FR2776612A1 - Wheel hub assembly for two=wheeled vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The assembly consists of a cylindrical housing with end flanges to receive the spokes and a sprocket bush (116). It has first and second half tubes (120) inside the housing and bush, and an inner coupling tube which slides between retracted and engaged positions between the two half-tubes. The hub housing and sprocket bush are joined by a coupling in the form of a plate (156) which lies coaxially outside the first half-tube and can move inside the cylindrical housing between two positions - a stand-by position and a coupled position - by a drive. In the coupled position the plate fits over the end of the sprocket bush with a sealed joint.

Description

IMPROVEMENT IN THE MOUNTING DEVICE OF A HUB FOR

TWO-WHEEL WHEEL

  The present invention relates to an improvement to the device for mounting a wheel hub of a two wheel, more particularly the rear wheel of a bicycle comprising a pinion cassette or a front wheel

  comprising an accessory such as a disc and a brake caliper.

  European patent application NI 97450018.3, in the name of the same

  Applicant describes a device for mounting a wheel hub.

  This device is particularly applicable to a bicycle both for the wheel

  before that for the rear wheel with its pinion cassette.

  Indeed, the wheel of a bicycle comprises a hub on the edges of which

  the spokes which support the rim are fixed.

  According to this prior art, the device for mounting a wheel hub, in particular a rear hub, of two-wheelers on a frame, in particular a bicycle, comprising at least one rear wheel drive pinion mounted on a body of cassette as well as a hub with a cylindrical body provided with lateral wings designed to receive spokes, characterized in that it comprises: - a first half-tube mounted free to rotate inside the hub and provided with means for fixing to the frame, - a second half-tube mounted to rotate freely inside the cassette body and provided with means for fixing to the frame, - means for connecting these two half-tubes, - maneuvering means of these connecting means with means for blocking these operating means, and - removable means for rotating connection of the cassette body and

of the cylindrical hub body.

  It is further provided, as is necessary on most bikes, to interpose a freewheel mechanism between the first half-tube and the cylindrical hub body or between the second half-tube and the cassette body. According to an entirely advantageous mode, these connecting means comprise a connecting tube intended to slide in the first and second half-tubes between at least a first position in which the connecting tube is retracted inside the first half tube and a second position in which the connecting tube projects from the first half-tube and enters the second half-tube when the first and second tubes are aligned. Such an arrangement is entirely satisfactory, but it is possible to improve the embodiments of the various elements of the invention and in particular the removable means for rotationally connecting the cassette body and the cylindrical hub body can be produced differently. It is the object of the present invention to propose improvements to these

different elements.

  To this end, according to the invention, the device for mounting a wheel hub, said hub comprising a cylindrical body provided with lateral wings designed to receive spokes and a cassette body, comprises: - a first half-tube mounted free in rotation inside the hub body and provided with fixing means on the frame, - a second half-tube mounted free in rotation inside the cassette body and provided with fixing means on the frame, - a connecting tube of these two half-tubes, coaxial inside the two half-tubes, intended to slide in the first and second half-tubes between at least a first position in which the first half-tube is substantially retracted to the inside of the first half-tube and a second position in which the connection tube protrudes from the first tube and enters the second half-tube, means for operating these connection means, comprising an operating rod, with means of blocking these maneuvering means, and - removable means for rotationally connecting the cylindrical hub body and the cassette body, and this device is characterized in that these removable rotationally connecting means comprise a plate, coaxial outside the first half-tube , movable in translation in the cylindrical hub body between two positions, the first waiting and the other rotationally connecting, this plate being provided

  connecting means in rotation with the cassette body.

  More particularly, the plate comprises means for driving in translation from the first waiting position to the second position of

link in rotation.

  According to a first arrangement, the rotational connection means comprise at least one tooth and / or a housing formed in the plate and designed to cooperate with at least one housing and / or a tooth formed in the cassette body and the means translational drive consist of a stop, integral with the connecting tube, provided to ensure the translation of the plate at the end of travel when the displacement of this tube

  connection from the first retracted position to the second projecting position.

  In particular, the mobile stage is styling in relation to the body

cassette.

  In a complementary manner, the cassette body of the movable stage is capped relative to the movable stage with, optionally means

sealing.

  According to a variant of the arrangement, the rotational connection means comprise at least one retractable pin, movable between a retracted position in the connection tube when the connection tube is in its first position and a projecting position to cooperate with a housing provided in the second half-tube, in particular a groove, when the connecting tube is in

the second position.

  According to another variant, the rotational connection means comprise at least one retractable pin, carried by an extension provided on the same plate and acting as the first half-tube, movable between a retracted position when the connection tube is in its first position and a projecting position in which this retractable pin is provided to cooperate with a housing formed in an extension formed directly on the cassette body, acting as a second half-tube, and coaxial for at least one

  part with the extension of the plate.

  The present invention also provides means for locking in translation which comprise a locking head with a base provided with movable claws between two hooking and unhooking positions and buttons for controlling these claws, a cup secured to the operating rod and provided with a groove intended to be hooked by the claws and

a return spring.

  These blocking means comprise a lever articulated on a base

  operating with an adjustable stop with a notching means.

  According to another characteristic, the adjustable stop comprises a screw cup on the base and provided with blind housings regularly distributed at the periphery of the cup and designed to cooperate with the head of a pin

retractable carried by the base.

  Anti-theft means are also provided in a complementary manner with a pair of outer rings provided with an exhaust housing, a pair of cams, eccentric, coaxial with the rings and integral with the operating lever, each provided with a locking pin. the assembly being rotatably mounted on

a fixed axis.

  The invention is now described in detail according to embodiments and variants which are illustrated by drawings in which the different figures represent: - Figure 1, an exploded perspective view of a complete rear hub of a bicycle, according to the present invention, apart from the pinions so as not to encumber said figure, - FIG. 2A, a view in longitudinal section of a first embodiment of a rear hub of a bicycle according to the invention, before connection and locking, - FIG. 2B, a view identical to that of FIG. 2A but seen from above, - FIG. 2C, a view identical to that of FIG. 2A but after connection and blocking, the rotational clutching being practically carried out, - FIG. 2D, a view identical to that of FIG. 2C, but seen from above, - FIG. 2E, a view identical to that of FIG. 2A but exploded, with all the connecting means operated, - FIG. 2F, a view identical to that of FIG. 2E but seen from d essus, - Figure 2G, a cross-sectional view of the hub of Figure 2A, along the line 2G-2G, Figure 3A, a longitudinal sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a hub according to the invention, with locking in translation by mobile pin, before connection, - FIG. 3B, a view identical to that of FIG. 3A, but seen from above, - FIG. 3C, a view identical to that of FIG. 3A, but after connection, - FIG. 3D, a view identical to that of FIG. 3C, top view, - FIG. 4A, an alternative embodiment of FIG. 3A, - FIG. 4B, a view identical to that of FIG. 4A, top view, - FIG. 5A, a longitudinal section view of a front hub of a bicycle, before connection, of the inner bell type, - FIG. 5B, a top view, identical to that of FIG. 5A, after connection, - FIG. 5C, a view identical to that of Figure 5B but after locking - Figure 6A, a longitudinal sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a front hub of a bicycle of FIG. 5A, of the external bell type, before connection, - FIG. 6B, a view identical to that of FIG. 6A, top view, - FIG. 7A and 7B, an embodiment of blocking means with adjustable stroke according to of the receiving support, respectively for very thick and thin support, - Figure 8A, a perspective view of locking means with integrated code lock, - Figure 8B, a view in longitudinal section of the locking means of Figure 8A, in the locked position, and - Figure 8C, a view identical to that of Figure 8B, but in the

unlocked position.

  In Figure 1, there is shown a rear hub 10 of a bicycle with a cylindrical body 11 provided with lateral wings 12 for receiving spokes 14 intended to cooperate with a cassette body 16 provided for receiving sprockets 17, a first half tube 18 and a second half-tube 20 as well as connecting means 22, means 24 for operating these connecting means

  and means 26 for blocking these maneuvering means 24.

  This hub is designed to be mounted in a known manner on a frame 28,

symbolized in this figure 1.

  For the first variant, the references are increased by 100, in order to

  to distinguish the different embodiments.

  Reference is made to FIGS. 2A to 2F either to describe the first embodiment, the references being identical for the parts

  identical, regardless of the position of these parts.

  In FIG. 2A, the first half-tube 118 is mounted on bearings

  130 so as to leave it free to rotate in the hub body 111.

  This first half-tube receives the connecting means 122 which comprise a tube 132 coaxial with the first half-tube 1 1 8 and movable in translation in

this last.

  This connecting tube 122 is secured by a first pin 134 to an operating rod 136 which is part of the operating means 124. A return spring 138 is interposed between the outer end 140 of the first half-tube 118 and this pin connection of the connection tube with the rod 136

  maneuvering so as to urge the connecting tube 122 towards the second half

tube 120.

  This pin 134 is projecting on either side of the connecting tube 122 and slides in two slots 142 arranged opposite in the first half-tube 118. Likewise, the connecting tube 122 is provided with two slots 144 opposite that which guide this connecting tube with respect to a second

  pin 146, perpendicular to the first pin 134.

  This connecting tube further comprises a head 148 with a slot 150 with ears, quarter turn. Note that the connecting tube protrudes slightly beyond the first half-tube 118 and therefore from the hub body since the inner end of the first half-tube is perfectly aligned with the

  connection plane of the hub body with the pinion cassette.

  This assembly is completed by a spring 152 of coaxial pressure, outside the first half-tube 118, in the free state in the waiting position of the

Figures 2A and 2B.

  A freewheel mechanism 154, advantageously that with cylinders with locking and declutching by slope, described in the patent application filed on the same day as the present application, in the name of the same applicant, is

  interposed between the first half-tube 118 and the hub body 111.

  This mechanism is integrated in a plate 156 which has a face 158 of contact with teeth 160. This plate is capable of being translated over a short stroke relative to the hub body 111, outwardly to protrude very slightly. relation to the connection plane of the hub body with the pinion cassette as will be explained

  later in the description of the implementation.

  The body 1 1 6 of the cassette comprises a second half-tube and this body is mounted free in rotation and fixed in translation relative to said second half-tube 120 by means of bearings 162 and circlips

  adapted. This second half-tube 120 is fixed by a nut 164 on the frame 128.

  This second half-tube 120 projects very slightly inwards through

  relative to the body 1 1 6 of cassette, on a given angular sector only.

  A third pin 166 is integral with this second half-tube 120 and

  flush mounted with respect to this second half-tube.

  The cassette body 116 is also provided with housings 168, visible in detail in FIG. 2G, designed to receive the teeth 160 of the contact face 158 of the plate 156 of the hub body 111 and thus ensure

  a rotational connection of the hub and the pinion cassette.

  The mounting of this device is particularly easy.

  The user exerts traction on the maneuvering means 124, towards the outside to prepare the hub, which places the different half-tubes and tube as in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The second half-tube 120 is fixed on the frame. Then the wheel with its hub 110 is introduced into the space reserved in the frame, the outer end 140 of the first half-tube 118 then being

  introduced into the housing provided for this purpose in box 128.

  Note that the slightly protruding end 148 of the tube 118 and the inner end of the second half-tube 120 cooperate to facilitate the

  alignment guidance and positioning of the different elements.

  The rod 124 of the operating means is moved in translation with the assistance of the return spring 138. The rod is in reality provided with a notch which cooperates with an O-ring for example to create a hard point, which keeps it in waiting position until the user releases it, as well

  that this is described in the previous application cited in the preamble.

  The displacement of the rod drives the connecting tube 122 which enters the second half-tube 120, thus ensuring the mechanical continuity of the

two half-tubes.

  The pin which is integral with it in turn causes, at the end of the race, a pressure on the plate 156 supporting the mechanism 154 of freewheeling by means of the pressure spring 152. This position is shown exploded in Figures 2E and 2F to facilitate understanding without these

  positions can be considered functional.

  The teeth 160 of the plate penetrate into the corresponding housings 168 and the slot 150 with quarter-turn ears of the head 148

  is introduced on either side of the third pin 166.

  It then suffices to make the operating means perform a quarter turn to ensure that the head is locked relative to the third.

pin 166.

  This locking has several effects.

  First of all the two half-tubes 118 and 120 are tightened one against the other

  the other and the teeth 160 are perfectly flat in their housings 1 68.

  The first half-tube 118 is prefixed to the frame 1 28 by its end

outdoor 140.

  It then suffices to operate the eccentric locking means 126

  to ensure a final fixing of the device on the frame.

  A description of these blocking means 126 is given.

  later with regard to a particular embodiment.

  The slot 150 with ears has notches of sensation to allow the user to perceive the correct positioning of the assembled assembly and

  provide additional security in a locked situation.

  In FIGS. 3A to 3D, an alternative embodiment is shown, the references of the various elements being increased by 100 relative to

those of FIGS. 2A to 2G.

  The two half-tubes 118 and 120 are substantially identical, except for variants of industrial shapes, just like the hub body 211, the

  cassette body 216, the various bearings 230, 262.

  The differences are at the level of the rod 236 of the operating means 224, of the locking means 226 and of the connecting tube 222 as well

than the link head.

  The rod 236 is in fact extended through the connecting tube 222 to protrude on the interior side. Its end further comprises a cone 270 and at least one pin 272, with radial displacement, biased towards the center by a spring not shown, disposed at the periphery of the connection tube 222 and movable in translation radially with respect to this connection tube between a first retracted position generated by each spring in which each pin is flush with the periphery of the connecting tube and a second position in which each pin protrudes under the pressure generated by the cone

  as will be explained immediately after in the description.

  This rod is also equipped with a light 274 to ensure the passage of the second pin 246 during movement of the rod, the first

  pin 234 making integral the connecting tube 222 and the rod 236.

  In addition to the above modifications, the locking means 226 comprise a locking head 276. This head comprises: - a base 278, integral with the frame 228, provided with claws 280 movable between two positions, one for picking under the effect of control buttons 282, each biased by a spring, and the other for unhooking when the user exerts manual pressure on the control buttons, - a cup 284, screwed onto the end of the rod 224 according to the thickness of the frame 228, with a groove intended to be hooked by the claws 280, and

- a return spring 287.

  As for the second half-tube 220, it undergoes a single modification which consists in providing a groove 288 in its inner wall to receive the

pawns 272.

  The implementation of this variant is now described.

  As previously, the user sets up the

  wheel and the alignment of the two half-tubes 218 and 220.

  Then just push the rod 236 which drives the connecting tube

  222 which enters the second half-tube 220 and provides the mechanical connection.

  When the rod is almost completely displaced, the user strikes the

  head 276, which has several consequences.

  First of all, the cone 270 causes the pins 272 to project radially, which are received in the groove 288 provided for this purpose and the

  larger diameter of the rod keeps these pins in this position.

  Then the claws 280 hook the groove 286, which immobilizes in translation the rod 236 relative to the hub body 211 and to the cassette body 216. In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the various elements have been referenced by increasing the references in FIGS. 3A to 3D by 100. This variant presents simplifications in the sense that certain

parts have several functions.

  The locking means 326 include the same elements as above. Rod 326 has the same role and acts on displacement pins 372

radial by means of a cone 370.

  On the other hand, the connecting tube 322 is monolithic with the plate 356 movable in translation and its profile is provided to cooperate with a housing 320-2 which is formed directly on the body 316 of the cassette, this in the

  extension of the half-tube 320-1 proper.

  The pins 372 thus ensure by protrusion by the cone the keying in translation and in rotation of the tube 322 for connection with the body 316 of

  cassette, entering housing 388. There is coaxiality of the elements.

  In FIGS. 5A to 5C, a front hub is shown and the references are in numbers from 400 to allow giving references related to identical elements because the front hub is no different

  only by the absence of freewheel and pinions.

  The front hub thus comprises a hub body 411 with a connection tube and means 424 for operating this tube comprising a rod 436 secured to the connection tube by a pin 434 and with means 426

  for blocking the translational movements of this rod.

  In this hub body 411, there is again a half-tube 418 mounted with bearings 430 so as to leave the hub body free in

  rotation with respect to this half-tube.

  The plate 456 is mounted movable in translation over a short stroke relative to the hub body 411 and driven by a pair of pins 446. The cassette body 416 remains unchanged, except that the shape is reduced in size due to the 'absence of pinions because the cassette body has become a bell with a main purpose, but not least, of sealing. This cassette body is immobilized in rotation relative to the second half-tube 420 by the pin. Pin 466 also receives link head 448 and provides rigidity

  mechanical assembly as above for the rear hub.

  In the variant shown in these FIGS. 5A to 5C, it has been noted that the plate 456 fits inside the cassette body 416 but the reverse arrangement is possible and this is the object of the variant shown on the Figures 6A and 6B, the references being identical to those of Figures 5A to 5C

increased by 100.

  In this variant, the plate 556 comes in a bell to cover the body

  516 cassette during assembly as shown in Figure 6B.

  One can, of course, associate with these front hub assemblies, as they have just been described, a braking disc for example, disposed on the part integral with the frame and which remains when the front wheel is removed. The presence of this disc does not disturb the disassembly or reassembly of the wheel,

  which is particularly appreciable in racing as well as by the simple user.

  On all the variant embodiments, seals are provided which have not been described because they are not the essence of the invention. Such seals generally of the O-ring or lip type are well known and prevent the penetration of elements liable to disturb the

  functioning of the bearings or degrading the internal parts.

  There remains an unresolved point in the foregoing arrangements which can hinder the user in the various stages of mounting / dismounting the hubs thus presented, both at the rear and at the front, it is the adjustment of the tightening half-tubes, that is to say the positioning of the elements of the locking means, in particular of the lever 600 for maneuvering with eccentric 602

  as shown in Figures 7A and 7B.

  Indeed, generally, the rod of the clamping means comprises a lever on one side and it is through with a nut mounted screwing on the end of the rod. This nut makes it possible to adjust the length of the rod in

  depending on the thickness of the frame to obtain optimal tightening.

  In this case, there is nevertheless a problem for the front wheel because there is generally provided a safety lug which forces the user to unscrew the nut more than necessary to disassemble the wheel, which then results in

  a loss of reference for reassembly.

  In FIGS. 7A and 7B, according to the present invention, in the case of an arrangement with two half-tubes and connecting tube, there is provided a maneuvering base 604 which receives the lever 600 in an articulated manner. This base

  also includes an adjustable stop 606 with a notching means 608.

  This notching means 608 comprises a cup 610 screwing onto the base forming a stop, provided with blind 612 housings, regularly

  distributed around the periphery of the cup.

  These blind housings are designed to receive the head 614 of a pin 616, integrated in the base, movable in translation and pressed against the cup.

by a spring 618.

  The user can thus adjust the cup for the first time relative to the base since the unscrewing of the cup allows a gain in distance

  variable e and adjust the length of the rod-connecting tube assembly.

  The notching makes it possible to maintain the relative position of the cup even when the lever 600 is operated and while the wheel carrying this means

is setup.

  According to an alternative embodiment shown in Figures 8A to 8C, it is possible to provide in this case, an anti-theft means 700. The references

  identical to those of FIGS. 6A and 6B are increased by 100.

  This anti-theft means is combined with the lever 700 in order to prohibit or

authorize movement.

  This anti-theft means 700 comprises - a pair of independent external knurled rings 720 which each internally include notches 722, as well as a single exhaust housing 724, the assembly being regularly distributed over the entire internal periphery, - a pair of internal cams 726, smooth externally and internally, coaxial with the pair of rings, both linked to the lever, these internal cams being eccentric with respect to the axis 728 of rotation and each provided with a housing 730 for receiving a pin 732 for locking, mushroom-shaped with a return spring 734 which pushes said pin radially towards the outer periphery, - a cylindrical axis 736 having as its center the axis 728, this axis being coaxial with the pairs of rings and cams, and provided with a blind hole at

  diameter of the locking pin 732, stationary in rotation.

  The operation of this anti-theft means is indicated below.

  The rings are numbered externally or at least provided with marks. The locking pin 732 can take a first position in which it is pushed by the spring into the exhaust housing 724 of the corresponding ring, that is to say when said exhaust housing is

  opposite said pin by rotation of this corresponding ring.

  It is therefore necessary to turn each ring so that the mark allows the pins to align with the exhaust housings to operate the lever. We note that the length of each pawn is such that when it escapes, it does not

  no longer penetrates the immobile cylindrical axis 736.

  From then on, the lever and the cams can pivot freely to ensure a tightening or a loosening, then driving the rings and the pin.

  For reassembly and installation of the anti-theft device, simply reassemble the hub and after tightening by operating the lever and movement of the eccentric, the rings should be rotated randomly to

blur the combination.

  Therefore, each pin is pushed back against the force of the spring

  734 and enters the blind hole 738 of the corresponding cylindrical axis.

  Thus the cams 726 are immobilized and the lever too, which prohibits

disassembly of the hub.

Claims (10)

  1. A device for mounting a wheel hub, said hub comprising a cylindrical body provided with lateral wings intended to receive spokes and a cassette body, comprising - a first half-tube mounted free to rotate inside the body of the hub and provided with fixing means on the frame, - a second half-tube mounted free to rotate inside the cassette body and provided with fixing means on the frame, - a connecting tube of these two half -tubes, coaxial inside the two half-tubes, designed to slide in the first and second half-tubes between at least a first position in which the first half-tube is substantially retracted inside the first half-tube and a second position in which the connecting tube protrudes from the first tube and enters the second half-tube, - operating means of these connecting means, comprising an operating rod, with means for blocking these operating means , and of s removable means for rotationally connecting the cylindrical hub body and the cassette body, characterized in that these removable rotationally connecting means comprise a plate, coaxial outside the first half-tube, movable in translation in the cylindrical hub body between two positions, the first standby and the other in rotation, this plate being provided with   connecting means in rotation with the cassette body.   2. Device for mounting a wheel hub according to claim 1, characterized in that the plate comprises means for driving in translation from the first waiting position to the second connecting position in rotation.   3. Device for mounting a wheel hub according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the rotational connection means comprise at least one tooth and / or a housing formed in the plate and designed to cooperate with at least one housing and / or a tooth formed in the cassette body and the translational drive means consist of a stop, integral with the connecting tube, designed to ensure the translation of the plate at the end of travel when moving this connecting tube of the   first position retracted to the second projecting position.   4. Device for mounting a wheel hub according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the movable plate is styling with respect to the body cassette.   5. A device for mounting a wheel hub according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the cassette body of the movable stage is capped relative to the movable stage with, optionally sealing means. 6. A device for mounting a wheel hub according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the rotating connecting means comprise at least one retractable pin, movable between a retracted position in the connecting tube when the connecting tube is in its first position and a   projecting position to cooperate with a housing provided in the second half   tube, especially a groove, when the connecting tube is in the second position.   7. A device for mounting a wheel hub according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the rotational connection means comprise at least one retractable pin, carried by an extension provided on the same plate and acting as first half -tube, movable between a retracted position when the connecting tube is in its first position and a projecting position in which this retractable pin is provided to cooperate with a housing formed in an extension made directly from the cassette body, acting as second half-tube, and coaxial for at least one   part with the extension of the plate.   8. A device for mounting a wheel hub according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the means for locking in translation comprise a locking head with a base provided with movable claws between two hooking and unhooking positions and buttons for controlling these claws, a cup secured to the operating rod and provided with a   groove intended to be hooked by the claws and a return spring.   9. Device for mounting a wheel hub according to one of   Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the blocking means   include a lever articulated on an operating base with a stop   adjustable with a notching means.   10. A device for mounting a wheel hub according to claim 9, characterized in that the adjustable stop comprises a screw cup on the base and provided with blind housings regularly distributed at the periphery of the cup and designed to cooperate with the head of a retractable pawn carried by the base.   1 1. A device for mounting a wheel hub according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the locking means comprise anti-theft means with a pair of outer rings provided with an exhaust housing, a pair of cams , offset, coaxial with the rings and integral with the operating lever, each provided with a locking pin   the assembly being mounted for rotation on a fixed axis.