JP2003341584A - Bicycle driving mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an improved mechanical structure improved in transmission efficiency of pedaling operation force applied to a pedal crank assembly to a rear wheel of a bicycle. <P>SOLUTION: In this structure of a bicycle driving mechanism, when the pedaling operation is at the dead point, excessive loss of energy is reduced so as to improve the efficiency. In this case, 'dead point' is a common term used for representing both the case where the leg is located at a descent stroke position and the case where the leg is located at an ascent stroke position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to means for improving the efficiency of biking. Depending on the position of the runner's legs, various components of exercise power are transmitted to mechanisms for muscle work reduction. It is widely recognized that such rowing movements have minimal efficiency on either the upstroke or the downstroke. This is because human leg force is greater when pushing downward than when applying force in the horizontal direction. Both the ascending stroke position and the descending stroke position of the rowing operation are referred to as "dead points". Stop and start cranking at dead center does not result in low speed efficiency due to interruptions or discontinuities.

A conventional attempt to eliminate this inefficiency has been made in US Pat. No. 5,911,792 (Jaimes, 1999, 6).
Issued 15th of March), which provides an orifice located in the middle of the crank apex to eliminate the problem. Also, US Pat. No. 5,257,562 (Nagano,
(November 1993) discloses a crankbar assembly, in which the pedal connection position of the crankbar can be moved back and forth to reduce inefficiencies.

1-6 of the present application show side views of separate drive trains that connect a gear driven by a pedal using a chain or belt to a drive wheel driven by the gear. 7 and 8 are also provided to show the increased arc that can drive the pedal during rearward drive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The purpose of the invention claimed herein is to minimize the negative impact of dead center on cycling actions.

[0005] When the operation of pedaling a bicycle using a normal bicycle is started in the descending stroke position (Fig. 7), the posture of the thigh of the leg is substantially horizontal, while the posture of the calf of the leg. Is inclined rearward in the direction of approximately 45 °. In this constrained leg position, the ability of the leg to exert forward force is greatly impeded. However, effective force application at approximately 45 ° posterior is efficient and productive.
Similarly, with a conventional bicycle, when the biking leg is at the beginning of the elevated stroke position, the ability of the leg to exert a rearward force past the center of bottom dead center is greatly impeded.

However, there is sufficient upward and backward movement of the seat position relative to the pedal crank assembly along a line passing through the axis of rotation of the pedal crank assembly and approximately 30 degrees inclined with respect to the vertical forward applied force passing through this dead center. Receiving is efficient. This therefore ensures that the rear rowing motion for forward movement effectively reduces the negative effects of dead center and undergoes sufficient rearward movement of the bicycle seat from a vertical line through the axis of the pedal crank assembly. Since each leg operates at an angle of less than 180 °, the drive operation is interrupted in conventional bicycles when the operation switches from one leg to the other. The superimposed continuous cycling motion is provided by the bicycle disclosed and claimed herein. The bicycle of the present invention includes means for rowing backwards for forward movement so as to eliminate the effects of dead center in cycling. The improvements claimed herein provide a number of improvements over other solutions to the dead center problem. This includes:

1. Reduced production cost 2. 2. Simplify the design by the operation that requires only a small number of parts. Reduced maintenance 4. Lightening 5. Ease of operation 6. Ease of Replacement of Existing Bicycles It is noted that the second advantage of the claimed design is that the rearward replacement of the bicycle seat results in a movement of the rowing motion forward of the buttocks position. As a result, the need for a thin bicycle seat is eliminated, allowing the use of a wide and comfortable seat that is obsolete due to its overweight but is also suitable for older users.

[0008] A main object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight bicycle which is comfortable to ride and drive by a driver.

Another object of the present invention is to achieve the above objects.
The object is to provide a device which is compatible with conventional forms of manufacture, has a simple structure, is easy to operate, is economically feasible, has a long service life, and has relatively few operating problems.

These, as well as other objects and advantages, will become apparent below in more detail as to structure and operation, as more fully described and claimed below. Referring to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now more specifically to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a longitudinal side view of a first configuration of a bicycle constructed in accordance with the present invention. Reference numeral 150 indicates a frame of a bicycle 151, which has a drive or pedal wheel gear 156 supported at 154 by a pedal crank assembly 152 pivotally mounted on the frame 150. Reference numeral 162 is 1
A rear drive wheel gear pivotally supported at 66 on frame 150 is shown, including a one-way clutch structure (not shown) for forward drive, and drive wheel 164 is also pivotally supported at frame 150 at 166. Auxiliary wheel 1
Also included is 58, which is at frame 1 at 160.
It is pivotally supported by 50. The closed loop chain 168 includes a drive or pedal wheel gear 156 and an auxiliary wheel 15
Mesh with 8. The drive wheel gear 162 also meshes with the chain 168 as shown in the figure, and the backward (counterclockwise) rowing operation drives the bicycle 151 forward.

Now, description will be made on the second embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 2, the pedal or drive wheel 116 is 1
The driven drive wheel gear 122 is pivotally supported by the bicycle frame 110 at 14, and the driven wheel gear 122 is pivotally supported at 124 by the frame 110. The driven wheel gear 122 includes a one-way clutch structure (not shown). 1 auxiliary wheel 118
A frame 20 supports the frame 110. The closed loop chain 126 meshes with the auxiliary wheel 118 and the driven wheel gear 122. The pedal or drive wheel gear 116 meshes with the chain 126 as shown so that the rear rowing motion (counterclockwise) drives the frame 110 forward (right side).

Now, the description of the third embodiment of the present invention will be made.
FIG. 3 shows a vertical side view of a bicycle frame 50, which comprises a pedal or drive wheel gear 56 pivotally mounted to the frame 50 at 54 and a driven wheel gear 6 rotatably mounted to the frame 50 at 62.
6 (including a one-way clutch structure). The closed loop chain 58 meshes with the pedal or wheel gear 56 in a direction opposite that of the driven wheel gear 66 such that counterclockwise rotation of the pedal crank assembly 56 drives the frame 50 forward (to the right). ing. For good results, it is necessary to tilt the gears or provide guide wheels or spacers (not shown) to keep the chains spread differently at their junctures.

Now, description will be made on the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows a vertical side view of a bicycle frame 10, which has a pedal crank assembly 12 and pedal or drive wheel gear 20 that are integrally fastened together and pivotally supported at 14 on the frame 10. Two
The two auxiliary gears 16 and 22 are connected to each other and are pivotally supported on the frame 10 at 18, and the gear 16 meshes with the pedal wheel gear 20. The closed loop chain 24 includes a driven wheel gear (not shown) and the auxiliary gear 2.
2 engages as shown in the drawing, and a rear rowing operation (counterclockwise direction) drives the frame 10 forward (right side). It is easy to see that the two auxiliary gears 16 and 22 can have the same diameter, in which case the two gears can be combined into one gear.

Now, description will be made on the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a vertical side view of the bicycle frame 214, which has a driven wheel gear 220 pivotally supported by the frame 214 at 222 and meshes with an auxiliary gear. The auxiliary gear is the second auxiliary gear 226.
And is pivotally supported by the frame 214 at 218.

The closed loop chain 224 has an auxiliary gear 226.
The rear (counterclockwise) rowing motion on the associated pedal crank assembly (not shown) with which the chain 224 also meshes with the periphery is adapted to drive the frame 214 forward (left side). Two auxiliary gears 216 and 226
It is easy to see that the two can have the same diameter, in which case the two gears 216 and 226 can be combined into one gear.

Now, the description of the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be continued.
FIG. 6 is a vertical side view of the bicycle frame 250, which includes a drive wheel 274 and an adjacent driven wheel gear 2 pivotally supported on the frame 250 at 272.
70, a crank assembly 252 pivotally mounted to the frame 250 at 256 and an associated pedal or drive wheel gear 254. 264 and 260 include two intermeshing auxiliary sprocket wheels 258 and 262 pivotally mounted to the frame 250 at 264 and 260, respectively. Two closed loop chains 266 and 268 are employed.
The chain 266 meshes with the pedal or drive wheel gear 254 and the sprocket wheel 258. The chain 268 meshes with the driven wheel gear 270 and the sprocket wheel 262. Sprocket wheel 2
58 and 262 include meshing gears (not shown) to allow sprocket wheels 258 and 262 to rotate in opposite directions. Therefore, the backward (counterclockwise) rowing motion drives the frame 250 forward (right side).

FIG. 1 is also used to illustrate the attachment of removable assembly 200 to bicycle 150 as a means of connecting the pedal gear 156 of existing bicycle 150 to driven wheel gear 162. Assembly 200
Includes a bracket 169 that is fastened to the bicycle frame at the pivot shaft 166 of the drive wheel 164. 160
Gear 158 pivotally supported on bracket 169 at
It is included. A closed loop drive chain 168 is also included, which meshes with the auxiliary gear 160 and the existing bicycle pedal gear 156 and engages the existing bicycle drive wheel gear 162 for rearward (counterclockwise) rowing motion. Is designed to drive the bicycle forward (right side).

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, it should be noted that the seat S is located well above the bearing axis of the drive or pedal wheel gear 156. Furthermore, the sheet S
Is located well behind the vertical line passing through the pedal wheel axis. The configuration shown is such that the user of the bicycle sits in a substantially upright position with each leg describing an arc of substantially 180 ° (at least 210 + °) and still physically engaging the pedal crank assembly 152. `` Up and down operation (pum
p) ”is guaranteed. The duration of the action force in each cycle depends on the bicycle and the physical size of the occupant. For seat positions 30 degrees behind the normal (FIGS. 7 and 8), the rowing action begins shortly before the lower stroke position and continues to about 30 degrees behind the lower pedal position (FIG. 8). The result is a force capacity of approximately 210 + ° per cycle.

It has been shown that the bicycle of the present invention is designed to ride in a substantially upright position, with the seat located well above and behind the axis of rotation of the pedal crank or crank bar assembly 152. . This not only keeps the occupant's head high for safety reasons, but also improves the efficiency of the series of pedal reverse drives. Furthermore,
Substantially conventional bicycle frames can be modified in a relatively easy manner in accordance with the present invention.

As an alternative, it is clear that either chain could be replaced by a drive belt. Furthermore, it can be seen from the drawings that the bicycle drive mechanism shown is very reliable and requires very little maintenance. In addition, these drive mechanisms may be constructed of relatively lightweight materials because of their relatively low resistance to operation. Therefore, the claimed bicycle can be manufactured economically,
It can be operated in a relatively powerless manner.

The above description is intended to be merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Furthermore, it is not intended to limit the invention to the structure as shown and described, as it is easy for a person skilled in the art to make various modifications and combinations of various designs and modifications. It is therefore intended that all suitable modifications as a means of reliance and equivalents thereof be within the scope of the present invention.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a design in which a closed loop drive chain 168 is meshed and drive connected to a drive wheel gear 156 with a drive or pedal assist gear 158, each pivotally supported on a bicycle frame 150. Also meshes with a drive wheel gear 162 axially supported by the frame 150, and the drive wheel gear 156 is driven by a pedal crank assembly 152 axially supported in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the drive wheel gear 162.

FIG. 2 shows a drive or pedal in which a closed loop drive chain 58 is pivotally supported on a bicycle frame 150, respectively.
Or a drive wheel gear 156 with an auxiliary gear 158 is shown meshing and drive connected to the chain 168.
Is a drive wheel gear 162 axially supported by the frame 150.
The drive wheel gear 156 is also driven in the direction opposite to the rotational direction of the drive wheel gear 162 by the pivotally supported pedal crank assembly 152.

FIG. 3 shows a design in which a closed loop drive chain 126 meshes with a pivotally driven drive or pedal gear 56 and a counter-rotating shaft drive wheel gear 60, where the two reach of a chain 58 intersect.

FIG. 4 shows a design using an auxiliary gear 16 pivotally supported on the bicycle frame 10 and also meshed with a drive or pedal gear 20 also pivotally supported on the bicycle frame 10. The drive gear 22 is attached to the gear 16 and rotates together.
The drive chain 24 has a track in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the pedal gear 20 and also has a track driven by an associated drive wheel (not shown) similar to the drive wheel 122.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a second auxiliary gear 2 fixed to the auxiliary gear 216 by using a drive wheel gear 220 pivotally supported by the bicycle frame 214 and meshed with the auxiliary gear 216.
A design including 26 is shown. Closed loop drive chain 224
Is wound around gear 226 and associated drive wheels (not shown) similar to drive wheel 122.

FIG. 6 shows a design in which two auxiliary gears 258 and 262 are pivotally mounted on the bicycle frame 250 and mesh with each other for counter-rotation. Two closed loop chains 2
66 and 268 are also shown. The chain 266 meshes with the auxiliary gear 258 and the drive or pedal gear 254, and the chain 268 has the auxiliary gear 262 and the driven wheel gear 2.
70 to engage the wheel gear 270 and rotate the wheel gear 270 in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the pedal or drive wheel gear 254.

FIG. 7 shows the uppermost or lowermost position of a bicycle rowing leg.

FIG. 8 shows the position of the leg slightly past the lowest position of the leg for biking when the rowing action is counterclockwise.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 150: Frame 16: Auxiliary gear 20, 254: Pedal gear 152: Pedal crank assembly 122, 156, 162, 220, 254, 270: Drive wheel gear 58, 126, 168, 224, 266, 268: Closed loop drive chain 216 , 220, 226: auxiliary gear

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A vehicle, including a frame, which is pedal-propulsed by a seated occupant, the vehicle including a pedal crank assembly pivotally supported from the frame with respect to a lateral axis, the seat comprising: A pedal mounted on the frame well above and behind the axis of rotation of the pedal crank assembly so that a person seated in this seat in a substantially upright position can manipulate and drive the pedal crank assembly with its legs. And its legs can be applied to the pedal crank assembly, the vehicle further comprising a drive wheel pivotally supported by the vehicle and the pedal crank assembly to the drive wheel. A drive train structure drivingly connected to rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation of the assembly vehicle. 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a bicycle frame and the drive wheel comprises at least one driven wheel gear having a one-way clutch and a pedal crank drive wheel gear. A train structure includes a closed loop drive chain drivingly connecting the pedal crank wheel gear to the drive wheel gear. 3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the closed loop drive chain includes its two crossed reach. 4. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein at least one auxiliary wheel pivotally supported by the frame is engaged with the auxiliary wheel and meshes with the pedal drive wheel gear to move to the driven wheel gear. A vehicle including a drive chain attached. 5. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein at least one auxiliary wheel pivotally supported from the frame and a drive chain engaged with the auxiliary wheel and meshed with and attached to the driven wheel gear. Vehicles including and. 6. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein at least one auxiliary wheel gear is journaled from the frame,
The auxiliary wheel gear and a drive chain engaged with the pedal driving wheel gear are included, and the driven wheel gear meshes with the auxiliary wheel gear in such a manner that the driving wheel gear drives the driven wheel gear in the opposite direction. vehicle. 7. The vehicle of claim 2, including at least one auxiliary wheel gear pivotally supported from the frame, the drive chain meshing with the auxiliary wheel gear and the driven wheel gear, the pedal drive wheel. A vehicle in which a gear meshes with the auxiliary wheel gear in a manner such that rotation of the pedal crank assembly drives the driven wheel gear in the opposite direction. 8. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein two auxiliary wheel gears that are pivotally supported by the frame and mesh with each other to rotate in opposite directions, and a first auxiliary wheel gear and a pedal drive wheel gear that mesh with each other. A vehicle comprising one drive chain and a second drive chain meshing with the driven wheel gear and a second auxiliary wheel gear. 9. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the means for connecting the pedal drive wheel gear to the driven wheel gear is attached to an existing bicycle frame as a removable assembly unit.