Multiple speed hub for a bicycle and like vehicle

US3937309A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Fichtel & Sachs · DE

Inventors

• Horst Schulz · Friedrichshafen, DE
• Erich Hild
• Werner Steuer
• Karl-Heinz Schmidt · Waldkraiburg, DE
• Ewald Eisend
• Karlheinz Loffler
• Josef Flosser
• Reinhard Kessler

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 10, 1974
• Grant date: Feb 10, 1976
• Expiry date: Jul 10, 1994

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16H2200/0039
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The driver in a three-speed bicycle hub may be coupled alternatively with the planet carrier or the ring gear of the planetary gear transmission in the hub shell by means of radial arms on a coupling sleeve which is shifted axially between terminal positions of engagement with the carrier and the ring gear respectively for highest and intermediate transmission ratio. The engaged ring gear may further be shifted axially by the coupling sleeve from its normal position against the restraint of a spring to establish a third, lower transmission ratio. The coupling elements of the planet carrier and ring gear are normally closer to each other than the axial length of the coupling sleeve arms. The radial arms cammingly cooperate with coupling elements on the planet carrier and/or the ring gear to shift the arms automatically into a terminal position from any intermediate position in response to relative rotation of the associated transmission members.