetrate the inner rotating member main body 23a.

Further, the inner rotating member 23 includes five outer peripheral convex portions 23f which are integrally formed with the inner rotating member main body 23a and protrude outward from the outer circumference of the inner rotating member main body 23a. Bearing balls (not shown) are rotatably held on the front surface and the back surface of the outer peripheral convex portion 23f, respectively.

Similarly to the above-described outer peripheral convex portion, the outer circumferential convex portion 23f has a forward surface and an opposite surface.

Specifically, the outer peripheral convex portion 23f is formed such that the advancing surface (the surface facing the rotational direction) has a gentle inclination with respect to the opposing surface (the surface opposite to the rotational direction). Further, a curved surface is formed at a boundary portion between the advancing surface (the surface facing the rotational direction) and the inner rotating member main body 23a.

The outer rotating member 24 includes a side plate portion 24a, an annular portion 24b, and a lid portion (not shown). The side plate portion 24a is located at a side portion of the outer circumferential convex portion 23f of the inner rotating member 23, and is rotatable with respect to the convex portion 23c of the inner rotating member 23. A convex portion 23c is inserted into the side plate portion 24a. The annular portion 24b is fixed to the outer circumference of the side plate portion 24a by screwing on the outer side of the outer circumferential convex portion 23f of the inner rotating member 23. The lid portion is rotatable relative to the convex portion 23b in a state of being disposed opposite to the side plate portion 24a. A convex portion 23b is inserted into the lid portion.

In addition, the inner rotating member 23 rotates while the bearing balls held on the front and back surfaces of the outer peripheral convex portion 23f roll on the lid portion and the side plate portion 24a, respectively. Thereby, the internal rotating member 23 can be smoothly rotated.

Further, the outer rotating member 24 includes five inner peripheral convex portions 24d. The inner circumferential convex portion 24d is formed integrally with the annular portion 24b so as to protrude toward the inner circumferential side of the annular portion 24b, and is alternately arranged with the outer circumferential convex portion 23f of the inner rotating member 23. Specifically, the plurality of inner circumferential convex portions 24d and the plurality of outer circumferential convex portions 23f are disposed such that one outer circumferential convex portion 23f is disposed between the mutually adjacent inner circumferential convex portions 24d in the rotation direction of the rotation transmission mechanism 22, and One inner circumferential convex portion 24d is disposed between the outer circumferential convex portions 23f adjacent to each other.

The side plate portion 24a and the lid portion are fixed to the inner circumferential convex portion 24d by screwing.

Further, a toothed disc 25 is fixedly provided on the outer peripheral portion of the back surface side of the annular portion 24b of the outer rotating member 24.

The electromagnet A is attached to the outer peripheral convex portion 23f, and the permanent magnet B is attached to the inner circumferential convex portion 24d at a position forward of the outer circumferential convex portion 23f in the rotational direction when the bicycle is advanced.

The permanent magnet B is attached to the inner circumferential convex portion 24d so that the magnetic pole of the portion facing the electromagnet A is substantially S pole.

The electromagnet A is set such that the polarity of the portion opposed to the permanent magnet B can be switched to the N pole or the S pole. The switching of the magnetic poles can be achieved, for example, by changing the direction of the current flowing in the electromagnet A. Further, the switching of the magnetic poles is performed, for example, at the timing when the rotation of the crankshaft is stopped, and the determination as to whether or not the rotation of the crankshaft is stopped can be performed, for example, using a torque sensor built in the motor drive unit of the electric assist bicycle.

(Operation of the rotation transmission mechanism)

Next, the operation of the rotation transmission mechanism 22 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 24 . Here, for example, a case where the rotation transmitting mechanism 22 is attached to a crankshaft of a bicycle will be described as an example.

FIG. 24 is an operation explanatory view of the rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

As shown in Fig. 23, initially, the polarity of the portion of the electromagnet A attached to the outer peripheral convex portion 23f facing the permanent magnet B attached to the inner circumferential convex portion 24d is N pole. In this state, when the driver pedals the pedal disposed at the end of the crank arm, the outer peripheral convex portion 23f protruding from the outer circumference of the inner rotating member main body 23a together with the crankshaft is shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. In the direction of the arrow RDc (forward rotation direction) of (a), the outer peripheral convex portion 23f attached to the electromagnet A abuts against the inner circumferential convex portion 24d attached to the permanent magnet B (the N pole of the electromagnet A and the permanent magnet) B's S pole is tightly attached). After the outer circumferential convex portion 23f abuts against the inner circumferential convex portion 24d, the rotational force of the crank shaft is transmitted from the outer circumferential convex portion 23f to the inner circumferential convex portion 24d, and substantially rotates integrally from the crank shaft to the crank disk 25. The rotational force is reliably transmitted to the sprocket provided on the rear wheel side of the bicycle via a chain (not shown) that is tensioned on the dial 25 .

When the driver stops pedaling that is disposed at the end of the crank arm, the rotation of the crankshaft is stopped, and the torque sensor detects that the rotation is stopped. Then, a signal is transmitted from the torque sensor to the current control unit, and the current control unit changes the direction of the current flowing to the electromagnet A, and switches the polarity of the portion of the electromagnet A opposed to the permanent magnet B from the N pole to the S. Pole (refer to (b) of Fig. 24). As a result, as shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. 24, the inner circumferential convex portion 24d to which the permanent magnet B is attached is separated from the outer circumferential convex portion 23f to which the electromagnet A is attached (the S pole of the electromagnet A and the permanent magnet B). The S poles are mutually exclusive) (refer to arrow d in Fig. 24(c)). As a result, the external rotating member 24 is rotated, and the outer rotating member 24 is further rotated by the inner rotating member 23 (crankshaft) while the inner circumferential convex portion 24d is in contact with the outer circumferential convex portion 23f, and then stopped.

When the rotation of the crankshaft is stopped, the torque sensor detects that the rotation is stopped. Then, a signal is transmitted from the torque sensor to the current control unit, and the direction of the current flowing to the electromagnet A is changed by the current control unit, and the polarity of the portion of the electromagnet A opposed to the permanent magnet B is switched from the S pole to the S pole. N pole (refer to (a) of Fig. 24). As a result, the outer circumferential convex portion 23f to which the electromagnet A is attached approaches the inner circumferential convex portion 24d to which the permanent magnet B is attached, and the outer circumferential convex portion 23f to which the electromagnet A is attached abuts against the inner circumferential convex portion 24d to which the permanent magnet B is attached (electromagnet) The N pole of A and the S pole of permanent magnet B are closely attached). At this time, the crankshaft is temporarily rotated together with the internal rotating member 23, and then stopped.

When the rotation of the crankshaft is stopped, the torque sensor detects that the rotation is stopped. Then, a signal is transmitted from the torque sensor to the current control unit, and the direction of the current flowing to the electromagnet A is changed by the current control unit, and the polarity of the portion of the electromagnet A opposed to the permanent magnet B is switched from the N pole. S pole (refer to (b) of Fig. 24). As a result, as shown in (c) of FIG. 24, the inner circumferential convex portion 24d to which the permanent magnet B is attached is separated from the outer circumferential convex portion 23f to which the electromagnet A is attached (the S pole of the electromagnet A and the S pole of the permanent magnet B repel each other). (Refer to arrow d of (c) of Fig. 24). As a result, the external rotating member 24 is rotated, and the outer rotating member 24 is further rotated by the inner rotating member 23 (crankshaft) while the inner circumferential convex portion 24d is in contact with the outer circumferential convex portion 23f, and then stopped.

The above operation is repeated, and the outer rotating member 24 is rotated substantially integrally from the crank plate 25. The rotational force is transmitted to a sprocket provided on the rear wheel side of the bicycle via a chain (not shown) that is tensioned on the dial 25 .

In the present embodiment, the permanent magnet B is attached to the inner circumferential convex portion 24d at the position where the electromagnet A is attached to the outer circumferential convex portion 23f and the outer circumferential convex portion 23f is forward in the rotational direction when the bicycle is advanced. Although the case has been described as an example, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. The permanent magnet may be attached to the outer peripheral convex portion 23f, and the electromagnet may be attached to the inner circumferential convex portion 24d at a position forward of the outer circumferential convex portion 23f in the rotational direction when the bicycle is advanced. Further, an electromagnet may be attached to both the outer circumferential convex portion 23f and the inner circumferential convex portion 24d at a position on the front side in the rotational direction with respect to the outer circumferential convex portion 23f when the bicycle is advanced.

In the present embodiment, the case where five outer circumferential convex portions 23f and inner circumferential convex portions 24d are provided is described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. The number of the outer circumferential convex portions 23f and the number of the inner circumferential convex portions 24d may be one or more.

In the present embodiment, the case where the outer circumferential convex portion 23f is integrally formed in the inner rotating member main body 23a has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. The outer peripheral convex portion may also be fixedly disposed to the inner rotating member main body.

In the present embodiment, the case where the inner circumferential convex portion 24d is integrally formed in the annular portion 24b has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. The inner circumferential convex portion may also be fixedly disposed on the annular portion.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, in the same manner as in the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the outer circumferential convex portion 23f and the outer circumferential convex portion 23f may be positioned forward in the rotational direction when the bicycle is advanced. The elastic deformation portion 26 (elastic deformation body) is disposed between the circumferential convex portions 24d (between the advancing surface of the outer circumferential convex portion 23f and the inner circumferential convex portion 24d).

Further, the elastic member 27 made of an elastic body or the like may be attached to the surface of the outer circumferential convex portion 23f opposite to the rotational direction so as to have a shock absorbing effect. It is also possible to provide the above-described space 6a in the elastic member 27.

[Embodiment 5]

Next, the configuration of the elastic deformation portion (elastic deformation body) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 26A and 26B.

The elastic deformation portion described below is a modification of the above-described elastic deformation portions 6, 6A, 21, and 26.

As shown in Fig. 26A, the elastic deformation portion 31 includes a circular main body 31B having an upper surface 31U and a lower surface 31L, and projections 31T provided on the upper surface 31U and the lower surface 31L, respectively. Since the four protrusions 31T are provided on the upper surface 31U and the lower surface 31L, respectively, the elastic deformation portion 31 has a total of eight projections 31T.

On the upper surface 31U and the lower surface 31L, the four projections 31T are arranged at equal intervals, that is, the angular pitch of the four projections 31T is 90 degrees.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the protrusion 31T is formed on both the upper surface 31U and the lower surface 31L is described. However, at least one of the upper surface 31U and the lower surface 31L is provided on at least one of the upper surface 31U and the lower surface 31L. The protrusion 31T may be used. For example, a configuration in which the protrusion 31T is provided only on the upper surface 31U or a configuration in which the protrusion 31T is provided only on the lower surface 31L may be employed.

In the center of the main body 31B, a through hole 31H (space) penetrating the main body 31B is provided, that is, the main body 31B is formed in a ring shape. When the elastic deformation portion 31 is fitted in the rotation transmitting mechanism, the elastic deformation portion 31 is sandwiched by the lid portion 4c (19c) and the side plate portion 4a (19a), and is surrounded by the annular portion 4b (19b). Further, the elastic deformation portion 31 is sandwiched between the advancing surface 3ff (18ff) of the outer circumferential convex portion 3f (18f) and the inner circumferential convex portion 4d (19d).

In the present embodiment, a through hole formed in the elastic deformation portion will be described as an example of a space. However, instead of the through hole, a structure in which a concave portion is formed in the center of the elastic deformation portion may be employed. In this case, a concave portion may be formed on one of the upper surface 31U and the lower surface 31L, or a concave portion may be formed on both the upper surface 31U and the lower surface 31L.

As shown in FIG. 26A, when the side surface of the elastic deformation portion 31 is observed, each of the projection portions 31T has an isosceles triangle shape. In addition, the top portion 31P of the protrusion portion 31T, that is, the portion located at the vertex of the isosceles triangle is chamfered. The top portion 31P may also be a flat surface but a curved surface.

As shown in FIG. 26B, each of the projections 31T has a shape that radially expands radially outward from the center of the through hole 31H in a plan view, that is, a substantially fan-shaped shape in which a portion close to the center is cut away.

More specifically, each of the projections 31T has an inner inclined surface 32 and an outer inclined surface 33 which correspond to two waists of an isosceles triangle. The inner inclined surface 32 is a surface that extends from the through hole 31H toward the top portion 31P. The outer inclined surface 33 is a surface that extends from the top portion 31P toward the outer side of the elastic deformation portion 31 .

Further, each of the projections 31T includes two inclined side faces 34 and is a surface different from the inner inclined surface 32 and the outer inclined surface 33. In the projection 31T formed on the upper surface 31U, the inclined surface 34 is a surface that extends from the upper surface 31U toward the top portion 31P. In the protruding portion 31T formed on the lower surface 31L, the inclined side surface 34 is a surface that extends from the lower surface 31L toward the top portion 31P.

The main body 31B has a central portion 31BC located at the center in the thickness direction of the elastic deformation portion 31, an upper portion 31BU having an upper surface 31U, and a lower portion having a lower surface 31L. In the side surface of the elastic deformation portion 31, the upper region 31BU and the lower region 31BL each have an inclined surface 31I that is inclined with respect to the side surface of the central region 31BC. Further, the central portion 31BC, the upper region 31BU, and the lower region 31BL constituting the main body 31B are not separated, but are integrally formed.

Regarding the size of the elastic deformation portion 31, the outer diameter D1 of the elastic deformation portion 31, that is, the outer diameter D1 of the central portion 31BC is about 21 mm. Further, the diameter of the through hole 31H is about 7 mm. The thickness between the upper surface 31U and the lower surface 31L is about 7 mm. The length between the top portion 31P of the protrusion portion 31T formed on the upper surface 31U and the top portion 31P of the protrusion portion 31T formed on the lower surface 31L is about 8 mm. The inclination angle θ1 of the inclined surface 31I with respect to the side surface of the central portion 31BC is about 23 degrees.

The material of the elastic deformation portion 31 is not limited to an elastic member such as synthetic rubber, and an elastic body can be used, and other known elastic materials can be used.

The elastic deformation portion 31 can be applied to the rotation transmission mechanism instead of the above-described elastic deformation portions 6, 6A, 21, and 26. Further, when the elastic deformation portion 31 of the present embodiment is applied to the rotation transmission mechanisms 1 and 17, it is necessary to increase the number of the elastic deformation portions 31 of the present embodiment and the number of the outer circumferential convex portions 3f and 18f. The number of the circumferential convex portions 4d and 19d is the same.

(Installation structure of elastic deformation part)

The elastic deformation portion 31 is sandwiched between the side plate portions (4a, 19a) as the inner rotating body and the lid portions (4c, 19c) as the outer rotating body, and is sandwiched by the outer circumference of the inner rotating members (31, 18). The convex portion (3f, 18f) is between the convex portion (3f, 18f) and the inner circumferential convex portion (4d, 19d). Specifically, as described in the above embodiment, it is sandwiched between the outer circumferential convex portion and the inner circumferential convex portion.

When the bicycle advances, that is, when the rotation transmitting mechanism rotates in the rotation direction (reference numerals RDa, RDb described above), the inner rotating body rotates relative to the outer rotating body, and the elastic deformation portion 31 elastically deforms (compresses deformation). Further, the elastic deformation portion 31 is rotated in a compressed state, and as a result, the entire sprocket wheel rotates. By the driver pedaling, a part of the energy input to the rotation transmission mechanism can be efficiently stored in the elastic deformation portion 31.

Further, when the elastic deformation portion 31 is compressed, the elastic deformation portion 31 is in a stage in which the shape of the elastic deformation portion 31 is changed in such a manner that the through hole 31H formed in the elastic deformation portion 31 is collapsed, and the elasticity is maintained. In the stage in which the deformed portion 31 has been collapsed while the elastically deformable portion 31 is integrally compressed, that is, in the compressed state of the two stages, it is compressed. Therefore, two kinds of compression ratios (compressed form and compressed shape) can be obtained with one elastic body.

In other words, in the present embodiment, when the elastic deformation portion 31 is compressed, the compressed shape of the through hole 31H is first collapsed, and then the space of the through hole 31H of the elastic deformation portion 31 is lost. The compressed shape of the entire elastic deformation portion 31 is collapsed. In other words, before the through hole 31H is collapsed, the hardness is low (soft) as the overall shape of the elastic deformation portion 31, and after the through hole 31H is collapsed, the hardness is the overall shape of the elastic deformation portion 31. The higher (harder) state is compressed.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, the upper surface 31U and the lower surface 31L are not flat surfaces, and the projections 31T are formed on the upper surface 31U and the lower surface 31L. Therefore, when the elastic deformation portion 31 is sandwiched between the lid portion and the side plate portion, the upper surface 31U and the lower surface 31L are not in contact with the lid portion and the side plate portion, but the top portion 31P of the projection portion 31T and the lid portion and the side plate portion. contact. Therefore, the area in which the elastic deformation portion 31 contacts the lid portion and the side plate portion is smaller than the structure in which the projection portion 31T is not formed (see FIGS. 3, 6A, and 10A). Therefore, the elastic deformation portion 31 and the lid portion and The friction between the side plate portions becomes small. As a result, the shape of the elastic deformation portion 31 changes, that is, the compression energy of the elastic deformation portion 31 is more smoothly performed, and the above-described loss due to friction (energy input into the rotation transmission mechanism) is reduced.

The protruding portion 31T of the elastic deformation portion 31 has an isosceles triangle shape in cross section, and includes an inner inclined surface 32, an outer inclined surface 33, and an inclined side surface 34. The protrusion 31T has such a shape, and the elastic deformation portion 31 is prevented from being distorted in the radial direction of the elastic deformation portion 31 (the direction from the through hole 31H toward the outer circumference of the elastic deformation portion 31 in the radial direction), and can be input. The energy in the rotation transmitting mechanism sufficiently maintains the force while maintaining the shape of the flat plate of the elastic deformation portion.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the isosceles triangle is used as the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 31T, but other shapes may be employed. For example, instead of an isosceles triangle, a circular or elliptical shape can be employed. However, in the case of using a circular or elliptical shape, the manufacturing cost of the mold having the elastic deformation portion of the projection portion is increased. By using the isosceles triangle as the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 31T, there is an effect that the manufacturing cost of the mold of the elastic deformation portion can be reduced.

Further, since the entire elastic deformation portion 31 is compressed and the entire disk is rotated, in some cases, when the elastic deformation portion 31 is compressed, stress is concentrated in a portion having low strength and elastically deformed. The shape of the portion 31 varies locally. In this regard, the plurality of protrusions 31T each have a radially expanded shape, that is, a substantially fan shape. With this configuration, the width of the protruding portion 31T (the length of the outer portion of the protruding portion 31T in the circumferential direction) can be increased in the outer peripheral portion where the shape is easily changed, and the inner portion (the position close to the crankshaft) where the shape is difficult to change can be made. The width of the protrusion 31T is reduced. Thereby, the elastic deformation portion 31 can be deformed in a well-balanced manner as a whole, and energy can be sufficiently stored by elastic deformation.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in the foregoing, but it should be understood that these are exemplary embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting embodiments. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be construed as being limited by the foregoing description, but by the scope of the claims.

1, 1A, 12, 17, 22‧‧‧ Rotary transmission mechanism

2, 14‧‧‧ crankshaft

3, 3', 18, 23‧‧‧ internal rotating components

3a, 18a, 23a‧‧‧ Internal rotating member body

3b, 3c, 18b, 18c, 23b, 23c‧‧ ‧ convex

3‧‧‧Indentation for pressing

3'd, 18e‧‧‧ spline hole

3e, 18d, 23d‧‧‧ crank shaft insertion holes

3f, 18f, 23f‧‧‧ peripheral convex

3g, 3h, 18g, 18h‧‧‧ bearing balls

3ff, 18ff‧‧‧ forward

3fb, 18fb‧‧‧ objection

4, 19, 24‧‧‧ External rotating components

4e, 4f‧‧‧ inserted through holes

4d, 19d, 24d‧‧‧ inner circumference convex

4c, 19c‧‧‧ cover

4b, 19b, 24b‧‧‧rings

4a, 19a, 24a‧‧‧ side panel

5, 20, 25‧‧‧ tooth tray

6‧‧‧Elastic deformation department

6a, 21a‧‧‧ space

6A, 21, 26, 31‧‧‧Elastic deformation

7‧‧‧Crank Holder

8a, 8b‧‧‧ ball bearings

9a, 9b, 15a, 15b‧‧‧ crank arms

10,16‧‧‧ crank arm fixing member

11‧‧‧Injection convex

13‧‧‧Motor drive unit

14a‧‧‧ Spline

27‧‧‧Flexible components

31U‧‧‧ upper surface

31T‧‧‧Protruding

31P‧‧‧ top

31L‧‧‧ lower surface

31I‧‧‧ sloped surface

31H‧‧‧through hole (space)

31BU‧‧‧Upper area

31BL‧‧‧Under the area

31BC‧‧‧Central Area

31B‧‧‧ Subject

32‧‧‧ inside inclined surface

33‧‧‧Outer sloped surface

34‧‧‧Sloping side

A‧‧‧ electromagnet

B‧‧‧ permanent magnet

BS‧‧‧Back of the rotating transmission mechanism

FS‧‧· surface of the rotary transmission mechanism

RDa, RDb‧‧‧ direction of rotation

CL‧‧‧ center line

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a surface of a rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a back surface of a rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of Fig. 1 .

4A] FIG. 4A is a plan view showing an external rotating member that constitutes a rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

4B is a plan view showing a surface of an internal rotating member constituting the rotation transmitting mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

4C is a plan view showing a surface of a lid portion constituting the rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a back surface of an internal rotating member constituting the rotation transmitting mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[ Fig. 6A] Fig. 6A is a plan view showing a state in which the lid portion is detached, showing a rotation transmission mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6B is an enlarged plan view showing a portion indicated by reference numeral X of Fig. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a view showing an example in which the rotation transmission mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used for a bicycle, and is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the rotation transmission mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a state in which the cover portion is detached and the elastically deformable portion is elastically deformed (compressed and deformed) in a state in which the cover is removed.

[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a rotation transmission mechanism, showing a rotation transmission mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[ Fig. 10A] is a plan view showing a state in which the lid portion of the rotation transmission mechanism in the application example of the first embodiment of the present invention is detached, and is a plan view showing a state in which the elastic deformation portion is not elastically deformed (compression-deformed).

10B is a plan view showing a state in which the lid portion of the rotation transmission mechanism in the application example of the first embodiment of the present invention is detached, and is a plan view showing a state in which the elastic deformation portion is elastically deformed (compressed and deformed). .

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a surface of a rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a back surface of a rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII shown in Fig. 11 .

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example in which the rotation transmission mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention is used for a power-assisted bicycle, and is an exploded cross-sectional view showing a main part of the rotation transmission mechanism.

FIG. 15 is a view showing an example in which the rotation transmission mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention is used for a power-assisted bicycle, and is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the rotation transmission mechanism.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a surface of a rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a back surface of a rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII shown in Fig. 16 .

[ Fig. 19A] Fig. 19A is a plan view showing a state in which a cover transmission portion is detached, showing a rotation transmission mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

19B is an enlarged plan view showing a portion indicated by a reference symbol Y in Fig. 19A.

FIG. 20 is a view showing an example in which the rotation transmission mechanism according to the third embodiment of the present invention is used for a power-assisted bicycle, and is an exploded cross-sectional view showing a main part of the rotation transmission mechanism.

FIG. 21 is a view showing an example in which the rotation transmission mechanism according to the third embodiment of the present invention is used for a power-assisted bicycle, and is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the rotation transmission mechanism.

FIG. 22 is a plan view showing a state in which the cover portion is detached and the elastically deformable portion is elastically deformed (compressed and deformed) in a state in which the cover is removed.

23 is a view showing a rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, and is a plan view showing a state in which a cover portion is detached.

FIG. 24 is an operation explanatory view of a rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a plan view showing another configuration of the rotation transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, and showing a state in which the cover portion is removed.

FIG. 26A is a side view showing an elastic deformation portion according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 26B is a plan view showing an elastic deformation portion according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

Claims (4)

An elastic deformation portion that is used by being sandwiched between an inner rotating member and an outer rotating member, a rotating shaft being inserted through the inner rotating member, the outer rotating member being rotatably disposed on the inner rotating member, the elasticity The deformation section contains: a circular body, and a protrusion disposed on a surface of the circular body; The elastic deformation portion is partially formed with a space through the circular body. The elastic deformation portion of claim 1, wherein: The space is formed at the center of the circular body; The shape of the circular body and the space are concentric circles. The elastic deformation portion of claim 1 or 2, wherein: The protruding portion has a shape that radially expands from the space toward the radially outer side of the elastic deformation portion in plan view. The elastic deformation portion of claim 1 or 2, wherein: The protrusion has a shape of an isosceles triangle in cross section.