Steering hub with steering mechanism

Abstract

The invention discloses a steering hub with a steering mechanism, relates to the technical field of bicycle accessories, and aims at solving the problems that an existing front fork and common hub structure is limited in load, large in occupied space and inflexible in steering. The steering hub comprises a steering hub shell, a tapered roller bearing, a VA type water seal, a fluororubber sealing ring, a middle shaft, a connecting piece, a large deep groove ball bearing and a VA type water seal cover, the middle shaft is in threaded connection with a frame and connected with the tapered roller bearing, the two sets of bearings are orthogonally installed on the connecting piece, the shell is connected with a rim through spokes, and each set of bearings is provided with an integrated waterproof sealing structure. The core innovation is that the fork-free independent steering design enables the steering center to move downwards to lower the gravity center of the whole vehicle; the double bearings are orthogonally arranged, so that the bearing capacity is greatly improved; the integrated waterproof structure optimizes durability. The hub does not need a front fork, the structure is simplified, the front end space is released, steering of a pull rod or a pull wire is conveniently achieved, a brand new design direction is provided for a bicycle steering system, stability, bearing performance and controllability are achieved, and the hub is suitable for the fields of bicycles and electric bicycles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bicycle or electric bicycle accessories technology, and specifically to a steering hub with a built-in steering mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most bicycles (including electric bicycles) on the market use a combination of a front fork and a standard hub to form their steering mechanism. While this structure is the mainstream solution for traditional bicycle steering systems and is widely used in daily commuting bicycles, it reveals many insurmountable shortcomings in cargo bicycles, heavy-duty bicycles, and models with special requirements for structural flexibility. As the application scenarios for bicycles continue to expand, in addition to regular commuting, the demands for commercial cargo transport, heavy-duty outdoor transportation, and special environment operations are increasing, making the limitations of the traditional structure increasingly apparent. Firstly, the load-bearing capacity is limited, mainly because the traditional structure restricts the size of the bearings used. Traditional forks need to simultaneously bear the dual functions of steering guidance and load support, making it difficult to maximize load-bearing performance in terms of structural design. When loading heavy loads, stress concentration is likely to occur at the connection between the fork and the ordinary hub. Long-term use may lead to safety hazards such as deformation and breakage, which seriously limits the application scenarios of bicycles for heavy loads. Among them, the connection between the fork and the frame and the hub itself are prone to problems. Secondly, the front of the vehicle occupies a large space. The rod-like structure of the front fork extends from the frame to the front wheel axle, occupying not only the longitudinal and lateral space of the front of the vehicle, but also the area of ​​the front fork when loading goods, which reduces loading efficiency and space utilization. Especially for large or irregularly shaped goods, the loading and unloading process is cumbersome and they are prone to collision with the front fork. Third, the steering and handling flexibility is insufficient. The steering center of the traditional fork is determined by the structural position of the fork stem and fork shoulder. The overall height is relatively high, which makes the center of gravity of the whole vehicle rise. When encountering bumpy roads, sharp turns or heavy loads during the ride, it is easy to tilt or sway. The handling response is lagging, which not only affects the driving experience, but also poses certain safety risks. Fourth, the structural design is simple and redundant. The split design of the front fork and ordinary hub requires an additional connection and fixing structure, which increases the number of front-end parts of the whole vehicle and increases the structural complexity. This not only increases the weight of the whole vehicle, which is not conducive to lightweight design, but also increases the production and assembly costs and the difficulty of later maintenance.

[0003] Furthermore, with the increasing popularity of electric bicycles and consumers' growing demand for more diverse and personalized bicycle functions, the traditional "fork + hub" structure is no longer adequate for the development needs of new products. For example, folding bicycles require a more compact front-end structure to optimize their folded storage volume, and customized bicycles require a more flexible steering layout to achieve unique appearance designs. The fixed form of the traditional structure severely limits the implementation of these innovative directions. At the same time, in the traditional structure, the ordinary hub only serves as a support for the wheelset's rotation, while steering relies entirely on the fork. The two functions are disconnected and cannot be optimized synergistically, making it difficult to balance steering efficiency and load-bearing capacity. In harsh operating environments, sand, dirt, and other impurities can easily seep into the gaps between the fork and hub, accelerating component wear, further shortening the lifespan of the steering system, and increasing user maintenance costs.

[0004] In summary, existing steering structures can no longer meet the needs of the bicycle industry's development towards heavier loads, lighter weights, greater personalization, and higher durability. A new type of steering structure is urgently needed to overcome the aforementioned technical bottlenecks. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a steering hub with a built-in steering mechanism for use in bicycles or electric bicycles, enabling steering without a front fork, thereby lowering the overall center of gravity, improving load-bearing capacity and steering control, freeing up space at the front of the vehicle, simplifying structural design, and facilitating lever or cable steering.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A steering hub with a built-in steering mechanism, characterized in that: Includes steering hub housing (1), tapered roller bearing (2), VA type water seal (3), fluororubber seal ring (4), bottom shaft (5), tapered roller bearing and deep groove ball bearing connector (6), large deep groove ball bearing (7) and VA type water seal cover (8); The central shaft (5) is connected to the bicycle frame by threads, and the central shaft (5) is connected to the tapered roller bearing (2). The tapered roller bearing (2) and the deep groove ball bearing (7) are both installed on the connector (6) and arranged orthogonally. The steering hub housing (1) is connected to the wheel rim by spokes. Each set of bearings is equipped with a waterproof sealing structure.

[0007] Furthermore, the tapered roller bearing (2) is used to realize steering action and also has the function of increasing load capacity, while the deep groove ball bearing (7) is used to enhance load capacity.

[0008] Furthermore, the waterproof sealing structure consists of a VA-type water seal (3), a fluororubber sealing ring (4), and a VA-type water seal cover (8).

[0009] Furthermore, the steering hub does not require a traditional front fork; it achieves bicycle steering through its own structure.

[0010] Furthermore, the connection between the central shaft (5) and the bicycle frame includes, but is not limited to, threaded connection.

[0011] Furthermore, the steering hub housing (1) is connected to the wheel rim via spokes.

[0012] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. Significantly improved load-bearing capacity: The orthogonal combination design of large-size deep groove ball bearings and tapered roller bearings provides a dual load-bearing structure to meet the requirements of heavy-duty use; 2. Significantly improved stability: The forkless independent steering design lowers the steering center, reducing the overall center of gravity of the vehicle and improving stability during driving; 3. Simplified and flexible structure: No traditional front fork is required, freeing up space at the front of the vehicle, making the structural design simpler, and making it easy to adapt to rod or cable steering methods; 4. Enhanced durability: The integrated VA-type water seal and fluororubber sealing ring waterproof sealing structure effectively prevents impurities such as sand and mud from entering the bearing, making it suitable for harsh working environments and extending its service life; 5. Innovative Design: Breaking away from the traditional fixed structure of "fork + hub", it provides a completely new design direction for bicycle steering systems. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 : An exploded view of the steering hub structure of this invention; Figure 2 : A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the steering hub of this invention; Figure 3 : Schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the steering hub of the present invention (I); Figure 4 : Schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the steering hub of the present invention (II).

[0014] Among them, 1-steering hub housing; 2-tapered roller bearing; 3-VA type water seal; 4-fluororubber seal ring; 5-bottom shaft; 6-connector between tapered roller bearing and deep groove ball bearing; 7-large deep groove ball bearing; 8-VA type water seal cover. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0016] A steering hub with a built-in steering mechanism, characterized in that: Includes steering hub housing (1), tapered roller bearing (2), VA type water seal (3), fluororubber seal ring (4), bottom shaft (5), tapered roller bearing and deep groove ball bearing connector (6), large deep groove ball bearing (7) and VA type water seal cover (8); The central shaft (5) is connected to the bicycle frame by threads, and the central shaft (5) is connected to the tapered roller bearing (2). The tapered roller bearing (2) and the deep groove ball bearing (7) are both installed on the connector (6) and arranged orthogonally. The steering hub housing (1) is connected to the wheel rim by spokes. Each set of bearings is equipped with a waterproof sealing structure.

[0017] Furthermore, the tapered roller bearing (2) is used to realize steering action and also has the function of increasing load capacity, while the deep groove ball bearing (7) is used to enhance load capacity.

[0018] Furthermore, the waterproof sealing structure consists of a VA-type water seal (3), a fluororubber sealing ring (4), and a VA-type water seal cover (8).

[0019] Furthermore, the steering hub does not require a traditional front fork; it achieves bicycle steering through its own structure.

[0020] Furthermore, the connection between the central shaft (5) and the bicycle frame includes, but is not limited to, threaded connection.

[0021] Furthermore, the steering hub housing (1) is connected to the wheel rim via spokes.

[0022] Specifically: The steering hub of the present invention includes a steering hub housing (1), a tapered roller bearing (2), a VA type water seal (3), a fluororubber seal ring (4), a bottom bracket (5), a tapered roller bearing and a deep groove ball bearing connecting part (6), a large deep groove ball bearing (7), and a VA type water seal cover (8). The connection relationship of each component is as follows: The central shaft (5) is fixedly connected to the bicycle frame by threads, and the central shaft (5) is also assembled and connected to the tapered roller bearing (2); Both tapered roller bearings (2) and deep groove ball bearings (7) are mounted on the connecting piece (6). The two sets of bearings are arranged orthogonally, corresponding to rotational loads in different axial directions. The steering hub housing (1) is connected to the bicycle wheel rim via spokes, and is used to drive the wheel rim to achieve steering action; Each bearing is equipped with an integrated waterproof sealing structure, specifically including a VA type water seal (3), a fluororubber seal ring (4), and a VA type water seal cover (8), forming multiple layers of protection.

[0023] Among them, the tapered roller bearing (2) is used to realize the steering action and also has the function of increasing the load capacity, while the deep groove ball bearing (7) is used to enhance the load capacity. The orthogonal arrangement structure enables both sets of bearings to have excellent load capacity in their respective rotational axes.

[0024] During assembly, the tapered roller bearing (2) and the deep groove ball bearing (7) are first installed in the corresponding mounting positions of the connector (6) to ensure that the two sets of bearings are in an orthogonal state. Then, the VA type water seal (3) and fluororubber seal ring (4) are assembled to the bearing end, and then the VA type water seal cover (8) is fastened to complete the assembly of the waterproof sealing structure; Connect the assembled bearing assembly to the bottom bracket (5), and fix the bottom bracket (5) to the bicycle frame by threads; finally, fix the steering hub housing (1) to the wheel rim by spokes.

[0025] When in use, the bicycle steering component (lever) is operated to drive the bottom bracket to turn. The tapered roller bearing (2) cooperates to achieve the steering action and at the same time bears the load support. When the vehicle moves forward, the wheel rim drives the hub shell to rotate. The deep groove ball bearing (7) rotates in cooperation and also bears the load support. The waterproof sealing structure prevents external impurities from entering the bearing, ensuring smooth steering and structural durability.

[0026] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above. This description is not restrictive, and the accompanying drawings are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. In conclusion, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steering hub with a built-in steering mechanism, characterized in that: Includes steering hub housing (1), tapered roller bearing (2), VA type water seal (3), fluororubber seal ring (4), bottom shaft (5), tapered roller bearing and deep groove ball bearing connector (6), large deep groove ball bearing (7) and VA type water seal cover (8); The central shaft (5) is connected to the bicycle frame by threads, and the central shaft (5) is connected to the tapered roller bearing (2). The tapered roller bearing (2) and the deep groove ball bearing (7) are both installed on the connector (6) and arranged orthogonally. The steering hub housing (1) is connected to the wheel rim by spokes. Each set of bearings is equipped with a waterproof sealing structure.

2. A steering hub with a built-in steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tapered roller bearing (2) is used to achieve steering action and also has the function of increasing load capacity, while the deep groove ball bearing (7) is used to enhance load capacity.

3. A steering hub with a built-in steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The waterproof sealing structure consists of a VA type water seal (3), a fluororubber sealing ring (4), and a VA type water seal cover (8).

4. A steering hub with a built-in steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering hub does not require a traditional front fork; it achieves bicycle steering through its own structure.

5. A steering hub with a built-in steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection between the central shaft (5) and the bicycle frame includes, but is not limited to, threaded connection.

6. A steering hub with a built-in steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering hub housing (1) is connected to the wheel rim via spokes.

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