US20210129584A1 - Freewheel hub - Google Patents
Freewheel hub Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210129584A1 US20210129584A1 US17/016,659 US202017016659A US2021129584A1 US 20210129584 A1 US20210129584 A1 US 20210129584A1 US 202017016659 A US202017016659 A US 202017016659A US 2021129584 A1 US2021129584 A1 US 2021129584A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- hub body
- hub
- cylindrical surface
- sprag
- end portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B27/00—Hubs
- B60B27/02—Hubs adapted to be rotatably arranged on axle
- B60B27/04—Hubs adapted to be rotatably arranged on axle housing driving means, e.g. sprockets
- B60B27/047—Hubs adapted to be rotatably arranged on axle housing driving means, e.g. sprockets comprising a freewheel mechanisms
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B27/00—Hubs
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B27/00—Hubs
- B60B27/02—Hubs adapted to be rotatably arranged on axle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B27/00—Hubs
- B60B27/02—Hubs adapted to be rotatably arranged on axle
- B60B27/023—Hubs adapted to be rotatably arranged on axle specially adapted for bicycles
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- F16D41/00—Freewheels or freewheel clutches
- F16D41/24—Freewheels or freewheel clutches specially adapted for cycles
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- F16D41/00—Freewheels or freewheel clutches
- F16D41/24—Freewheels or freewheel clutches specially adapted for cycles
- F16D41/28—Freewheels or freewheel clutches specially adapted for cycles with intermediate wedging coupling members
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B2900/00—Purpose of invention
- B60B2900/10—Reduction of
- B60B2900/121—Resisting forces
- B60B2900/1212—Resisting forces due to friction
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B2900/00—Purpose of invention
- B60B2900/20—Avoidance of
- B60B2900/212—Damage
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B2900/00—Purpose of invention
- B60B2900/30—Increase in
- B60B2900/321—Lifetime
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B2900/00—Purpose of invention
- B60B2900/30—Increase in
- B60B2900/325—Reliability
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49481—Wheel making
- Y10T29/49492—Land wheel
- Y10T29/49533—Hub making
- Y10T29/49535—Hub making with assembling
Definitions
- a freewheeling bicycle hub including a sprag type clutch configuration.
- Freewheeling bicycle hubs are generally known.
- U.S. Pat. No. 2,211,548 to Frank W. Schwinn issued on Jun. 24, 1940 is directed to a freewheeling bicycle hub configuration.
- Freewheeling bicycle hubs are configured to enable rotation of the pedals to drive the rotation of the wheels while also allowing the wheels to rotate independent of the rotation of the pedals. This functionality enables the pedals of the bike to be held stationary while the wheels rotate as the bike coasts.
- Freewheeling bicycle hubs are also commonly referred to as coaster hubs.
- the present disclosure provides a bicycle hub that provides improved drive line efficiency and bike-to-rider torque feedback.
- the drive line efficiencies are due to lower rolling resistance resulting from a novel bearing and sprag clutch configuration, a lightweight design, and immediate torque transfer from the cassette drive to the hub body.
- the bike-to-rider feedback has been improved as the torque transfer is smooth, predictable, and immediate.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a hub according to the principles of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the hub of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the hub along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hub along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is an exploded assembly view of the hub of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the hub of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the hub of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is an exploded assembly view of the hub of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 5 .
- the hub 10 includes a hub body 12 , an axle 14 , and cassette driver 16 .
- the hub 10 is configured to freewheel.
- a cassette driver 16 rotates with the hub body 12 when the wheel is driven by the cassette driver 16 and the cassette driver 16 rotates relative to the hub body 12 when the wheel is coasting (rotating and not being driven).
- the hub 10 is configured for use with multiple speed bicycles (e.g., road bikes, mountain bikes, etc.) that utilize an external cassette driven by a chain.
- the axle 14 is co-axially arranged within the hub body 12 .
- the axle 14 extends through the hub body 12 .
- the axle 14 includes a first end portion 18 that is positioned within the first end portion 22 of the hub body 12 and a second opposed end portion 24 that includes a portion that extend outwardly from the second end 26 of the hub body 12 .
- the first end portion 18 of the axle includes a shoulder 28 .
- the hub body 12 includes a snap ring groove 30 aligned with the shoulder 28 in a radial direction such that a snap ring 32 and the shoulder 28 cooperatively limit the axial movement of a bearing set 34 in a direction toward the second end 26 of the hub body 12 .
- the bearing set 34 engages an exterior surface of the axle and an interior surface of the internal cavity 56 of the hub body 12 .
- a spacer 36 covers the first end 38 of the axle.
- a first o-ring 44 seals the interface between the spacer 36 and the axle
- a second o-ring 46 seals the interface between the bearing set 34 and the axle.
- the second end portion 24 of the axle 14 is co-axially arranged within both the hub body 12 and drive end portion 48 of the cassette driver 16 .
- a portion of the second end portion 24 of the axle 14 extends into the driven end of the cassette driver and is connected to a spacer 50 .
- the second end of portion 24 of the axle 14 interfaces with the cassette driver 16 via bearing set 52 .
- the spacer 50 which is secured to the axle 14 , interfaces with the cassette driver 16 via bearing set 54 .
- the hub body 12 includes a one-piece construction.
- the hub body 12 is machined from a single piece of aluminum (e.g., aluminum 7075TC51).
- the hub body 12 defines a longitudinal rotational axis A-A.
- the hub body 12 includes an internal cavity 56 that receives the axle 14 as well as the drive end portion 48 of the cassette driver 16 .
- the hub body 12 includes a first radially extending flange 58 located at the first end portion 22 of the hub body 12 , and a second radially extending flange 60 located at the second end of the hub body.
- Each of the radially extending flanges 58 , 60 includes a plurality of spaced apart through apertures 62 that are configured to secure spokes.
- Adjacent the first radially extending flange 58 is a disk brake mount flange 64 configured to support a disk of a disk brake system.
- the external cylindrical body of the hub body 12 tapers from the second flange 60 towards the first flange 58 .
- the exterior diameter of the hub body 12 adjacent the second flange 60 is greater than the exterior diameter of the hub body 12 adjacent the first flange 58 .
- the wall thickness of the hub body 12 is greater in the portion that radially overlaps the drive end portion 48 of the cassette driver 16 as compared to the portion that does not overlap the cassette driver 16 .
- the internal cavity 56 of the second end portion 26 of the hub body defines two internal cylindrical surfaces.
- a first cylindrical surface 66 is defined as being a distance D 1 from the longitudinal rotational axis A-A
- a second cylindrical surface 68 is defined as being a distance D 2 from the longitudinal rotational axis A-A.
- D 2 is greater than D 1 and the first surface 66 is closer to the first end portion 22 of the hub body 12 than the second cylindrical surface 68 .
- the hub body is machined in a process whereby the hub body is not removed from a spindle until both the first and second cylindrical surfaces 66 , 68 are drilled.
- the cassette driver 16 includes an internal cavity 70 that extends from a drive end portion 48 to an opposed driven end portion 72 .
- the cavity receives the axle 14 , which extends into the drive end portion 48 of the cassette driver 16 .
- the cassette driver 16 defines a longitudinal axis of rotation that is coaxial and coincident with the axis of rotation A-A of the hub body 12 .
- the driven end 72 includes a cylindrical body with a plurality of axially extending grooves 74 , which are configured to engage cassette comprised of sprockets and spacers.
- the drive end 48 of the cassette driver 16 includes a plurality of coaxial cylindrical surfaces that are positioned within the hub body 12 opposite the internal cylindrical surfaces 66 , 68 of the hub body 12 .
- an annular snap ring groove 76 is located in the first cylindrical surface 66 of the inner cavity 56 of the hub body 12 opposite an end face 78 of the drive end portion 48 of the cassette driver 16 .
- a first cylindrical surface 80 extends from the end face 78 of the cassette driver towards the driven end 72 of the cassette driver 16 .
- the first cylindrical surface 80 of the drive end 48 together with the first cylindrical surface 66 defines a first annular cavity that receives bearing set 82 that interfaces between the drive end 48 of the cassette driver 16 and the hub body 12 .
- a second cylindrical surface 84 having a larger diameter than the first cylindrical surface 80 extends from the first cylindrical surface 80 towards the driven end 72 of the cassette driver 16 .
- the second cylindrical surface 84 of the drive end 48 together with the second cylindrical surface 68 defines an annular cavity that receives a sprag clutch assembly.
- the surface finish of the second cylindrical surface 84 is less than or equal to Rz of 2.5 micrometers and has a HRC hardness of 60.
- the second cylindrical surface 84 has a diameter of greater than 22 mm (e.g., 29 mm).
- the second cylindrical surface is constructed of a 5210 bearing race type steel.
- the drive end portion 48 of the drive cassette 16 is precision ground and subsequently hardened, thereby enabling it to act as a force bearing surface for the sprags.
- the sprag clutch assembly includes a sprag sleeve 86 , a sprag retaining cage 88 , sprags 90 , and a tensioning band 92 .
- the surface finish of the inside surface of the sprag sleeve is less than or equal to Rz of 2.5 micrometers and the inside surface of the sprag sleeve has a HRC hardness of 60.
- the sprag sleeve 86 has a diameter of less than 40 mm (e.g., 37 mm).
- the sprag sleeve has a height dimension that is greater than the height dimension of the sprag retaining cage 88 .
- the sprag sleeve 86 includes a snap ring groove that receives a snap ring that limits the axial movement of the sprag cage 88 in the axial direction towards the driven end 72 of the cassette driver. Axial movement of the sprag cage 88 in the direction towards the first cylindrical surface 80 of the driven end 48 of the cassette driver 16 is limited by contact with the bearing set 82 .
- the sprag sleeve is constructed of a 5210 bearing race type steel which is pressed fit/interference fit into the second cylindrical surface 68 of the hub body 12 .
- the sprag sleeve 86 overlaps the second flange 60 in the radial direction.
- the construction of the sprag sleeve 86 and the hub body 12 cooperatively provide the structural stiffness needed for reliable and long lasting operation of the hub despite the strong radial forces that are generated by the sprags 90 .
- the sprags and sprag cages used in the depicted embodiment are currently available commercially from GMN Paul Müller Industrie GmbH & Co. KG.
- a third cylindrical surface 94 extends coaxially from the second cylindrical surface 84 towards the driven end 72 of the cassette driver 16 .
- the third cylindrical surface 94 has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the second cylindrical surface 84 .
- a shoulder 96 is provided on the cassette driver 16 between the third cylindrical surface 94 and the driven end 72 of the cassette driver 16 .
- the third cylindrical surface 94 of the drive end 48 of the cassette driver 16 together with the second cylindrical surface 68 defines a first annular cavity that receives bearing set 98 that interfaces between the drive end 48 of the cassette driver 16 and the hub body 12 .
- the shoulder 96 limits axial movement of the bearing set 98 in the direction towards the driven end 72 of the cassette driver 16 .
- the third cylindrical surface 94 includes an annular o-ring groove configured to receive an o-ring that seals the interface between the third cylindrical surface 94 and the bearing set 98 .
- the internal cavity of the drive end 48 of the of the cassette driver includes a first cylindrical surface 100 defined by a first diameter that is greater than the diameter of the axle, and a second cylindrical surface 102 defined by a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter, the second cylindrical surface being closer to the driven end of the cassette driver than the first cylindrical surface.
- the configuration results in a high performance hub as it has the strength and durability to withstand intense use while also being lightweight and smooth in operation.
- the hub body 12 is constructed of lightweight, relatively softer aluminum material and it is designed so that it can be manufactured with high precision as the above-referenced cylindrical surfaces 66 , 68 can be machined without detaching the hub body 12 from the chuck that holds the part during machining.
- the hard and robust sprag sleeve 86 is pressed into the softer aluminum. The pressing process creates a tight interference fit between the sprag sleeve 86 and cylindrical surface 68 . This interface allows the hub body 12 to work together to resist the radial forces generated by the sprags.
- the sprag sleeve 86 provides the hardened surface that interfaces with the sprags and also provides additional structural strength to the hub.
- the hub of the depicted embodiment does not require rebuilding and can operate in extreme environments including environments as cold as ⁇ 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- the sprag cage moves with the cassette driver 16 .
- the tensioning member e.g., spring
- the internal ends of the sprags contact the second external surface 84 of the cassette driver and are biased radially outwardly against a spring and extend radially slightly beyond the periphery edge of the sprag cage.
- This configuration results in little and light contact between the sprags and the sprag sleeve 86 during coasting, which results in a very low friction configuration as the clutch configuration is disengaged during coasting.
- the non-drive forces applied between the hub body 12 and the cassette driver 16 are transferred through the bearing sets 82 , 98 that sandwich the sprag clutch assembly.
- the sprags engage and lock against the sprag sleeve 86 and transfer torque from the cassette driver 16 to the hub body 12 .
- the sprag clutch assembly transfers torque to drive the hub forward.
- the sprag clutch assembly is not relied on as a bearing set support the relative rotation between the cassette driver 16 and the hub body 12 . This configuration results in a clutch configuration that immediately engages when the driven end is driven.
- the driven end cannot be rotated relative to the hub body in the drive direction more than a small amount before it fully engages and transfers torque from the cassette driver 16 to the hub body 12 , thereby causing the hub body to rotate with the cassette driver 16 .
- the amount of relative rotation in the drive direction commonly referred to as play or slop, can be less than five degrees (e.g., less than two degrees, less than one degree, or one half of a degree).
- FIGS. 6-8 an alternative embodiment of the hub according to the present disclosure is shown.
- the hub is configured for a single speed bicycle such as a bmx bike.
- a single speed bicycle such as a bmx bike.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Rolling Contact Bearings (AREA)
- Mechanical Operated Clutches (AREA)
- Mounting Of Bearings Or Others (AREA)
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a bicycle hub that provides improved drive line efficiency and bike-to-rider torque feedback. The drive line efficiencies are due to lower rolling resistance resulting from a novel bearing and sprag clutch configuration, a lightweight design, and immediate torque transfer from the cassette drive to the hub body. The bike-to-rider feedback has been improved as the torque transfer is smooth, predictable, and immediate.
Description
- This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/608,386, filed May 30, 2017; which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 14/798,977, filed Jul. 14, 2015, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,662,938 on May 30, 2017; which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/763,848, filed Feb. 11, 2013, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,102,197 on Aug. 11, 2015, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- A freewheeling bicycle hub including a sprag type clutch configuration.
- Freewheeling bicycle hubs are generally known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,211,548 to Frank W. Schwinn issued on Jun. 24, 1940 is directed to a freewheeling bicycle hub configuration. Freewheeling bicycle hubs are configured to enable rotation of the pedals to drive the rotation of the wheels while also allowing the wheels to rotate independent of the rotation of the pedals. This functionality enables the pedals of the bike to be held stationary while the wheels rotate as the bike coasts. Freewheeling bicycle hubs are also commonly referred to as coaster hubs.
- The present disclosure provides a bicycle hub that provides improved drive line efficiency and bike-to-rider torque feedback. The drive line efficiencies are due to lower rolling resistance resulting from a novel bearing and sprag clutch configuration, a lightweight design, and immediate torque transfer from the cassette drive to the hub body. The bike-to-rider feedback has been improved as the torque transfer is smooth, predictable, and immediate.
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a hub according to the principles of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the hub ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the hub along line 3-3 ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hub along line 4-4 ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is an exploded assembly view of the hub ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the hub ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the hub ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is an exploded assembly view of the hub ofFIG. 6 ; and -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion ofFIG. 5 . - Referring to
FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of a hub according to the present disclosure is shown. In the depicted embodiment, thehub 10 includes ahub body 12, anaxle 14, andcassette driver 16. In the depicted embodiment, thehub 10 is configured to freewheel. In other words, acassette driver 16 rotates with thehub body 12 when the wheel is driven by thecassette driver 16 and thecassette driver 16 rotates relative to thehub body 12 when the wheel is coasting (rotating and not being driven). - Referring to
FIGS. 2-5 and 9 , the configuration ofhub 10 is described in greater detail. In the depicted embodiment thehub 10 is configured for use with multiple speed bicycles (e.g., road bikes, mountain bikes, etc.) that utilize an external cassette driven by a chain. In the depicted embodiment theaxle 14 is co-axially arranged within thehub body 12. In particular, theaxle 14 extends through thehub body 12. Theaxle 14 includes afirst end portion 18 that is positioned within thefirst end portion 22 of thehub body 12 and a second opposedend portion 24 that includes a portion that extend outwardly from thesecond end 26 of thehub body 12. - In the depicted embodiment, the
first end portion 18 of the axle includes ashoulder 28. Thehub body 12 includes a snap ring groove 30 aligned with theshoulder 28 in a radial direction such that asnap ring 32 and theshoulder 28 cooperatively limit the axial movement of a bearing set 34 in a direction toward thesecond end 26 of thehub body 12. The bearing set 34 engages an exterior surface of the axle and an interior surface of theinternal cavity 56 of thehub body 12. In the depicted embodiment aspacer 36 covers thefirst end 38 of the axle. In the depicted embodiment a first o-ring 44 seals the interface between thespacer 36 and the axle, and a second o-ring 46 seals the interface between thebearing set 34 and the axle. - In the depicted embodiment, the
second end portion 24 of theaxle 14 is co-axially arranged within both thehub body 12 and driveend portion 48 of thecassette driver 16. In the depicted embodiment a portion of thesecond end portion 24 of theaxle 14 extends into the driven end of the cassette driver and is connected to aspacer 50. In the depicted embodiment, the second end ofportion 24 of theaxle 14 interfaces with thecassette driver 16via bearing set 52. Thespacer 50, which is secured to theaxle 14, interfaces with thecassette driver 16 via bearing set 54. - In the depicted embodiment, the
hub body 12 includes a one-piece construction. Thehub body 12 is machined from a single piece of aluminum (e.g., aluminum 7075TC51). Thehub body 12 defines a longitudinal rotational axis A-A. Thehub body 12 includes aninternal cavity 56 that receives theaxle 14 as well as thedrive end portion 48 of thecassette driver 16. Thehub body 12 includes a first radially extendingflange 58 located at thefirst end portion 22 of thehub body 12, and a second radially extendingflange 60 located at the second end of the hub body. Each of the radially extendingflanges apertures 62 that are configured to secure spokes. Adjacent the first radially extendingflange 58 is a diskbrake mount flange 64 configured to support a disk of a disk brake system. The external cylindrical body of thehub body 12 tapers from thesecond flange 60 towards thefirst flange 58. In other words, the exterior diameter of thehub body 12 adjacent thesecond flange 60 is greater than the exterior diameter of thehub body 12 adjacent thefirst flange 58. - In the depicted embodiment, the wall thickness of the
hub body 12 is greater in the portion that radially overlaps thedrive end portion 48 of thecassette driver 16 as compared to the portion that does not overlap thecassette driver 16. In the depicted embodiment theinternal cavity 56 of thesecond end portion 26 of the hub body defines two internal cylindrical surfaces. A firstcylindrical surface 66 is defined as being a distance D1 from the longitudinal rotational axis A-A, and a secondcylindrical surface 68 is defined as being a distance D2 from the longitudinal rotational axis A-A. In the depicted embodiment D2 is greater than D1 and thefirst surface 66 is closer to thefirst end portion 22 of thehub body 12 than the secondcylindrical surface 68. In the depicted embodiment, the hub body is machined in a process whereby the hub body is not removed from a spindle until both the first and secondcylindrical surfaces - In the depicted embodiment the
cassette driver 16 includes an internal cavity 70 that extends from adrive end portion 48 to an opposed drivenend portion 72. The cavity receives theaxle 14, which extends into thedrive end portion 48 of thecassette driver 16. Thecassette driver 16 defines a longitudinal axis of rotation that is coaxial and coincident with the axis of rotation A-A of thehub body 12. In the depicted embodiment, the drivenend 72 includes a cylindrical body with a plurality of axially extending grooves 74, which are configured to engage cassette comprised of sprockets and spacers. - In the depicted embodiment the
drive end 48 of thecassette driver 16 includes a plurality of coaxial cylindrical surfaces that are positioned within thehub body 12 opposite the internalcylindrical surfaces hub body 12. In the depicted embodiment an annular snap ring groove 76 is located in the firstcylindrical surface 66 of theinner cavity 56 of thehub body 12 opposite anend face 78 of thedrive end portion 48 of thecassette driver 16. A firstcylindrical surface 80 extends from theend face 78 of the cassette driver towards the drivenend 72 of thecassette driver 16. The firstcylindrical surface 80 of thedrive end 48 together with the firstcylindrical surface 66 defines a first annular cavity that receives bearing set 82 that interfaces between thedrive end 48 of thecassette driver 16 and thehub body 12. - In the depicted embodiment a second
cylindrical surface 84 having a larger diameter than the firstcylindrical surface 80 extends from the firstcylindrical surface 80 towards the drivenend 72 of thecassette driver 16. The secondcylindrical surface 84 of thedrive end 48 together with the secondcylindrical surface 68 defines an annular cavity that receives a sprag clutch assembly. In the depicted embodiment the surface finish of the secondcylindrical surface 84 is less than or equal to Rz of 2.5 micrometers and has a HRC hardness of 60. In the depicted embodiment, the secondcylindrical surface 84 has a diameter of greater than 22 mm (e.g., 29 mm). In the depicted embodiment the second cylindrical surface is constructed of a 5210 bearing race type steel. In the depicted embodiment thedrive end portion 48 of thedrive cassette 16 is precision ground and subsequently hardened, thereby enabling it to act as a force bearing surface for the sprags. - In the depicted embodiment the sprag clutch assembly includes a
sprag sleeve 86, asprag retaining cage 88,sprags 90, and atensioning band 92. In the depicted embodiment the surface finish of the inside surface of the sprag sleeve is less than or equal to Rz of 2.5 micrometers and the inside surface of the sprag sleeve has a HRC hardness of 60. In the depicted embodiment, thesprag sleeve 86 has a diameter of less than 40 mm (e.g., 37 mm). The sprag sleeve has a height dimension that is greater than the height dimension of thesprag retaining cage 88. Thesprag sleeve 86 includes a snap ring groove that receives a snap ring that limits the axial movement of thesprag cage 88 in the axial direction towards the drivenend 72 of the cassette driver. Axial movement of thesprag cage 88 in the direction towards the firstcylindrical surface 80 of the drivenend 48 of thecassette driver 16 is limited by contact with the bearing set 82. In the depicted embodiment the sprag sleeve is constructed of a 5210 bearing race type steel which is pressed fit/interference fit into the secondcylindrical surface 68 of thehub body 12. In the depicted embodiment thesprag sleeve 86 overlaps thesecond flange 60 in the radial direction. The construction of thesprag sleeve 86 and thehub body 12 cooperatively provide the structural stiffness needed for reliable and long lasting operation of the hub despite the strong radial forces that are generated by thesprags 90. The sprags and sprag cages used in the depicted embodiment are currently available commercially from GMN Paul Müller Industrie GmbH & Co. KG. - In the depicted embodiment a third
cylindrical surface 94 extends coaxially from the secondcylindrical surface 84 towards the drivenend 72 of thecassette driver 16. The thirdcylindrical surface 94 has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the secondcylindrical surface 84. Ashoulder 96 is provided on thecassette driver 16 between the thirdcylindrical surface 94 and the drivenend 72 of thecassette driver 16. The thirdcylindrical surface 94 of thedrive end 48 of thecassette driver 16 together with the secondcylindrical surface 68 defines a first annular cavity that receives bearing set 98 that interfaces between thedrive end 48 of thecassette driver 16 and thehub body 12. Theshoulder 96 limits axial movement of the bearing set 98 in the direction towards the drivenend 72 of thecassette driver 16. An end face of thesprag sleeve 86 limits axial movement of the bearing set 98 on the axial direction towards the firstcylindrical surface 80 of thedrive end 48 of thecassette driver 16. In the depicted embodiment the thirdcylindrical surface 94 includes an annular o-ring groove configured to receive an o-ring that seals the interface between the thirdcylindrical surface 94 and the bearing set 98. - In the depicted embodiment the, the internal cavity of the
drive end 48 of the of the cassette driver includes a firstcylindrical surface 100 defined by a first diameter that is greater than the diameter of the axle, and a secondcylindrical surface 102 defined by a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter, the second cylindrical surface being closer to the driven end of the cassette driver than the first cylindrical surface. The configuration results in further weight savings and strength of the cassette driver and facilitates precision manufacturing thereof. - In the depicted embodiment the configuration results in a high performance hub as it has the strength and durability to withstand intense use while also being lightweight and smooth in operation. The
hub body 12 is constructed of lightweight, relatively softer aluminum material and it is designed so that it can be manufactured with high precision as the above-referencedcylindrical surfaces hub body 12 from the chuck that holds the part during machining. The hard androbust sprag sleeve 86 is pressed into the softer aluminum. The pressing process creates a tight interference fit between thesprag sleeve 86 andcylindrical surface 68. This interface allows thehub body 12 to work together to resist the radial forces generated by the sprags. Thesprag sleeve 86 provides the hardened surface that interfaces with the sprags and also provides additional structural strength to the hub. The hub of the depicted embodiment does not require rebuilding and can operate in extreme environments including environments as cold as −50 degrees Fahrenheit. - In the depicted embodiment the sprag cage moves with the
cassette driver 16. The tensioning member (e.g., spring) on the sprag cage biases the individual sprags against thecylindrical surface 84 of thecassette driver 16 resulting in the sprag cage being essentially tension mounted tocassette driver 16. The internal ends of the sprags contact the secondexternal surface 84 of the cassette driver and are biased radially outwardly against a spring and extend radially slightly beyond the periphery edge of the sprag cage. This configuration results in little and light contact between the sprags and thesprag sleeve 86 during coasting, which results in a very low friction configuration as the clutch configuration is disengaged during coasting. The non-drive forces applied between thehub body 12 and thecassette driver 16 are transferred through the bearing sets 82, 98 that sandwich the sprag clutch assembly. - In the depicted embodiment as soon as the driven
end 72 is rotated in the drive direction at a rotational speed that exceeds the rotational speed in the drive direction of thehub body 12, the sprags engage and lock against thesprag sleeve 86 and transfer torque from thecassette driver 16 to thehub body 12. In the depicted embodiment the sprag clutch assembly transfers torque to drive the hub forward. However, the sprag clutch assembly is not relied on as a bearing set support the relative rotation between thecassette driver 16 and thehub body 12. This configuration results in a clutch configuration that immediately engages when the driven end is driven. For example, in the depicted configuration the driven end cannot be rotated relative to the hub body in the drive direction more than a small amount before it fully engages and transfers torque from thecassette driver 16 to thehub body 12, thereby causing the hub body to rotate with thecassette driver 16. The amount of relative rotation in the drive direction, commonly referred to as play or slop, can be less than five degrees (e.g., less than two degrees, less than one degree, or one half of a degree). - Referring to
FIGS. 6-8 , an alternative embodiment of the hub according to the present disclosure is shown. In the depicted embodiment the hub is configured for a single speed bicycle such as a bmx bike. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognized that this embodiment includes many of the same features discussed above, therefore this embodiment will not be described separately detail herein. - The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
Claims (1)
1. A bicycle hub comprising:
a hub body including an annular internal cavity that extends from a first hub end portion terminating in a first end of the hub body to a second hub end portion terminating in a second end of the hub body, the second end having a larger diameter than the first end, the second end including a radially extending flange;
a driver including a first end portion terminating in a first end and a second end portion terminating in a second end, the first end portion being received within the second hub end portion of the hub body and stopping short of the first end of the hub body, the first end portion including a stepped outer profile, the first end portion including:
a first bearing interfacing cylindrical surface located adjacent a distal end of the first end of the driver having a first diameter;
a first sprag interfacing cylindrical surface that is coaxially arranged with the annular internal cavity of the hub body located adjacent the first bearing interfacing cylindrical surface and including a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter; and
a second bearing interfacing cylindrical surface located adjacent the first sprag interfacing cylindrical surface;
a support assembly configured to enable relative rotation between the hub body and the driver;
a cylindrical sprag sleeve positioned within that is press fitted into the annular internal cavity of the hub body, the sprag sleeve defining a second sprag interfacing cylindrical surface; and
a plurality of sprags located between the first sprag interfacing cylindrical surface and the second sprag interfacing cylindrical surface.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/016,659 US20210129584A1 (en) | 2013-02-11 | 2020-09-10 | Freewheel hub |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/763,848 US9102197B2 (en) | 2013-02-11 | 2013-02-11 | Freewheel hub |
US14/798,977 US9662938B2 (en) | 2013-02-11 | 2015-07-14 | Freewheel hub |
US15/608,386 US10787033B2 (en) | 2013-02-11 | 2017-05-30 | Freewheel hub |
US17/016,659 US20210129584A1 (en) | 2013-02-11 | 2020-09-10 | Freewheel hub |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US15/608,386 Continuation US10787033B2 (en) | 2013-02-11 | 2017-05-30 | Freewheel hub |
Publications (1)
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US20210129584A1 true US20210129584A1 (en) | 2021-05-06 |
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US13/763,848 Active US9102197B2 (en) | 2013-02-11 | 2013-02-11 | Freewheel hub |
US14/798,977 Active 2033-02-23 US9662938B2 (en) | 2013-02-11 | 2015-07-14 | Freewheel hub |
US15/608,386 Active US10787033B2 (en) | 2013-02-11 | 2017-05-30 | Freewheel hub |
US17/016,659 Abandoned US20210129584A1 (en) | 2013-02-11 | 2020-09-10 | Freewheel hub |
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US13/763,848 Active US9102197B2 (en) | 2013-02-11 | 2013-02-11 | Freewheel hub |
US14/798,977 Active 2033-02-23 US9662938B2 (en) | 2013-02-11 | 2015-07-14 | Freewheel hub |
US15/608,386 Active US10787033B2 (en) | 2013-02-11 | 2017-05-30 | Freewheel hub |
Country Status (3)
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US (4) | US9102197B2 (en) |
GB (2) | GB2513441B (en) |
TW (1) | TWM488406U (en) |
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US9102197B2 (en) * | 2013-02-11 | 2015-08-11 | ChristiansonSystems, Inc. | Freewheel hub |
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US10119579B2 (en) | 2016-04-04 | 2018-11-06 | Christianson Systems, Inc. | Cassette driver for a freewheel hub |
US10113597B2 (en) | 2016-04-04 | 2018-10-30 | Christianson Systems, Inc. | Cassette driver for a freewheel hub |
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GB2552596B (en) * | 2016-07-28 | 2021-12-01 | Christianson Systems Inc | Cassette driver for a freewheel hub |
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WO2024014950A1 (en) * | 2022-07-12 | 2024-01-18 | Takumi Engineering B.V. | Bicycle hub assembly |
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US9102197B2 (en) * | 2013-02-11 | 2015-08-11 | ChristiansonSystems, Inc. | Freewheel hub |
-
2013
- 2013-02-11 US US13/763,848 patent/US9102197B2/en active Active
- 2013-09-18 TW TW102217659U patent/TWM488406U/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2014
- 2014-02-11 GB GB1402329.5A patent/GB2513441B/en active Active
- 2014-02-11 GB GB1905537.5A patent/GB2572496B/en active Active
-
2015
- 2015-07-14 US US14/798,977 patent/US9662938B2/en active Active
-
2017
- 2017-05-30 US US15/608,386 patent/US10787033B2/en active Active
-
2020
- 2020-09-10 US US17/016,659 patent/US20210129584A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US20170334242A1 (en) | 2017-11-23 |
GB201402329D0 (en) | 2014-03-26 |
GB2572496A (en) | 2019-10-02 |
TWM488406U (en) | 2014-10-21 |
US9662938B2 (en) | 2017-05-30 |
US10787033B2 (en) | 2020-09-29 |
GB2572496B (en) | 2020-01-22 |
US9102197B2 (en) | 2015-08-11 |
GB2513441A (en) | 2014-10-29 |
GB201905537D0 (en) | 2019-06-05 |
US20150314642A1 (en) | 2015-11-05 |
GB2513441B (en) | 2019-05-29 |
US20140225424A1 (en) | 2014-08-14 |
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