A quick-release connector for bicycle pedals

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of bicycle technology and discloses a quick-release connector for bicycle pedals, including a lock head, a quick-release axle, and a release sleeve. The lock head is used to accommodate the quick-release axle and limit its axial movement. The lock head has several locking holes on its exterior, and a locking ball is installed in each locking hole. A locking groove is arranged around the quick-release axle, and the locking ball is engaged in the locking groove to achieve locking. When the pedal needs to be removed, simply push the release sleeve to rotate or move it axially, so that the unlocking groove is aligned with the locking ball. The locking ball can then slide into the unlocking groove and disengage from the locking groove on the quick-release axle, realizing quick unlocking of the quick-release axle and separation of the pedal assembly without repeated rotation or complex assembly actions to complete the installation or disassembly process. At the same time, in the locked state, the locking ball is confined in the locking groove and there is no unlocking groove alignment path, which can effectively prevent structural loosening caused by vibration or pedal rotation during riding, improving connection reliability and usage safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bicycle technology, and more specifically, to a quick-release connector for bicycle pedals. Background Technology

[0002] With the popularization of cycling and the rapid development of new modes of transportation such as shared bicycles and folding bicycles, bicycle pedals, as a key component connecting the rider and the bicycle's drivetrain, are receiving increasing attention for their structural design and functional implementation. In certain specific scenarios, such as the storage of portable folding bicycles, the transportation of racing bicycles, or the maintenance of shared bicycles, pedal components need to have the ability to be quickly assembled and disassembled to improve the overall operability and ease of use of the bicycle. Therefore, developing a simple, efficient, and reliable quick-assembly and disassembly pedal connection mechanism has become one of the important research and development directions in the bicycle manufacturing industry.

[0003] Existing quick-release pedal mechanisms typically employ spring-loaded latches or rotary threaded connections, requiring multiple rotations or snap-fits for installation and removal. However, these mechanisms generally suffer from cumbersome operation procedures, and in the locked state, the locking element is prone to loosening due to vibration or repeated pedaling, resulting in an unstable connection and even the safety hazard of the pedal coming loose during riding.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide a quick-release connector for bicycle pedals to solve the problem of unstable connection in existing quick-release pedal structures. Utility Model Content

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a quick-release connector for bicycle pedals, aiming to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background section.

[0006] The present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A quick-release connector for bicycle pedals includes: a lock head, a quick-release shaft, and a release sleeve. The lock head has a hollow structure, one end of the quick-release shaft passes through the lock head, and the release sleeve is fitted on the outside of the lock head.

[0008] The lock head has several lock holes, in which lock balls are installed. The quick-release shaft has a locking groove around the lock balls, and one end of the lock balls is engaged with the locking groove.

[0009] The inner side of the disassembly cylinder is provided with several unlocking grooves. The unlocking grooves are offset from the locking ball along the axial and radial directions of the disassembly cylinder. When the unlocking groove is driven to align with the locking ball, the locking ball disengages from the locking groove.

[0010] Furthermore, an adjustment ring is provided around the inner side of the disassembly cylinder, the locking bead is pressed against the inner side of the adjustment ring, and the unlocking groove is provided on the inner side of the adjustment ring.

[0011] Furthermore, a positioning ring is provided on the outer side of the lock head, and an adjustment cavity is formed between the positioning ring and the adjustment ring. A rotary spring is installed in the adjustment cavity, and the two ends of the rotary spring are fixedly connected to the positioning ring and the adjustment ring, respectively.

[0012] Furthermore, a retaining ring is installed on the side of the adjusting ring that is away from the positioning ring, and a fixing groove is provided on the lock head corresponding to the retaining ring, and the fixing groove is fixedly connected to the retaining ring.

[0013] Furthermore, a washer is installed on the inner side of the lock head, and the washer is used to abut against the quick-release shaft.

[0014] Furthermore, the outer side of the disassembly cylinder is provided with a plurality of anti-slip parts arranged in an array, and the anti-slip parts are arranged to protrude toward the end away from the quick-release shaft.

[0015] Furthermore, the lock head has a threaded portion on the side away from the disassembly cylinder, the threaded portion being used to connect with the bicycle crank;

[0016] The quick-release shaft has a foot pedal mounting part on the side away from the threaded part. The foot pedal mounting part is retracted towards the side away from the threaded part and is equipped with an anti-disengagement mechanism.

[0017] Beneficial effects:

[0018] This utility model provides a quick-release connector for bicycle pedals. Through the coordinated operation of a lock head, quick-release axle, and release sleeve, it enables the quick assembly and disassembly of bicycle pedals. The lock head accommodates the quick-release axle and restricts its axial movement. The lock head has several locking holes on its exterior, each containing a locking ball. A locking groove is arranged around the quick-release axle, and the locking ball engages with the locking groove to achieve locking. The release sleeve is fitted onto the outside of the lock head, and its inner wall has several unlocking grooves. These grooves are offset from the locking ball in both the axial and radial directions, ensuring that the locking ball cannot move under normal conditions, thus guaranteeing that the quick-release axle is securely locked in the lock head. When the pedals need to be removed, simply push the release cylinder to rotate or move it axially, aligning the unlocking slot with the locking ball. The locking ball can then slide into the unlocking slot, thereby disengaging from the locking slot on the quick-release shaft. This allows for quick unlocking of the quick-release shaft and separation of the pedal assembly, eliminating the need for repeated rotation or complex assembly movements to complete the installation or removal process. At the same time, in the locked state, the locking ball is confined in the locking slot and has no path for alignment with the unlocking slot, effectively preventing structural loosening caused by vibrations or pedal rotation during riding, thus improving connection reliability and safety. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a quick-release connector for bicycle pedals according to this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall cross-sectional structure of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled cylinder structure of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the disassembly cylinder and locking bead of this utility model;

[0024] The components include: 1. Lock head; 110. Lock hole; 120. Positioning ring; 130. Threaded part; 2. Quick release shaft; 210. Locking groove; 220. Anti-disengagement buckle; 3. Disassembly cylinder; 310. Unlocking groove; 320. Adjustment ring; 330. Anti-slip part; 4. Locking ball; 5. Rotary spring; 6. Snap ring; 7. Washer.

[0025] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0026] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] Reference Figures 1 to 5 This utility model proposes a quick-release connector for bicycle pedals, comprising: a lock head 1, a quick-release shaft 2, and a release sleeve 3. The lock head 1 has a hollow structure, one end of the quick-release shaft 2 passes through the lock head 1, and the release sleeve 3 is sleeved on the outside of the lock head 1.

[0031] The lock head 1 has a plurality of lock holes 110, and a lock ball 4 is installed in the lock hole 110. The quick release shaft 2 has a locking groove 210 around the lock ball 4, and one end of the lock ball 4 is engaged with the locking groove 210.

[0032] The inner side of the disassembly cylinder 3 is provided with a plurality of unlocking grooves 310. The unlocking grooves 310 are offset from the locking ball 4 along the axial and radial directions of the disassembly cylinder 3. When the unlocking grooves 310 are driven to align with the locking ball 4, the locking ball 4 disengages from the locking grooves 210.

[0033] In the above embodiment, a lock head 1, a quick-release shaft 2, and a release cylinder 3 are included. The lock head 1 is a hollow structure, with one end for connection to the foot pedal assembly and the other end for detachable connection to the axle crank. The lock head 1 is used to accommodate the quick-release shaft 2 and limit its axial movement. One end of the quick-release shaft 2 passes through the hollow cavity of the lock head 1. The quick-release shaft 2 is provided with several circumferentially arranged locking grooves 210, each locking groove 210 for engaging and locking with a locking ball 4. Several locking holes 110 are evenly opened on the outer wall of the lock head 1. The locking ball 4 is installed inside the locking hole 110, with the inner side of the locking ball 4 facing the inside of the lock head 1 and partially extending into the hollow cavity to cooperate with the locking groove 210 on the quick-release shaft 2. In the locked state, the locking ball 4 is embedded in the locking groove 210, which plays a role in limiting and fixing the quick-release shaft 2.

[0034] The disassembly cylinder 3 is fitted outside the lock head 1, and it can rotate or slide relative to the lock head 1 to facilitate unlocking during use. The inner wall of the disassembly cylinder 3 has several unlocking grooves 310, the number of which corresponds to the number of locking balls 4. In the initial locked state, each unlocking groove 310 is offset from its corresponding locking ball 4 in both the axial and radial directions. The locking balls 4 are constrained by the wall of the lock hole 110 and cannot disengage from the locking groove 210 of the quick-release shaft 2. When the user needs to disassemble the pedal assembly, by axially pushing and rotating the disassembly cylinder 3, the unlocking grooves 310 on its inner wall gradually align with the locking balls 4. When the unlocking grooves 310 and locking balls 4 are fully aligned, the locking balls 4 can slide radially into the unlocking grooves 310, thereby disengaging from the locking groove 210 on the quick-release shaft 2, making the quick-release shaft 2 detachable, thus achieving quick separation of the pedal. This structure requires no tools or cumbersome steps such as threaded rotation; the user can complete the locking and unlocking process through a simple pushing, pulling, or rotating motion of the disassembly cylinder 3.

[0035] When the pedal is engaged, the locking ball 4 cannot move because the unlocking slot 310 is in the misaligned position. It remains locked in the locking slot 210 of the quick-release shaft 2. Even if it is repeatedly pedaled, rotated or vibrated during riding, the locking ball 4 cannot be dislodged. This effectively ensures the stability and safety of the quick-release structure, avoids riding hazards caused by loose connections, and has good structural reliability and ease of operation.

[0036] refer to Figures 3 to 5 In one embodiment, an adjustment ring portion 320 is provided around the inner side of the disassembly cylinder 3, the locking bead 4 is pressed against the inner side of the adjustment ring portion 320, and the unlocking groove 310 is provided on the inner side of the adjustment ring portion 320.

[0037] In the above embodiment, an adjusting ring 320 is provided around the inner side of the disassembly cylinder 3. This adjusting ring 320 serves as an intermediate operating structure between the disassembly cylinder 3 and the locking ball 4. Its inner surface is directly pressed against the outer end of the locking ball 4, thus constraining the movement of the locking ball 4. The unlocking groove 310 is provided on the inner surface of the adjusting ring 320. That is, the locking ball 4 is covered by the adjusting ring 320. When the adjusting ring 320 is not rotated to the aligned position, the locking ball 4 is always radially restricted by the inner wall and cannot enter the unlocking groove 310 to move. During operation, the user rotates the disassembly cylinder 3 to rotate the adjusting ring 320. When the unlocking groove 310 on the adjusting ring 320 is accurately aligned with the locking ball 4, the locking ball 4 slides into the unlocking groove 310 under the elastic force or gravity of the quick-release shaft 2, thus exiting from the locking groove 210 and completing the unlocking process of the quick-release shaft 2. This structure enhances the accuracy and safety of the unlocking operation by adjusting the relative position of the full circumference coverage of the adjusting ring 320 and the unlocking groove 310, avoiding locking failure caused by local structural loosening or improper operation, and improving the stability of the entire quick-release structure in dynamic riding environments.

[0038] refer to Figures 1 to 3 In one example, a positioning ring portion 120 is provided on the outer side of the lock head 1, and an adjustment cavity is formed between the positioning ring portion 120 and the adjustment ring portion 320. A rotary spring 5 is installed in the adjustment cavity, and the two ends of the rotary spring 5 are fixedly connected to the positioning ring portion 120 and the adjustment ring portion 320, respectively.

[0039] In the above embodiment, a positioning ring 120 is provided on the outer side of the lock head 1, forming a rotatable structure together with the adjusting ring 320. The positioning ring 120 is an outer ring fixedly installed on the lock head 1, and the adjusting ring 320 is a collar that can rotate relative to the positioning ring 120. The two form an annular adjusting cavity, in which a rotary spring 5 is installed. One end of the rotary spring 5 is fixedly connected to the positioning ring 120, and the other end is fixedly connected to the adjusting ring 320. When not in operation, it provides a constant rotational elastic force, causing the adjusting ring 320 to automatically rotate back to its original misaligned position, i.e., the state where the unlocking slot 310 and the lock ball 4 are misaligned. This structure achieves quick unlocking while having an automatic reset function. When the user releases the disassembly cylinder 3, the rotary spring 5 automatically drives the adjusting ring 320 to return to the locked position, thereby avoiding the safety hazard caused by forgetting to reset after the foot pedal is assembled. By means of mechanical elastic reset, the recovery mechanism of the locked state is strengthened, making the locking process more reliable.

[0040] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one embodiment, a retaining ring 6 is installed on the side of the adjusting ring portion 320 away from the positioning ring portion 120, and the lock head 1 has a fixing groove corresponding to the retaining ring 6, and the fixing groove is fixedly connected to the retaining ring 6.

[0041] In the above embodiment, to prevent the disassembly sleeve 3 from axial displacement or even falling off during use, a retaining spring 6 is provided at the end of the adjusting ring 320 away from the positioning ring 120, and a corresponding fixing groove for fixing the retaining spring 6 is provided on the lock head 1. The retaining spring 6 is assembled at the shaft end of the adjusting ring 320 and, by engaging with the fixing groove of the lock head 1, allows the adjusting ring 320 to rotate on the lock head 1 while being reliably restricted to a predetermined axial position, preventing the disassembly sleeve 3 or the adjusting ring 320 from dislodging during riding. The combination of the mechanical limiting structure and the spring return structure further strengthens the safety locking effect of the unlocking system in the non-operational state, ensuring that the entire quick-release device can maintain a stable connection even in high-speed riding and high-frequency vibration environments.

[0042] refer to Figure 3 In one embodiment, a washer 7 is installed on the inner side of the lock head 1, and the washer 7 is used to abut against the quick-release shaft 2.

[0043] In the above embodiment, a washer 7 is installed in the hollow cavity of the lock head 1, and the washer 7 is located in the abutment area of ​​the quick-release shaft 2. The washer 7 can be made of metal or engineering plastic, and has a certain degree of elasticity and wear resistance. It is used to contact and press against the front end of the quick-release shaft 2 when it is inserted into the lock head 1, playing a buffering and limiting role. The washer 7 can not only avoid wear caused by direct friction between metal parts, but also improve the positioning accuracy during insertion, so that the quick-release shaft 2 is in the predetermined position before the lock ball 4 is engaged, which facilitates the quick alignment of the lock ball 4 and the locking groove 210. In addition, the setting of the washer 7 can also compensate for the tolerance difference of parts, improve the assembly consistency, and reduce the problem of poor fit caused by manufacturing errors, thereby making the locking process smoother and the structure more durable.

[0044] In one embodiment, the outer side of the disassembly cylinder 3 is provided with a plurality of anti-slip parts 330 arranged in an array, and the anti-slip parts 330 are arranged to protrude toward the end away from the quick-release shaft 2.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the outer side of the disassembly cylinder 3 is provided with a plurality of anti-slip parts 330 arranged in an array. The anti-slip parts 330 are distributed along the axial or circumferential direction of the disassembly cylinder 3, with slightly raised surfaces forming regular bumps or rib structures, extending slightly outward toward the end away from the quick-release shaft 2. When the user performs installation or disassembly operations, the hand can fully contact the anti-slip parts 330, and even when wearing gloves or with wet hands, sufficient friction can still be maintained for operation, effectively preventing hand slippage.

[0046] In one embodiment, the lock head 1 is provided with a threaded portion 130 on the side away from the disassembly cylinder 3, the threaded portion 130 being used for connection with a bicycle crank.

[0047] The quick-release shaft 2 is provided with a foot pedal mounting part on the side away from the threaded part 130. The foot pedal mounting part is retracted towards the side away from the threaded part 130, and the foot pedal mounting part is provided with an anti-disengagement buckle 220.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the quick-release structure's frame connection portion has a threaded portion 130 on the side of the lock head 1 away from the release cylinder 3. This threaded portion 130 is used to engage with the crank hole thread of the bicycle to achieve a fixed connection with the frame structure. The end of the quick-release shaft 2 away from the threaded portion 130 is set as a pedal mounting portion. This part of the structure gradually tapers away from the thread, allowing the pedal to be sleeved or inserted into this part, and an anti-disengagement function is achieved through the anti-disengagement buckle 220. The anti-disengagement buckle 220 is set on the pedal mounting portion. After the pedal is installed, the anti-disengagement buckle 220 snaps into the groove of the pedal body to prevent the pedal from accidentally falling off during high-speed riding. This structure organically combines traditional threaded connections with a quick-release anti-disengagement mechanism, improving the bidirectional connection stability between the quick-release connector and the bicycle body, and between the quick-release connector and the pedal assembly, ensuring both structural safety and ease of operation of the entire riding system.

[0049] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A quick-release connector for bicycle pedals, characterized in that, It includes a lock head (1), a quick-release shaft (2) and a disassembly cylinder (3). The lock head (1) has a hollow structure. One end of the quick-release shaft (2) is inserted into the lock head (1). The disassembly cylinder (3) is sleeved on the outside of the lock head (1). The lock head (1) has several lock holes (110), and a lock ball (4) is installed in the lock hole (110). The quick release shaft (2) has a locking groove (210) around the lock ball (4), and one end of the lock ball (4) is engaged with the locking groove (210). The inner side of the disassembly cylinder (3) is provided with several unlocking grooves (310). The unlocking grooves (310) are offset from the locking ball (4) along the axial and radial directions of the disassembly cylinder (3). When the unlocking groove (310) is driven to align with the locking ball (4), the locking ball (4) disengages from the locking groove (210).

2. The bicycle pedal quick-release connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, An adjustment ring (320) is provided around the inner side of the disassembly cylinder (3), the locking bead (4) is pressed against the inner side of the adjustment ring (320), and the unlocking groove (310) is provided inside the adjustment ring (320).

3. A quick-release connector for bicycle pedals according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lock head (1) is provided with a positioning ring (120) on the outside. An adjustment cavity is formed between the positioning ring (120) and the adjustment ring (320). A rotary spring (5) is installed in the adjustment cavity. The two ends of the rotary spring (5) are fixedly connected to the positioning ring (120) and the adjustment ring (320) respectively.

4. A quick-release connector for bicycle pedals according to claim 3, characterized in that, A retaining ring (6) is installed on the side of the adjusting ring (320) away from the positioning ring (120). The lock head (1) has a fixing groove corresponding to the retaining ring (6), and the fixing groove is fixedly connected to the retaining ring (6).

5. A quick-release connector for bicycle pedals according to claim 1, characterized in that, A washer (7) is installed on the inner side of the lock head (1), and the washer (7) is used to abut against the quick release shaft (2).

6. A quick-release connector for bicycle pedals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer side of the disassembly cylinder (3) is provided with a plurality of anti-slip parts (330) arranged in an array, and the anti-slip parts (330) are arranged to protrude toward the end away from the quick-release shaft (2).

7. A quick-release connector for bicycle pedals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lock head (1) has a threaded part (130) on the side away from the disassembly cylinder (3), and the threaded part (130) is used to connect with the bicycle crank. The quick-release shaft (2) is provided with a foot pedal mounting part on the side away from the threaded part (130). The foot pedal mounting part is retracted towards the side away from the threaded part (130), and the foot pedal mounting part is provided with an anti-disengagement buckle (220).

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