One-way clutch for bicycle hub and bicycle

Abstract

The invention provides a one-way clutch for a bicycle hub and a bicycle. The one-way clutch comprises a shell, a driving shaft, a driving disc, a transmission disc and a driven disc. The shell sleeves the outer side of the driving shaft to form a containing space, and the driving disc, the transmission disc and the driven disc sequentially sleeve the driving shaft; the driving disc is fixedly connected with the driving shaft, and the transmission disc is in transmission connection with the driving disc in an axial moving manner; an elastic element is arranged for pushing the transmission disc to move in the axial direction; the one-way ramp grooves and the balls are arranged on the driving disc and the transmission disc, the balls roll along the grooves to push the transmission disc to compress the elastic elements so as to achieve transmission combination or separation with the driven disc, transmission is sensitive and reliable, and riding resistance and noise are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of transportation vehicles, and in particular to a one-way clutch for a bicycle hub and a bicycle. Background Art

[0002] With rising living standards and a growing awareness of health, the demand for bicycles, especially high-end mountain bikes, is increasing. This has also led to widespread attention in the design of bicycle hub structures. Traditionally, a ratchet-pawl mechanism is used between the freehub and the hub to achieve one-way drive. This ratchet mechanism typically consists of multiple pawls positioned on the outer edge of the freehub and a corresponding inner toothed ring on the inner sidewall of the hub. The pawls are constantly radially outwardly pressed against the inner toothed ring by springs or elastic plates. When the freehub rotates a certain angle during driving, the pawls engage the inner toothed ring, transmitting the driving force.

[0003] However, this traditional ratchet and pawl mechanism has significant drawbacks: First, the pawl constantly strikes the inner ring gear even when idling, generating constant noise and increasing resistance, making riding more labored. Second, there is angular backlash between each engagement, resulting in low transmission efficiency. Third, pushing the bicycle in the opposite direction or over obstacles can cause the crank to rotate in the opposite direction, affecting the riding experience. Therefore, existing ratchet and pawl mechanisms urgently need to be improved to overcome the aforementioned issues of high noise, significant transmission hysteresis, and passive reversal. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the above technical defects, an object of the present invention is to provide a one-way clutch for a bicycle hub.

[0005] The invention discloses a one-way clutch for a bicycle hub, comprising a housing, a driving shaft, a driving disc, a transmission disc and a driven disc.

[0006] The housing is disposed outside the driving shaft and defines a housing space. At least a portion of the driving shaft, the driving disc, and the transmission disc are disposed within the housing space. The driving shaft extends along a first direction. The driving disc, the transmission disc, and the driven disc are all sleeved around the driving shaft and arranged sequentially along the first direction.

[0007] The driving disc is fixedly connected to the driving shaft, and the transmission disc is drivingly connected to the driving disc and can move in a first direction.

[0008] When the transmission disc is in the first position, the transmission disc is in driving connection with the driven disc, so that the driving shaft drives the driving disc, the transmission disc and the driven disc to rotate. When the transmission disc is in the second position, the transmission disc is separated from the driven disc.

[0009] Preferably, the one-way clutch includes an elastic element. The elastic element is disposed on the driving shaft and abuts against the driven disc. When the elastic element is compressed, the driving disc is in the first position. When the elastic element is not compressed, the elastic element pushes the driving disc to the second position.

[0010] Preferably, the one-way clutch further comprises at least one one-way ramp groove; a first portion of the at least one one-way ramp groove is provided on the driving disc, and a second portion is provided on the transmission disc; a ball is provided in the one-way ramp groove, and the ball can roll freely along the one-way ramp groove; When at least one ball rolls and abuts the transmission disc, the active disc compresses the elastic element through the ball, thereby driving the transmission disc to rotate; when at least one ball rolls and separates from the transmission disc, the elastic element is in a natural state, and the active disc and the transmission disc are separated.

[0011] Preferably, the one-way clutch is provided with three or more one-way ramp grooves, each of which has a ball disposed therein.

[0012] Preferably, ratchets are provided on the end surface of the transmission disc facing the driven disc and the end surface of the driven disc facing the transmission disc, respectively. When the transmission disc is located at the first position, the ratchets of the transmission disc and the ratchets of the driven disc mesh with each other for transmission.

[0013] Preferably, a self-lubricating copper sleeve is embedded in the transmission disc and is sleeved on the driving shaft.

[0014] Preferably, the one-way clutch includes a flat key, and the driving disc is mounted on the driving shaft via the flat key.

[0015] Preferably, a first clamping spring and a second clamping spring are respectively provided at both ends of the driving shaft in contact with the housing. The first clamping spring and the second clamping spring fix the driving shaft in the first direction.

[0016] The present application also provides a bicycle comprising a hub, a rear wheel, and a frame. The hub comprises a one-way clutch according to any of the above-mentioned implementations. The hub is interposed between the rear wheel and the frame.

[0017] Compared with the existing technology, the above technical solution has the following beneficial effects: 1. In the one-way clutch designed in this invention, the driving plate can be switched between a first position and a second position. This allows for complete physical separation between the driving plate and the driven plate, making engagement and disengagement of the driving plate and the driven plate more sensitive and precise, significantly improving the one-way transmission effect and reducing energy loss and noise caused by idling.

[0018] 2. The coordinated design of the one-way ramp groove and ball bearings allows for flexible axial movement of the drive plate and completely separates the drive plate from the active plate, allowing the active, drive, and driven plates to operate independently, further enhancing the effectiveness of the one-way transmission. Combined with the elastic recovery effect of the elastic element, the structure is simple and reliable, with rapid response, improving riding agility and stability. Ratchet structures are incorporated on the opposing end surfaces of the drive and driven plates, increasing the meshing area, further improving clutch reliability, and extending product life.

[0019] 3. A self-lubricating copper sleeve embedded within the drive plate effectively reduces friction between the drive shaft and the drive plate, extending component life and improving overall operational stability. The drive plate is secured to the drive shaft via a flat key, and retaining springs at both ends of the drive shaft provide a compact and stable one-way clutch structure, making it easy to install, maintain, and mass-produce.

[0020] 4. A bicycle equipped with this invention, equipped with a one-way clutch on the rear wheel, effectively reduces resistance during coasting, making riding more effortless. Furthermore, when the wheel is reversed, the crank will not rotate in the opposite direction, further enhancing the riding experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the one-way clutch provided in this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the one-way clutch provided in this application when stationary; Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of the one-way clutch provided by the present application when it is stationary from another angle; Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the one-way clutch provided in this application during operation; Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the one-way clutch provided in the present application during operation from another angle; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the one-way clutch provided in this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the one-way clutch provided in this application from another angle.

[0022] Reference numerals: 1. Housing; 2. First bearing; 3. Driving shaft; 4. First retaining spring; 5. Flat key; 6. Driving plate; 61. First section of one-way ramp groove; 7. Ball bearing; 8. Transmission plate; 81. Transmission tooth surface; 82. Transmission plate end face ratchet; 83. Second section of one-way ramp groove; 9. Second bearing; 10. Driven plate; 101. Driven tooth surface; 102. Driven plate end face ratchet; 11. Spring; 12. Second retaining spring; 13. Third bearing; 14. Self-lubricating copper sleeve. x, first direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The advantages of the present invention are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0024] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, with examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when referring to the drawings, identical numerals in different figures represent identical or similar elements, unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to represent all possible embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatus and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present disclosure, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0025] The terms used in this disclosure are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0026] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used in the present disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first information may also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information may also be referred to as the first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "at the time of" or "when" or "in response to determining" In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "transverse", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0027] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified and limited, it should be noted that the terms "installed", "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection, or it can be the internal communication between two components. It can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] In the following description, the suffixes such as "module", "component" or "unit" used to represent elements are only used to facilitate the description of the present invention and have no specific meaning. Therefore, "module" and "component" can be used interchangeably.

[0029] See also Figure 1-Figure 7 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the one-way clutch provided in this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the one-way clutch provided in this application when stationary; Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of the one-way clutch provided by the present application when it is stationary from another angle; Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the one-way clutch provided in this application during operation; Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the one-way clutch provided in the present application during operation from another angle; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the one-way clutch provided in this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the one-way clutch provided in this application from another angle.

[0030] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the present invention discloses a one-way clutch 100 for a bicycle hub, comprising a housing 1, a driving shaft 3, a driving disc 6, a transmission disc 8, and a driven disc 10. The housing 1 is disposed outside the driving shaft 3 and defines a receiving space 11. The driving shaft 3 is mounted on the housing 1 via a second bearing 2. At least a portion of the driving shaft 3, the driving disc 6, and the transmission disc 8 are disposed within the receiving space 11. The driving shaft 3 extends along a first direction x. The driving disc 6, the transmission disc 8, and the driven disc 10 are all sleeved on the driving shaft 3 and arranged sequentially along the first direction x.

[0031] The driving disk 6 is fixedly connected to the driving shaft 3; the transmission disk 8 is transmission-connected to the driving disk 6 and can move in the first direction x; when the transmission disk 8 is in the first position, the transmission disk 8 is transmission-connected to the driven disk 10, so that the driving shaft 3 drives the driving disk 6, the transmission disk 8 and the driven disk 10 to rotate; when the transmission disk 8 is in the second position, the transmission disk 8 is separated from the driven disk 10.

[0032] It can be understood by those skilled in the art that: here or it can also be understood that the one-way clutch 100 disclosed in the present application specifically includes a driving disc 6, a transmission disc 8 and a driven disc 10 that are passed through the driving shaft 3. They are arranged in sequence in the extension direction of the driving shaft 3 (the first direction x). Among them, the driving disc 6 is fixed to the driving shaft 3 and rotates with the driving shaft 3. The transmission disc 8 can move along the first direction x. When the transmission disc 8 is in the first position, the transmission disc 8 is connected to the driving disc 6 and the driven disc 10 in transmission, so that the power of the driving shaft 3 can pass through the driving disc 6 and the transmission disc 8 in sequence, and finally drive the driven disc 10 to rotate. Therefore, the first position here can also be understood as the engaged position. When the transmission disc 8 is in the second position, the transmission disc 8 is separated from the driven disc 10, thereby realizing the power cut-off. Therefore, the second position here can also be understood as the disconnected position.

[0033] By switching the transmission disc 8 between the first position and the second position, the transmission disc 8 and the driven disc 10 can be completely physically separated, thereby making the engagement and separation of the transmission disc 8 and the driven disc 10 more sensitive and precise, significantly improving the effect of one-way transmission, and reducing energy loss and noise caused by idling.

[0034] The above is an explanation of the basic concept and effects of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific structure of the one-way clutch 100 is not limited.

[0035] like Figure 2-Figure 5 As shown, combined with Figure 6-Figure 7 It is understood that, in one possible implementation, the position switching of the transmission disc is achieved by an elastic element. Specifically, the elastic element can be a spring, an elastic shaft, a gas spring, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0036] Exemplarily, the elastic element is a spring. The spring is disposed on the driving shaft 3 and abuts the driven disc 10. When the spring is compressed, the driving disc 8 is in the first position. When the spring is uncompressed, the spring pushes the driving disc 8 to the second position. The spring thereby enables the driving disc 8 to move in the first direction x, thereby enabling the driving disc 8 and the driven disc 10 to engage and disengage.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the transmission disc 8 may also be separated from the active disc 6 to further enhance the effect of the one-way transmission.

[0038] like Figure 2-Figure 5 As shown, combined with Figure 6-Figure 7Specifically, the one-way clutch further comprises at least one one-way ramp groove. The first portion 61 of the at least one one-way ramp groove is disposed on the driving disc 6, and the second portion 83 is disposed on the transmission disc 8. Balls 7 are disposed within the one-way ramp groove and are free to roll along the groove. When the at least one ball 7 rolls into contact with the transmission disc 8, the driving disc 6 compresses the spring 11 through the ball 7, thereby driving the transmission disc 8 to rotate. When the at least one ball 7 rolls away from the transmission disc 8, the spring 11 returns to its natural state, and the driving disc 6 and the transmission disc 8 separate.

[0039] Here, it can be understood that: through the one-way ramp groove, the active disk 6 can achieve partial structural extension and retraction. When the active shaft 3 rotates in the forward direction, the one-way ramp groove begins to squeeze the ball 7, pushing the ball 7 to the top of the one-way ramp groove, and begins to contact the transmission disk 8, thereby driving the transmission disk 8 to rotate. At this time, the spring 11 also begins to be compressed in the first direction x, so that the transmission disk 8 begins to approach the driven disk 10. As the active shaft 3 continues to rotate, the transmission disk 8 continues to be pushed for axial displacement and gradually comes into contact with the driven disk 10. Finally, when the ball 7 reaches the top of the one-way ramp groove, the transmission disk 8 engages with the active disk 6 and the driven disk 10 at the same time, completing the power transmission. When the active shaft 3 does not rotate in the forward direction, the ball 7 falls back to the bottom of the one-way ramp groove, so that the active disk 6 no longer contacts the transmission disk 8, so that the transmission disk 8 gradually returns to the second position.

[0040] This design allows for flexible axial movement of the transmission plate 8 and complete separation of the transmission plate 8 from the driving plate 6, thereby making the driving plate 6, the transmission plate 8, and the driven plate 10 independent of each other, further enhancing the effectiveness of the one-way transmission. Combined with the elastic recovery effect of the spring 11, the structure is simple and reliable, with rapid response, improving both agility and stability during riding.

[0041] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific number of the one-way ramp grooves is not limited.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the one-way clutch is provided with three or more one-way ramp grooves, specifically three, four, five, six, or more. Each one-way ramp groove is provided with a ball 7. Obviously, a greater number of one-way ramp grooves improves the engagement between the driving plate 6 and the transmission plate 8, and results in smoother operation. However, this also increases the manufacturing difficulty. Therefore, those skilled in the art are free to design the one-way ramp grooves as needed, and this application does not constitute a limitation thereto.

[0043] For example, Figure 6-Figure 7 As shown, the one-way clutch is provided with four one-way ramp grooves. A ball 7 is provided in each one-way ramp groove. Thus, the combined optimum of stability and economy is achieved.

[0044] Similarly, the specific combination method of the driving plate and the driven plate is also not limited.

[0045] In one possible implementation, Figure 6-Figure 7 As shown, ratchet teeth are provided on the end surface of the driving disc 8 facing the driven disc 10 and on the end surface of the driven disc 10 facing the driving disc 8. Specifically, the driving disc 8 is provided with driving disc end surface ratchet teeth 82, thereby forming a driving tooth surface 81. The driven disc 10 is provided with driven disc end surface ratchet teeth 102, thereby forming a driven tooth surface 101.

[0046] When the transmission disc 8 is in the first position, the transmission tooth surface 81 of the transmission disc 8 and the driven tooth surface 101 of the driven disc 10 engage and transmit each other. In the second position, they are separated. By setting the engagement method as a ratchet structure, the meshing area between the transmission disc 8 and the driven disc 10 is increased, further improving the reliability of the clutch 100 and extending the product life.

[0047] The connection relationship between the transmission disc and the driving shaft, and between the driven disc and the housing is also not limited.

[0048] In one possible implementation, Figure 6-Figure 7 As shown, the transmission plate 8 is embedded with a self-lubricating copper sleeve 14. This sleeve is fitted over the drive shaft 3. This effectively reduces friction between the drive shaft 3 and the transmission plate 8, extending component life and improving overall operational stability. The driven plate 10 is mounted on the housing 1 via a second bearing 9.

[0049] The connection method between the driving disk 6 and the driving shaft 3, as well as the positioning method of the driving shaft 3 are also not limited.

[0050] In one possible implementation, Figure 6-Figure 7 As shown, the one-way clutch 100 includes a flat key. A driving plate 6 is mounted to the driving shaft 3 via a flat key 5. A first retaining spring 4 and a second retaining spring 12 are provided at each end of the driving shaft 3 where it contacts the housing 1. These first retaining springs 4 and 12 secure the driving shaft 3 to the housing 1 in a first direction x. The driving plate 6 is secured to the driving shaft 3 via the flat key 5. Furthermore, the retaining springs at both ends of the driving shaft 3 provide a more compact and stable structure, making it easier to install, maintain, and mass-produce.

[0051] The above is a description of the possible specific structures of the one-way clutch 100 provided by the present invention. This application also provides a bicycle comprising a hub, a rear wheel, and a frame. The hub includes the one-way clutch in any of the aforementioned implementations. The hub is interposed between the rear wheel and the frame.

[0052] By applying the aforementioned one-way clutch to the hub, the resistance during coasting can be effectively reduced, making riding more effortless. Furthermore, when the wheel is reversed, the crank will not rotate in the opposite direction, further enhancing the riding experience.

[0053] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention have better practicability and do not impose any form of limitation on the present invention. Any technician familiar with the field may use the technical content disclosed above to change or modify it into an equivalent effective embodiment. However, any modification or equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A one-way clutch for a bicycle hub, characterized in that: It includes a housing, a driving shaft, a driving plate, a transmission plate and a driven plate; The housing is arranged outside the driving shaft and forms a receiving space; at least a portion of the driving shaft, the driving disc, and the transmission disc are arranged in the receiving space; The driving shaft extends along a first direction; the driving disc, the transmission disc and the driven disc are all sleeved on the driving shaft and arranged in sequence along the first direction; The driving disk is fixedly connected to the driving shaft; the transmission disk is in driving connection with the driving disk and can move in the first direction; When the transmission disc is in the first position, the transmission disc is in transmission connection with the driven disc, so that the driving shaft drives the driving disc, the transmission disc and the driven disc to rotate; when the transmission disc is in the second position, the transmission disc is separated from the driven disc.

2. The one-way clutch according to claim 1, wherein: The one-way clutch includes an elastic element; the elastic element is arranged on the driving shaft and abuts against the driven disc; when the elastic element is compressed, the transmission disc is located in a first position; when the elastic element is not compressed, the elastic element pushes the transmission disc to a second position.

3. The one-way clutch according to claim 2, wherein: The one-way clutch further comprises at least one one-way ramp groove; When the at least one ball rolls and abuts against the transmission disc, the active disc compresses the elastic element through the ball, thereby driving the transmission disc to rotate; When the at least one ball rolls and separates from the transmission disc, the elastic element is in a natural state, and the active disc and the transmission disc are separated.

4. The one-way clutch according to claim 3, wherein: The one-way clutch is provided with more than three one-way ramp grooves; and one ball is provided in each one-way ramp groove.

5. The one-way clutch according to claim 1, wherein: The end surface of the transmission disc facing the driven disc and the end surface of the driven disc facing the transmission disc are provided with ratchet teeth correspondingly; When the transmission disc is located at the first position, the ratchet teeth of the transmission disc and the ratchet teeth of the driven disc engage with each other for transmission.

6. The one-way clutch according to claim 1, wherein: A self-lubricating copper sleeve is embedded in the transmission disc; the self-lubricating copper sleeve is sleeved on the driving shaft.

7. The one-way clutch according to claim 1, wherein: The one-way clutch includes a flat key; the driving disc is mounted on the driving shaft via the flat key.

8. The one-way clutch according to claim 1, wherein: A first clamping spring and a second clamping spring are respectively provided at both ends of the driving shaft in contact with the housing; the first clamping spring and the second clamping spring fix the driving shaft in the first direction.

9. A bicycle, characterized in that: The bicycle comprises a hub, a rear wheel and a frame; the hub comprises the one-way clutch as described in claims 1-8; the hub is arranged between the rear wheel and the frame.

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