Axle arrangement for a bicycle and bicycle with such an axle arrangement as well as methods for assembling the axle arrangement

Abstract

Disclosed is an axle arrangement 18 for a bicycle 1 for mounting a wheel 16, wherein the axle arrangement 18 comprises at least two axle parts 22, 24. According to the invention, the axle parts 22, 24 can be positioned in at least two axial positions relative to each other and can be positively locked together by means of locking sections 40, 42. A bicycle with such an axle arrangement and a method for mounting the axle arrangement are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an axle arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1, a bicycle with such an axle arrangement according to the preamble of claim 14, and a method for assembling the axle arrangement according to the preamble of claim 15.

[0002] Bicycles and e-bikes with a thru-axle rear axle are known from the prior art. The dropout, the receptacle for the rear axle, has a different internal distance between the right and left dropouts, known as the installation width, depending on the bicycle. Therefore, different thru-axles are required depending on the rear wheel's installation width. For example, thru-axles with lengths ranging from approximately 160 to 229 mm are used. The use of spacers or shims, known from the prior art, is only suitable for specific applications and minor length adjustments, and is therefore a rather inflexible solution.

[0003] An axle arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from US 2021 / 0 122 189 A1. Further axle arrangements are disclosed in GB 2 604 620 A and in US 2020 / 0 283 089 A1.

[0004] According to the prior art published in EP 3 802 302 A1, length-adjustable plug-in axles are also known, which have threaded pieces that can be screwed into one another for length adjustment. Such solutions are difficult for the user to adjust and cannot be reproduced.

[0005] Another problem is that different axle standards for bicycle frames require different thru-axles with different thread types, especially different thread pitches. For example, thread types such as M12 x 1.00, M12 x 1.50, and M12 x 1.75 may be used.

[0006] A further disadvantage of using a rear axle for a bicycle trailer, such as a child bicycle trailer, is that different axle designs are often required depending on the type of trailer.

[0007] In summary, a disadvantage is that different thru-axles are required depending on the rear wheel spacing, thread type, and the bicycle trailer being mounted. Consequently, bicycle mechanics must stock a wide variety of thru-axles. Trailer manufacturers cannot supply suitable thru-axles and / or adapters for all installation situations. Furthermore, the sheer number of variations makes it difficult for end customers to select the correct thru-axle for their specific bicycle-trailer combination.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a novel, improved axle arrangement for a bicycle, as well as a bicycle with an improved axle arrangement and a method for assembling the axle arrangement.

[0009] This problem is solved by an axle arrangement with the combination of features of claim 1, a bicycle with such an axle arrangement according to the features of claim 14, and a method for assembling the axle arrangement according to claim 15.

[0010] An axle assembly according to the invention for a bicycle, used for mounting a wheel, comprises at least two axle parts. According to the invention, the axle parts can be positioned relative to each other in at least two axial positions and locked together by means of locking sections. This allows the assembler to adjust the axle assembly to the desired length by engaging the axle parts accordingly. Only one axle assembly according to the invention is required for a multitude of installation situations. According to the invention, the axle parts have a complementary locking section with a toothed profile.

[0011] It has proven particularly advantageous if the axle components can be locked together in several steps, precisely defined according to known installation widths, in such a way that the axial length required for the respective installation situation can be adjusted.

[0012] The axle arrangement, preferably designed as a thru-axle, is interchangeable with the existing bicycle axle, in particular a rear triangle bicycle axle, in a particularly preferred embodiment according to the invention. Simple assembly without special tools is achieved.

[0013] A universal adapter can preferably be screwed onto the axle assembly. In a preferred application, a bicycle trailer coupling can then be screwed onto the universal adapter.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the axis arrangement, the axis parts can be positioned axially overlapping or overlapping each other in different overlap or overlap positions and can be positively locked together.

[0015] It has proven particularly advantageous if the locking sections have a rectangular tooth profile. The tooth profiles of the axle components preferably match each other.

[0016] Preferably, the gear profile has a large number of alternating ridges and depressions.

[0017] It has proven functionally advantageous if the axle parts in the area of ​​the locking section are formed in half in longitudinal section and the locking section is provided in the central area.

[0018] The axle components preferably have a threaded section at an end area opposite the locking section.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one axle section is provided with a length scale. The length scale preferably has markings indicating the axle length achieved in the respective assembly position. This allows the assembler to easily adjust the axle assembly to the desired length.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the axle arrangement, a locking sleeve overlaps the axle components at least partially. The locking sleeve is preferably designed as a hollow cylindrical sleeve.

[0021] According to the invention, the pre-assembled axle parts are preferably axially slid into the locking sleeve.

[0022] The locking sleeve is preferably designed in such a way that it locks the axle parts by means of a rotational movement relative to the axle parts.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the axle arrangement, the locking sleeve has a bayonet locking mechanism that communicates with locking projections on the axle components. Preferably, each axle component has a short, pin-shaped locking projection.

[0024] It has proven particularly advantageous if the pre-assembled axle parts can be inserted axially into the locking sleeve, with the locking projections arranged along a common line and being insertable into a longitudinal recess of the locking sleeve.

[0025] The locking sleeve is preferably rotatable relative to the axle components such that the locking projections come to rest in radially extending locking recesses of the locking sleeve. The locking recesses are particularly preferably arranged vertically offset from each other to the left and right relative to a longitudinal axis, thus enabling a multitude of detent positions.

[0026] The locking sleeve preferably has at least one length scale. This allows the installation length of the axle assembly to be precisely set and read.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the axle arrangement is designed as a thru-axle. For example, compatibility with bicycles with a 12 mm thru-axle on the rear wheel is ensured.

[0028] According to the invention, it is particularly advantageous if the axle arrangement can be mounted in the area of ​​a dropout of the bicycle.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the axle arrangement is provided for a fork dropout.

[0030] A significant advantage can be achieved with a variant in which a threaded adapter can be screwed onto at least one axle component to adapt to different frame-side thread types. The threaded adapter serves to adapt the axle to different frame-side thread types.

[0031] The threaded adapter preferably has at least one external thread.

[0032] The threaded adapter preferably has two axially adjacent external threads of different designs and can be mounted in two positions. The external threads are preferably located to the left and right of the center, with a small distance between them. The threaded adapter can preferably be screwed onto the shaft from either side. For this purpose, the threaded adapter can be mounted rotated by 180 degrees.

[0033] Preferably, a universal adapter for a bicycle trailer coupling can be screwed onto the axle assembly. The universal adapter is advantageously designed such that various commercially available bicycle trailers can be mounted. In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the bicycle trailer is a children's bicycle trailer. However, bicycle trailers for children, pets, luggage, or the like can also be mounted.

[0034] Alternatively, the axle arrangement without a universal adapter is designed with a threaded part for mounting a bicycle trailer.

[0035] Preferably, all individual parts of the axle assembly are arranged along a common axis, i.e., axially or coaxially to each other, and form a plug-in axle.

[0036] A bicycle according to the invention has a bicycle frame and at least one axle assembly for mounting a wheel, wherein the axle assembly has at least two axle parts. According to the invention, the axle parts can be positioned in at least two axial positions relative to each other and can be positively locked together by means of locking sections.

[0037] According to a method according to the invention for assembling an axle arrangement, the axle parts are positioned relative to each other in an axial position corresponding to the installation width and are positively locked together.

[0038] Preferably, the axle assembly is inserted into the area of ​​the dropouts and screwed into the receptacle of a dropout. In the case of a rear wheel dropout, the axle assembly is preferably screwed into the frame-side receptacle of a rear dropout.

[0039] In a particularly variable and therefore preferred embodiment of the invention, a universal adapter for a bicycle trailer is screwed onto the axle assembly.

[0040] Preferably, a coupling of the bicycle trailer is then mounted onto the adapter.

[0041] The invention can be used universally for all types of bicycles, such as city, touring, or mountain bikes, or other types of bicycles such as electric bicycles or cargo bikes, etc.

[0042] Further preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0043] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show, in detail: Fig. 1 a side view of a bicycle according to the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the axis arrangement from Fig. 1; Fig. 3 another perspective view of the axis arrangement; Fig. 4 a side view of the axle arrangement; Fig. 5 another side view of the axle arrangement; Fig. 6 a side view of a first axle section; Fig. 7 another side view of the first axle section; Fig. 8 a perspective view of the first axle section; Fig. 9 another perspective view of the first axle section; Fig. 10 a side view of a second axle part; Fig. 11 another side view of the second axle part; Fig. 12 a perspective view of the second axis part; Fig. 13 another perspective view of the second axis part; Fig. 14 a perspective view of a safety sleeve; Fig. 15 another perspective view of the safety sleeve; Fig. 16 a side view of the safety sleeve; Fig. 17 another perspective view of the safety sleeve; Fig. 18 a side view of a threaded adapter; Fig. 19 a perspective view of the thread adapter; Fig. 20 another perspective view of the thread adapter; Fig. 21 a perspective view of a universal adapter and Fig. 22 another perspective view of the universal adapter.

[0044] Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of a bicycle 1 designed as an e-bike or electric bicycle with bottom bracket drive, comprising a bicycle frame 2, a top tube 4, a down tube 6, a seat tube 8 and a head tube 10, as well as a multi-link rear triangle 12. The bicycle 1 has a front wheel 14 and a rear wheel 16. The rear wheel 16 is mounted on a dropout 20 of the bicycle 1 by means of an axle arrangement 18 according to the invention, designed as a thru-axle.

[0045] How the Fig. Figures 2 to 5 show a perspective view of the axis arrangement 18 or side views of the axis arrangement 18. Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the axle arrangement 18 has two axle parts 22, 24. As will be explained in more detail below, the axle parts 22, 24 can be positioned in several axial positions relative to each other and can be positively locked together by means of locking sections.

[0046] A threaded adapter 26, corresponding to the thread of the dropout, is screwed onto the axle part 24 of the first end section of the axle assembly 18 to adapt to different frame-side thread types. A universal adapter 28 for a bicycle trailer coupling is screwed onto the axle part 22 of the second end section of the axle assembly 18. The individual parts of the axle assembly 18, i.e., the axle parts 22, 24, the threaded adapter 26, and the universal adapter 28, are arranged axially or coaxially to each other along a common axis and form the axle assembly.

[0047] The axle parts 22, 24 are received in a securing sleeve 30, which circumferentially surrounds the axle parts 22, 24 section by section and covers the connection zone.

[0048] During the assembly of the axle assembly 18, the two axle parts 22, 24 are positioned relative to each other in an axial position corresponding to the installation width and engaged in a form-fitting manner. The threaded adapter 26 is screwed on according to the thread of the dropout 20 to adapt to different frame-side thread types. The threaded adapter 26 has two different thread sections 32, 34 and can be screwed on either with a first end section 36 (as shown) or a second end section 38. The axle assembly 18 is then inserted into the area of ​​the dropouts and screwed into the receptacle of one dropout.

[0049] Finally, the Universal Adapter 28 is mounted to the coupling of a bicycle trailer. The Universal Adapter 28 is designed to allow the mounting of various well-known bicycle trailers. The bicycle trailer could, for example, be a child's bicycle trailer.

[0050] According to the Fig. Figures 6 to 13, which show side views and perspectives of the two axle sections 22, 24 of the axle assembly 18, show that each axle section 22, 24 has a complementary locking section 40, 42 with a rectangular tooth profile 44, 46. The tooth profiles 44, 46 of the axle sections 22, 24 are congruent with each other. The profile blocks of the tooth profile 44, 46 extend transversely to the longitudinal axis and correspondingly transversely to the direction of tension, so that tensile forces are absorbed. The axle sections 22, 24 can be locked together in several steps, precisely defined according to known installation widths, such that the axial length of the axle required for the respective installation situation can be adjusted. For this purpose, the two axle sections 22, 24 can be positioned axially overlapping each other section by section in different overlap positions and can be positively locked together.The locking sections 40, 42, which have an approximately semicircular cross-section, form a common cylindrical area when assembled. The two axle sections 22, 24 are longitudinally halved in the area of ​​the respective locking section 40, 42, with the locking section 40, 42 being located in the resulting central area. Preferably, the locking sections 40, 42 are simply placed one inside the other, and the axle sections 22, 24 are positively locked together by the locking sleeve 30.

[0051] The gear profiles 44, 46 each have a plurality of alternating protrusions 48, 50 and depressions 52, 54 similar to a rectangular sine curve. The two shaft sections each have a threaded section 56, 58 at an end region opposite the locking section. In the case of shaft section 22, the threaded section 56 has a stepped diameter in a portion of the shaft section 22 compared to the gear section 40.

[0052] The axle section 22 is provided with a length scale 60. This scale is laser-engraved and indicates the axle length in millimeters achieved in the respective assembly position. This allows the assembler to easily connect the two axle sections 22 and 24 with the appropriate overlap, i.e., to insert the locking sections 40 and 42 into each other to set the desired length. The length scale 60 indicates the resulting axle length. With a slight overlap of the axle sections up to the first scale marking, the maximum axle length of 184 mm is achieved. The subsequent recesses 52 are marked with decreasing lengths of 180 mm, 176 mm, 172 mm, 168 mm, 164 mm, 160 mm, 156 mm, and 152 mm, which are achieved with the appropriate overlap of the two axle sections 22 and 24. With axle parts 22, 24 fully interlocking in the axial direction, the smallest adjustable axle length is 152 mm.

[0053] According to the Fig. 14 to 17, which individual representations of the safety sleeve 30 from the Fig. Figures 2 to 5 show that the locking sleeve 30 is designed as a hollow cylinder sleeve. The locking sleeve 30 is designed such that it locks the engaging axle parts 22, 24 by means of a rotational movement relative to the axle parts 22, 24.

[0054] For this purpose, the locking sleeve 30 has a locking projection 61, 63, each radially designed as a cylindrical pin (see Fig. 6 and Fig. 10) The axle parts 22, 24 communicate with each other via a bayonet locking mechanism 62. In the engaged state of the axle parts 22, 24, the cylindrical pins 61, 63 lie in a common line with respect to the longitudinal axis of the axle. The locking projections 61, 63 are arranged along a common line such that they can be inserted into a longitudinal recess 64 of the locking sleeve 30. The locking sleeve 30 is pushed axially onto the sleeve and then rotated to the right or left, depending on the desired length increment, thereby locking it.

[0055] As indicated by the arrows 66, the locking sleeve 30 is rotatable relative to the axle sections 22, 24 in two directions of rotation such that the locking projections 61, 63 come to rest in radially extending, axially offset locking recesses 68 of the locking sleeve 30, depending on the desired adjustment length of the axle. The locking recesses 68 are pocket-shaped. The locking sleeve is provided with a length scale 70 for this purpose. This allows the installation length of the axle assembly to be set and read in a defined manner. Due to the stepped and non-opposing locking recesses 68, a fine-tuned locking action is achieved with minimal installation space.

[0056] According to the Fig. Figures 18 to 20, which show individual illustrations of the threaded adapter 26, depict thread sections 32 and 34 as external threads. The threaded adapter 26 has two axially adjacent external threads 32 and 34 of different designs, an internal hexagon socket 72 for an assembly tool, and can be mounted in two positions. The external threads 32 and 34 have different thread pitches: M12 x 1.75 and M12 x 1.5, respectively. The external threads 32 and 34 are located to the left and right of the center, close to each other. The threaded adapter 26 can be screwed onto the axle at both ends and has an internal thread 74. The threaded adapter 26 is screwed onto the axle according to the thread of the dropout 20 to adapt to different frame-side thread types. For this purpose, the threaded adapter can optionally be mounted rotated by 180 degrees. The axle assembly 18 is then screwed into the area of ​​the dropouts.

[0057] The Fig. 21 and Fig. Figure 22 shows individual illustrations of the universal adapter 28 for the coupling of the bicycle trailer. The universal adapter 28 has an internal thread 76 at one end for mounting on the axle part 22 and an external thread 78 at a second end for a mounting nut of the trailer coupling. An internal hexagon socket 80 for a mounting tool is provided in the area of ​​the external thread 78. The first end of the universal adapter 28 is provided with two diametrically opposed flats 82 for a mounting wrench.

[0058] Disclosed is an axle arrangement 18 for a bicycle 1 for mounting a wheel 16, wherein the axle arrangement 18 comprises at least two axle parts 22, 24. According to the invention, the axle parts 22, 24 can be positioned in at least two axial positions relative to each other and can be positively locked together by means of locking sections 40, 42. A bicycle with such an axle arrangement and a method for mounting the axle arrangement are also disclosed. Reference symbol list 1 bicycle 2 bicycle frames 4 Top tube 6 down tube 8 seat tube 10 Head tube 12 Rear triangle 14 front wheel 16 rear wheel 18 axle arrangement 20 breakdowns 22 axle part 24 axle part 26 thread adapters 28 Universal adapters 30 locking sleeves 32 thread section 34 Thread section 36 End range 38 End range 40 Locking section 42 Locking section 44 Gear profile 46 Gear profile 48 Survey 50 Survey 52 depression 54 depression 56 thread section 58 thread section 60 length scale 61 Locking projection 62 Bayonet lock 63 Locking projection 64 Longitudinal recess 66 labeling arrows 68 locking recesses 70 length scale 72 Hex socket 74 internal threads 76 internal threads 78 external threads 80 Hex socket 82 flattenings

Claims

[1] Axle arrangement (18) for a bicycle (1) for mounting a wheel (16), wherein the axle arrangement (18) has at least two axle parts (22, 24), characterized by , that the axle parts (22, 24) can be positioned in at least two axial positions relative to each other and can be positively locked together by means of locking sections (40, 42), characterized by , that the axle parts (22, 24) each have a complementary locking section (40, 42) with a tooth profile (44, 46). [2] Axle arrangement (18) according to claim 1, wherein the axle parts (22, 24) can be locked together in several steps, precisely defined according to known installation widths, such that the axial length required for the respective installation situation is adjustable. [3] Axle arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the axle parts (22, 24) can be locked together axially in different overlap positions, overlapping each other section by section. [4] Axle arrangement (18) according to claim 1, wherein the locking sections (40, 42) have a rectangular tooth profile (44, 46). [5] Axle arrangement (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the axle parts (22, 24) have a threaded section (56, 58) at an end region opposite the locking section (40, 42). [6] Axle arrangement (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one axle part (22) has a length scale (60). [7] Axle arrangement (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the axle parts (22, 24) can be inserted axially into a locking sleeve (30) such that the locking sleeve (30) overlaps the axle parts (22, 24) at least section by section. [8] Axle arrangement (18) according to claim 7, wherein the locking sleeve (30) is rotatable with respect to the axle parts (22, 24) such that locking projections (61, 63) of the axle parts (22, 24) come to lie in radially extending locking recesses (68) of the locking sleeve (30). [9] Axle arrangement (18) according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the locking sleeve (30) has a length scale (70). [10] Axle arrangement (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the axle arrangement (18) can be mounted in the area of ​​a dropout (20) of the bicycle (1). [11] Axle arrangement (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a threaded adapter (26) for adapting to different frame-side thread types can be screwed onto at least one axle part (24). [12] Axis arrangement (18) according to claim 11, wherein the thread adapter (26) has two axially adjacent external threads (32, 34) of different designs and can be mounted in two mounting positions. [13] Axle arrangement (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a universal adapter (28) for a coupling of a bicycle trailer can be screwed onto the axle arrangement (18). [14] Bicycle (1) with a bicycle frame (2) and at least one axle assembly (18) for mounting a wheel (16), wherein the axle assembly (18) has at least two axle parts (22, 24), characterized by , that the axle parts (22, 24) can be positioned in at least two axial positions relative to each other and can be positively locked together by means of locking sections (40, 42), characterized by , that the axle parts (22, 24) each have a complementary locking section (40, 42) with a tooth profile (44, 46). [15] Method for assembling an axle arrangement (18) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the axle parts (22, 24) are positioned relative to each other in an axial position corresponding to the installation width and are positively locked together. [16] Method for assembling an axle assembly (18) according to claim 15, wherein the axle assembly (18) is inserted into the area of ​​the dropouts and screwed into the receptacle of a dropout (20). [17] Method for assembling an axle assembly (18) according to one of claims 15 or 16, wherein a universal adapter (28) for a coupling of a bicycle trailer is screwed onto the axle assembly (18).

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