Labyrinth type sealing structure for connection of hub and tower footing

Abstract

The utility model provides a labyrinth type sealing structure for connecting a hub and a tower footing, and relates to the technical field of bicycles. Comprising a hub and a tower footing which are arranged on a rotating shaft in a sleeving mode, an annular sealing cavity and an external channel are formed between the hub and the tower footing, the external channel is arranged at one end of the sealing cavity in a surrounding mode and communicated with the outside, a sealing piece is arranged in the sealing cavity, and a sealing groove and a sealing part are arranged on the sealing piece. The tower footing is provided with a blocking part and an abutting part, the blocking part extends into the sealing groove, the abutting part is used for abutting against the sealing part, the blocking part is obliquely arranged outwards, a roundabout waterproof channel is formed between the blocking part and each groove wall of the sealing groove, and the waterproof channel is located between the abutting part and the external channel. And when the tower footing rotates, water flow in the waterproof channel can flow towards the external channel. Therefore, the problem that the sealing performance is reduced due to the fact that residual water and silt enter an existing sealing structure of the hub and the tower footing and are difficult to discharge is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of bicycles, in particular to a labyrinth-type sealing structure for connecting a hub and a tower base. Background Art

[0002] The hub is a crucial rotating transmission component on a bicycle, and the connection between the hub and the freehub directly impacts a bicycle's riding performance. Existing hubs and freehub systems typically utilize helical meshing for transmission, and the sealing of this connection is crucial for ensuring a smooth transmission between the two. The sealing structure at this connection typically involves providing a sealed chamber at the junction of the hub and freehub, with an annular gasket installed within. This sealed chamber has a very small gap connecting it to the outside world, typically the gap where the freehub fits axially into the hub. This gap prevents water, sediment, dust, and other particles from entering the sealed chamber to a certain extent, but it cannot completely prevent them. If water does enter the sealed chamber, it will be difficult to drain due to the small gap connecting it to the outside world, and it can easily remain inside the sealed chamber for a long time. Furthermore, if sediment splashes into the sealed chamber and circulates within it, it can affect the sealing performance of the gasket, resulting in a decrease in sealing performance. This can lead to wear on the two helical tooth surfaces, unusual noises, or even an inability to ride or wheel jamming. Utility Model Content

[0003] The utility model discloses a labyrinth sealing structure for connecting a hub and a tower base, aiming to improve the problem that residual water and mud and sand easily enter the sealing structure of the hub and the tower base, which are difficult to be discharged and lead to reduced sealing performance.

[0004] The utility model adopts the following scheme:

[0005] A labyrinth sealing structure for connecting a flower hub and a tower base, comprising a flower hub and a tower base sleeved on a rotating shaft, an annular sealing cavity and an external channel arranged at one end of the sealing cavity and connected to the outside world are formed at the connection position between the flower hub and the tower base, a sealing member is installed in the sealing cavity, the sealing member is provided with a sealing groove and a sealing portion, the tower base has a blocking portion extending into the sealing groove and an abutting portion for abutting the sealing portion, wherein the blocking portion is arranged outwardly and forms a circuitous waterproof channel between the groove walls of the sealing groove, and the waterproof channel is located between the abutting portion and the external channel, so that water in the waterproof channel can flow to the external channel when the tower base rotates.

[0006] As a further improvement, a groove is provided at one end of the flower hub facing the tower base, and the groove cooperates with the tower base to form the sealed cavity. The tower base has a limiting surface for covering the groove, and the external channel is formed between the limiting surface and the end face of the flower hub.

[0007] As a further improvement, the sealing portion is arranged to be inclined inward, and the side of the sealing portion facing the blocking portion is arranged parallel to the blocking portion.

[0008] As a further improvement, an assembly groove for accommodating the sealing portion is formed between the blocking portion and the abutting portion. The sealing portion is inserted into the assembly groove and is configured to at least partially abut against the abutting portion.

[0009] As a further improvement, a metal piece is embedded in the sealing member, and the metal piece is at least partially exposed in the sealing groove.

[0010] As a further improvement, the metal piece is a metal ring with an L-shaped cross section, and a narrow section of the waterproof channel is formed between the blocking portion and the metal piece.

[0011] As a further improvement, the width of the external channel is not less than the maximum width of the waterproof channel.

[0012] As a further improvement, the main body material of the sealing member is rubber or silicone, and its cross-sectional shape is V-shaped or Y-shaped.

[0013] As a further improvement, the sealing groove includes a first groove wall, a second groove wall and a third groove wall. The three groove walls and the blocking portion respectively constitute three blocking paths with different extension directions, and the blocking paths are connected to form the waterproof channel.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the utility model can achieve the following technical effects:

[0015] 1. The sealing cavity is provided with an external channel connected to the outside world, and a circuitous waterproof channel is formed between the sealing element and the blocking part to produce a labyrinth-like sealing effect with multiple barriers, which can reduce the possibility of water flow, mud and sand entering the sealing cavity. Even if water flows into the waterproof channel, it can be discharged from the external channel along the waterproof channel under the action of centrifugal force and gravity as the tower base rotates during riding. This also means that during riding, water flow, mud and sand will find it difficult to enter the waterproof channel. Compared with the prior art, the sealing position of the seal and the tower base of the present application is the position where the sealing part and the abutting part abut, and a waterproof channel is formed between this position and the external channel. That is to say, a labyrinth-like multiple seal is provided before the sealing position, so that the sealing position can be prevented from being affected by the external environment, thereby ensuring the sealing effect of the sealing position, and further ensuring that the helical tooth position connecting the tower base and the hub can be well engaged to form a smooth transmission. Even water that enters the waterproof channel can be discharged in time when the tower base rotates. For example, after being caught in the rain or wading through water, the user can drive the tower base to rotate to discharge residual water in time. This is convenient and quick, thus avoiding the problem of water remaining in the sealed cavity for a long time.

[0016] 2. Embedding a metal component in the seal can enhance its strength, prevent deformation, and maintain the shape of the sealing groove, thereby ensuring a smooth waterproof passage. The metal component can be made of stainless steel, with the vertical section of its L-shaped cross-section oriented along the axis of the rotating shaft, and the horizontal section of the L-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the axis of the rotating shaft. A narrow section is formed between the metal component and the barrier, which acts as a first line of waterproofing, reducing the ingress of external water flow, allowing the barrier to block most of the water flow. This also serves as a barrier to external sediment and other debris.

[0017] 3. The first groove wall is the vertical section of the L-shaped metal part, the second groove wall is the horizontal section of the L-shaped metal part, and the third groove wall is the side of the seal facing the barrier. The horizontal section of the metal part is located a certain distance from the seal to prevent the metal part from affecting the elasticity of the seal. During riding, because the tower base is constantly rotating, water falling on the barrier moves outward, making it difficult for water to enter the waterproof channel during riding. When riding stops, if water enters from the external channel, it first falls into the groove at the base of the barrier facing the external channel. It then needs to pass through three different barriers along the waterproof channel before it can contact the seal, achieving a multi-layer waterproofing effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a sectional view along one of the sections;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of middle A;

[0022] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of a tower base according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of a seal according to one embodiment of the present utility model.

[0024] icon:

[0025] 1-rotating shaft;

[0026] 2- flower hub;

[0027] 3-tower base; 31-blocking portion; 32-abutting portion; 33-limiting surface; 34-assembly groove; 35-groove;

[0028] 4- Sealed cavity;

[0029] 5-External access;

[0030] 6-seal; 61-seal groove; 611-first groove wall; 612-second groove wall; 613-third groove wall; 62-seal portion; 63-metal part;

[0031] 7- Waterproof channel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the utility model for which protection is sought, but merely represents the selected embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] Example

[0034] Combine Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment provides a labyrinth seal structure for connecting a hub 2 and a tower base 3, comprising a hub 2 and a tower base 3 sleeved on a rotating shaft 1. An annular sealing chamber 4 and an external passage 5 arranged around one end of the sealing chamber 4 and communicating with the outside are formed at the connection position between the hub 2 and the tower base 3. A sealing member 6 is installed in the sealing chamber 4, and the sealing member 6 is provided with a sealing groove 61 and a sealing portion 62. The tower base 3 has a blocking portion 31 extending into the sealing groove 61 and an abutting portion 32 for abutting the sealing portion 62. The blocking portion 31 is arranged outwardly and tilted to form a circuitous waterproof passage 7 with the groove walls of the sealing groove 61. The waterproof passage 7 is formed between the abutting portion 32 and the external passage 5, so that water in the waterproof passage 7 flows toward the external passage 5 when the tower base 3 rotates. In this embodiment, outward is defined as a direction away from the rotating shaft 1, and inward is defined as a direction toward the rotating shaft 1.

[0035] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the sealed cavity 4 is provided with an external passage 5 that communicates with the outside world. A circuitous waterproof passage 7 is formed between the seal 6 and the blocking portion 31, creating a multi-barrier, labyrinthine sealing effect that reduces the possibility of water, mud, and other debris entering the sealed cavity 4. Even if water does enter the waterproof passage 7, it can be discharged through the waterproof passage 7 and out of the external passage 5 during riding as the freehub 3 rotates, under the influence of centrifugal force and gravity. This also means that during riding, water, mud, and other debris are less likely to enter the waterproof passage 7. Compared to the prior art, the seal 6 of this application seals the freehub 3 at the point where the sealing portion 62 abuts the abutment portion 32, forming the waterproof passage 7 from this point to the external passage 5. In other words, a labyrinthine, multi-layered seal is provided before the sealing point. This prevents the sealing point from being affected by the external environment, ensuring a secure sealing effect. This, in turn, ensures that the helical teeth connecting the freehub 3 to the hub 2 mesh well, resulting in smooth transmission. Even water that enters the waterproof channel 7 can be discharged in time when the tower base 3 rotates. For example, after being caught in the rain or wading through water, the user can drive the tower base 3 to rotate to discharge the residual water in time, which is convenient and quick, thereby avoiding the problem of water remaining in the sealing cavity 4 for a long time.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the end of the hub 2 facing the tower base 3 is provided with a groove. The groove and tower base 3 cooperate to form a sealed cavity 4. The tower base 3 has a limiting surface 33 that conceals the groove. An external passage 5 is formed between the limiting surface 33 and the end surface of the hub 2. The extending direction of the external passage 5 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 1. That is, the external passage 5 is vertically connected to the open end of the sealed cavity 4, thereby facilitating water drainage. The provision of the limiting surface 33 prevents the seal 6 from being exposed, thereby ensuring its lifespan. The limiting structure of the hub 2 and tower base 3 on the rotating shaft 1 is conventional and will not be further described here.

[0037] In one embodiment, the sealing portion 62 is tilted inward (i.e., tilted toward the rotating shaft 1), with the side of the sealing portion 62 facing the blocking portion 31 parallel to the blocking portion 31. In other words, the sealing portion 62 presses the abutting portion 32 inward to form a seal. As the water pressure within the sealing groove 61 increases, the squeezing force of the sealing portion 62 on the abutting portion 32 increases, thereby ensuring a seal between the seal 6 and the tower base 3. A mounting groove 34 is formed between the blocking portion 31 and the abutting portion 32 to accommodate the sealing portion 62. The sealing portion 62 is inserted into the mounting groove 34 and is configured to at least partially abut the abutting portion 32. The sealing portion 62's insertion into the mounting groove 34 serves to a certain extent as a position limiter and positioning mechanism. The sealing portion 62 is positioned near the rotating shaft 1 and abuts the abutting portion 32 to seal the connection between the tower base 3 and the sealing portion 6. Preferably, the sealing portion 6 is primarily made of rubber or silicone, with a V-shaped or Y-shaped cross-section. The inner circumferential wall and the outer circumferential wall of the seal 6 are used to seal with the tower base 3 and the flower hub 2 respectively. When external water flows in, the sealing groove 61 tends to open, so that the inner circumferential wall of the seal 6 is tightly pressed against the tower base 3, and the outer circumferential wall of the seal 6 is tightly pressed against the flower hub 2, thereby ensuring the sealing effect.

[0038] On the basis of the above-mentioned embodiment, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, a metal part 63 is embedded in the seal 6, and the metal part 63 is at least partially exposed in the sealing groove 61. The embedding of the metal part 63 can improve the strength of the seal 6, avoid deformation of the seal 6, ensure the shape stability of the sealing groove 61, and further ensure the smooth flow of the waterproof channel 7. The metal part 63 is a metal ring with an L-shaped cross-section, and a narrow section of the waterproof channel 7 is formed between the blocking part 31 and the metal part 63. The metal part 63 can be stainless steel, and the vertical section of its L-shaped cross-section is arranged along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 1, and the horizontal section of the L-shaped cross-section is perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 1. A narrow section is formed between the metal part 63 and the blocking part 31, which can play the role of the first waterproofing, reduce the ingress of external water flow, and make most of the water flow blocked by the blocking part 31. At the same time, it also plays a role in blocking external mud and sand. The width of the external channel 5 is not less than the maximum width of the waterproof channel 7 to ensure that the water flow in the waterproof channel 7 can be discharged from the external channel 5 during the rotation of the tower base 3. Of course, the width of the external channel 5 cannot be too large, and it is best to be set to the same as the maximum width of the waterproof channel 7.

[0039] Specifically, the sealing groove 61 comprises a first groove wall 611, a second groove wall 612, and a third groove wall 613. These three groove walls, together with the blocking portion 31, form three different blocking paths extending in different directions. These blocking paths connect to form the waterproof channel 7. The first groove wall 611 is the vertical section of the metal member 63, the second groove wall 612 is the horizontal section of the metal member 63, and the third groove wall 613 is the side of the sealing portion 62 facing the blocking portion 31. The horizontal section of the metal member 63 is positioned a certain distance from the sealing portion 62 to prevent it from affecting its elasticity. During riding, since the freewheel base 3 is constantly rotating, water flowing onto the blocking portion 31 moves outward, making it difficult for water to enter the waterproof channel 7 during riding. When riding stops, if water enters from the external channel 5, it first falls into the groove 35 at the base of the blocking portion 31, facing the external channel 5. It then has to pass through the three blocking paths along the waterproof channel 7 in different directions before it can contact the sealing portion 62, achieving a multi-layered waterproofing effect.

[0040] The above are only preferred implementations of the present invention. The protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions under the concept of the present invention fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A labyrinth seal structure for connecting a hub to a freehub, characterized in that: It includes a flower hub and a tower base which are sleeved on a rotating shaft, an annular sealing cavity and an external channel which is arranged at one end of the sealing cavity and communicates with the outside world are formed at the connection position between the flower hub and the tower base, a sealing member is installed in the sealing cavity, and a sealing groove and a sealing portion are provided on the sealing member, the tower base has a blocking portion which extends into the sealing groove and an abutting portion for abutting the sealing portion, wherein the blocking portion is arranged to be inclined outward and forms a circuitous waterproof channel with each groove wall of the sealing groove, and the waterproof channel is located between the abutting portion and the external channel, so that the water in the waterproof channel can flow to the external channel when the tower base rotates.

2. The labyrinth seal structure for connecting the hub and the freehub according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hub is provided with a groove at one end facing the tower base, and the groove cooperates with the tower base to form the sealed cavity. The tower base has a limiting surface for shielding the groove, and the external channel is formed between the limiting surface and the end face of the hub.

3. The labyrinth seal structure for connecting the hub and the freehub according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing portion is arranged to be inclined inwardly, and the side of the sealing portion facing the blocking portion is arranged parallel to the blocking portion.

4. The labyrinth seal structure for connecting the hub and the freehub according to claim 3, characterized in that: An assembly groove for accommodating the sealing portion is formed between the blocking portion and the abutting portion. The sealing portion is inserted into the assembly groove and is configured to at least partially abut against the abutting portion.

5. The labyrinth seal structure for connecting the hub and the freewheel base according to claim 3, characterized in that: A metal piece is embedded in the sealing piece, and at least a portion of the metal piece is exposed in the sealing groove.

6. The labyrinth seal structure for connecting the hub and the freewheel base according to claim 5, characterized in that: The metal piece is a metal ring with an L-shaped cross section, and a narrow section of the waterproof channel is formed between the blocking portion and the metal piece.

7. The labyrinth seal structure for connecting the hub and the freehub according to claim 1, characterized in that: The width of the external channel is not less than the maximum width of the waterproof channel.

8. The labyrinth seal structure for connecting the hub and the freehub according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body material of the sealing member is rubber or silicone, and its cross-section is V-shaped or Y-shaped.

9. The labyrinth seal structure for connecting the hub and the freewheel base according to claim 5 or 8, characterized in that: The sealing groove includes a first groove wall, a second groove wall and a third groove wall. The three groove walls and the blocking portion respectively form three blocking paths with different extension directions, and the blocking paths are connected to form the waterproof channel.

Images