Flower drum assembly and bicycle

Abstract

The utility model relates to a bicycle technical field, specifically disclose a hub assembly and bicycle, the hub assembly includes hub body, the both ends of hub body are equipped with the connecting piece for the spoke connection, and the whole of hub body and connecting piece is 3D printing integrated structure of forming. The raw material of 3D printing integrated structure can be more evenly layer by layer accumulation, improved the consistency of connecting piece and hub body everywhere structural strength, reduced the local substantial tensile deformation condition caused by stamping or rolling processing. 3D printing integrated structure can be set to complex profile or complex structure, reduces the demand of the separate processing of the hub body into cylinder and connecting piece, thereby reduces the processing precision loss caused by assembly gap, the overall structural strength reduction and the problems such as the easy wear and tear of assembly place. Moreover, 3D printing integrated structure can be directly processed from design model to finished product, and the processing efficiency is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bicycle technology, and in particular to a hub assembly and a bicycle. Background Technology

[0002] A bicycle hub assembly is the component at the center of a bicycle wheel set that connects the wheel spokes to the frame. The spokes and freewheel can be supported by the hub assembly.

[0003] In related technologies, the hub body of a hub assembly is typically manufactured from blanks produced by stamping or rolling, followed by milling or turning. This process is inefficient. Furthermore, stamping requires applying pressure to the metal raw material using a die to induce plastic deformation and achieve the desired shape and size. Significant localized stretching deformation can result in poor overall density, reduced strength, and shorter lifespan for the hub body. Additionally, for some complex and difficult-to-manufacture designs, the hub body often needs to be divided into the cylinder and side connectors, which are then machined separately before assembly. The assembly relationship of modular hub assemblies not only increases additional process costs and weight but can also lead to loss of machining accuracy, reduced overall structural strength, and increased wear at assembly points due to assembly gaps, ultimately affecting the overall performance and lifespan of the hub assembly. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a hub assembly and a bicycle to solve the problems of low processing efficiency and easy reduction in overall strength of hub assemblies in related technologies.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a hub assembly, the hub assembly including a hub body, the hub body having connectors at both ends for connecting spokes, and the hub body and the connectors being an integral structure formed by 3D printing.

[0007] In one embodiment, the hub assembly further includes an axle, on which the hub body is rotatably mounted, and the axle is a 3D-printed integral structure.

[0008] In one embodiment, the hub body is provided with a mounting hole, the axle is rotatably connected to the hub body through the mounting hole, and the inner wall of the mounting hole of the hub body is provided with a plurality of ratchet teeth in the circumferential direction;

[0009] The hub assembly also includes a freehub base for connection to a flywheel. The freehub base is rotatably mounted on the axle and is at least partially disposed within the mounting hole. The freehub base is provided with a pawl that can selectively engage with the ratchet teeth.

[0010] In one embodiment, the tower base and the flywheel are integrally formed by 3D printing.

[0011] In one embodiment, one or at least two first bearings are provided between the tower base and the axle, and the tower base is rotatably connected to the axle through the first bearings.

[0012] In one embodiment, one or at least two second bearings are provided between the hub body and the axle, and the hub body can be rotatably connected to the axle through the second bearings.

[0013] In one embodiment, the connector includes a disc body and a plurality of detachable connection structures, the plurality of detachable connection structures being fixedly disposed on the outer periphery of the disc body, and the detachable connection structures being detachably connected to the spokes.

[0014] In one embodiment, the hub body is provided with a first weight-reduction structure, and / or the connector is provided with a second weight-reduction structure.

[0015] Secondly, this utility model provides a bicycle, including a frame, wheels, and a hub assembly as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the wheels are rotatably mounted on the frame via the hub assembly.

[0016] In one embodiment, the bicycle further includes a brake disc disposed at one end of the hub body, the brake disc and the hub body being a single 3D-printed structure.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0018] This invention provides a hub assembly and a bicycle. The hub assembly, based on 3D printing technology, integrates the connectors and the hub body into a single 3D-printed structure. The raw material for this integrated structure can be stacked more evenly layer by layer, improving the consistency of structural strength across the connectors and the hub body, and reducing the possibility of large-scale localized tensile deformation caused by stamping or rolling processes. The 3D-printed integrated structure allows for complex shapes or structures, reducing the need to process the hub body into separate parts (tube and connector), thus minimizing issues such as loss of machining accuracy due to assembly gaps, reduced overall structural strength, and wear at assembly points. Furthermore, the 3D-printed integrated structure allows for direct processing from the design model to the finished product, reducing intermediate steps, lowering production costs, and enabling on-demand material use, reducing material waste, further reducing costs, improving processing efficiency, and achieving high machining accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one structure of the hub assembly in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the hub assembly in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the hub assembly in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the hub assembly and the flywheel in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the hub base of the hub assembly in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the hub base of the hub assembly in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation position of the hub assembly on the bicycle in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0026] In the picture:

[0027] 1. Hub body; 11. Mounting hole; 12. Ratchet;

[0028] 2. Connector; 21. Disc body; 22. Detachable connection structure; 23. Second weight reduction structure;

[0029] 3. Axle; 4. Freewheel; 5. Frame; 6. Wheels. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to 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 based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] 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.

[0033] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an embodiment of the first aspect of this utility model provides a hub assembly, which includes a hub body 1. Connectors 2 for spoke connection are provided at both ends of the hub body 1. The connectors 2 and the hub body 1 are integrally formed by 3D printing. This embodiment uses 3D printing technology to integrally form the connectors 2 and the hub body 1. The raw material of the 3D-printed integral structure can be stacked more evenly layer by layer, improving the consistency of structural strength of the connectors 2 and the hub body 1, and reducing the occurrence of large-scale local tensile deformation caused by stamping or rolling. The 3D-printed integral structure can be set into complex surfaces or complex structures, reducing the need to process the hub body into separate parts (bore and connector 2), thereby reducing problems such as loss of processing accuracy due to assembly gaps, reduced overall structural strength, and easy wear at the assembly points. Moreover, the 3D-printed integrated structure can be directly processed from the design model to the finished product, reducing intermediate processes and production costs. It also allows for the use of materials on demand, reducing material waste and further lowering costs and improving processing efficiency. In addition, it has high processing precision, solving the problem of low processing efficiency and easy reduction of overall strength of hub components in related technologies.

[0035] 3D printing is an additive manufacturing technology that constructs three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer. The specific steps include model design, slicing, and layer-by-layer printing. Specifically, a three-dimensional model of the hub body 1 and connector 2 is created as a whole. This model is then sliced ​​into multiple two-dimensional layers to generate printing paths. Based on the slicing data, the 3D printer adds material layer by layer to construct the entire entity of the hub body 1 and connector 2. While 3D printing is an existing technology, this embodiment primarily utilizes a 3D-printed integral structure for the hub body 1 and connector 2. This reduces the risk of significant localized stretching deformation caused by stamping or rolling processes, and eliminates the need for separate processing of the hub body into the cylinder and connector 2. This reduces issues such as loss of machining accuracy due to assembly gaps, strength loss due to assembly connection points, and wear at assembly points. The process is fast, with low pollution and low cost.

[0036] In other embodiments, the integral structure formed by the hub body 1 and the connector 2 may include multiple structural layers and multiple connecting layers. At least one connecting layer is provided between any two adjacent structural layers. The structural layers may be, but are not limited to, metal layers or carbon fiber layers, and the connecting layers may be, but are not limited to, fused layers or photocurable resin layers. Multiple structural layers are connected and joined together by the connecting layers to form an integral structure, thereby reducing the possibility of large-scale localized tensile deformation of the hub body 1 and connector 2 due to stamping or rolling processes, and reducing the need to process the hub body as separate parts (bore and connector 2). The multiple structural layers and multiple connecting layers may be arranged along the rotation axis of the hub body 1.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the hub assembly also includes an axle 3. The hub body 1 is rotatably mounted on the axle 3. The axle 3 is a 3D-printed integral structure. Compared with axles 3 that are machined or forged, the axle 3 in this embodiment is a 3D-printed integral structure. It is easier to set lightweight structures such as holes or grooves inside the axle 3. While ensuring the basic structural strength, the weight of the axle 3 can be reduced. It also reduces the excessive impact force of the processing equipment on the raw material, which is conducive to ensuring the overall structural strength. Furthermore, the 3D-printed integral structure of the axle 3 can be set with more complex surfaces, reducing the need for separate processing, and has high processing accuracy and fast processing efficiency.

[0038] In this embodiment, the hub body 1 is a metal hub, meaning it is a metal hub formed by 3D printing using metal materials. It has high strength and can withstand large loads. The axle 3 is a metal shaft, meaning it is a metal shaft formed by 3D printing using metal materials. It has high strength and can withstand large loads, further improving the overall structural strength and processing accuracy of the hub assembly.

[0039] Furthermore, different parts of the hub body 1 can be configured with different strengths and hardnesses. For example, the strength and hardness of the middle part of the hub body 1 can be lower than that of the ends. When printing with the same material, the single-layer printing height at the ends of the hub body 1 can be lower than that at the middle part of the hub body 1. The stacking density at the ends of the hub body 1 can be increased, thereby achieving higher strength and hardness. The entire hub body 1, as well as the hub body 1 and the connecting part 2, can be printed from the same material, avoiding uneven distribution of stress, heat, and other conditions caused by different materials. Alternatively, different materials can be selected for printing according to the different needs of different parts of the hub body 1. High-strength, high-hardness materials, such as titanium alloy or high-strength steel, can be used at the ends of the hub body 1, while lighter materials, such as aluminum alloy or composite materials, can be used in the middle part of the hub body 1, achieving optimized material utilization.

[0040] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the hub body 1 is provided with a mounting hole 11, and the axle 3 is rotatably connected to the hub body 1 through the mounting hole 11. Multiple ratchet teeth 12 are circumferentially arranged on the inner wall of the mounting hole 11 of the hub body 1. The hub assembly also includes a freehub base 4, which is used to connect to the freewheel 5. The freehub base 4 is rotatably mounted on the axle 3, and at least partially disposed within the mounting hole 11. A pawl is provided on the freehub base 4, which can selectively engage with the ratchet teeth 12. The freehub base 4 and the hub body 1 are connected by a ratchet and pawl. When the freewheel 5 rotates forward under external force, the ratchet and pawl engage, and the freewheel 5 can drive the hub body 1 to rotate through the freehub base 4, thereby driving the wheel 7 and other components fixed to the position of the hub body 1 to rotate. Because the ratchet and pawl can only perform one-way transmission, when the freewheel 5 rotates in the opposite direction under the action of external force, for example, when a bicycle is gliding, the pawl and ratchet are not engaged and separate. The freewheel 5 can drive the freehub base 4 to rotate freely around the axle 3, and the hub body 1 can also rotate freely around the axle 3. There is no torque transmission between the hub body 1 and the freehub base 4.

[0041] Optionally, the freehub base 4 is a 3D-printed one-piece structure. This one-piece structure facilitates the creation of complex surfaces, reduces the need for separate machining, and can meet different fitting requirements with the hub body 1 and freewheel 5. Furthermore, the freehub base 4 allows for the incorporation of lightweight structures such as holes or slots, reducing the weight of the axle 3 while maintaining basic structural strength. The freehub base 4 and freewheel 5 can be connected via a plug-in or snap-fit ​​joint for easy installation. When the axle 3 is rotating with the hub body 1, it can be fixed to the frame 6. For example, the end of the axle 3 can be secured to the front or rear fork of the frame 6 via a quick-release lever or quick-release screw.

[0042] In some embodiments, the tower base 4 and the flywheel 5 are integrally 3D printed, which reduces the assembly requirements of the tower base 4 and the flywheel 5, improves the overall strength and stability of the tower base 4 and the flywheel 5, and allows the stress to be more evenly distributed in the integral 3D printed structure of the tower base 4 and the flywheel 5 when bearing load, reducing the risk of stress concentration and thus extending the service life of the tower base 4 and the flywheel 5.

[0043] In some embodiments, one or at least two first bearings are provided between the tower base 4 and the axle 3. The tower base 4 can be rotatably connected to the axle 3 through the first bearings, which can effectively reduce the friction between the inner wall of the tower base 4 and the outer wall of the axle 3, reduce friction loss, and the first bearings can withstand radial or axial loads from the axle 3 and the tower base 4, thereby improving rotational stability.

[0044] In some embodiments, one or at least two second bearings are provided between the hub body 1 and the axle 3. The hub body 1 can be rotatably connected to the axle 3 through the second bearings, which can effectively reduce the friction between the inner wall of the hub body 1 and the outer wall of the axle 3, reduce friction loss, and the second bearings can also withstand radial or axial loads from the hub body 1 and the axle 3, thereby improving rotational stability.

[0045] Optionally, the hub body 1 and the axle 3 are integrally formed by 3D printing, which reduces the assembly requirements of the hub body 1 and the axle 3, improves the overall strength and stability of the hub body 1 and the axle 3, and increases the fitting precision of the hub body 1 and the axle 3, reducing wear caused by fitting gaps.

[0046] Optionally, the hub body 1 is used to connect with the flywheel 5. The hub body 1 and the flywheel 5 are a 3D printed integral structure, which reduces the assembly requirements between the hub body 1 and the flywheel 5, improves the overall structural strength and stability of the hub body 1 and the flywheel 5, and increases the fitting precision between the hub body 1 and the flywheel 5, reducing wear caused by fitting gaps and improving processing efficiency.

[0047] In this embodiment, when the axle 3 and the hub body 1 are fixedly coupled, the two ends of the axle 3 can be rotatably connected to the frame 6, which facilitates the hub assembly to rotate flexibly relative to the frame 6.

[0048] In some embodiments, the connector 2 includes a disc body 21 and multiple detachable connection structures 22. The multiple detachable connection structures 22 are fixedly disposed on the outer periphery of the disc body 21. Each detachable connection structure 22 can be detachably connected to a spoke. For example, the detachable connection structure 22 can be, but is not limited to, a slot or a hole. The end of the spoke can be fixed by engaging with the slot. Alternatively, the spoke can be designed as a U-shape, with the U-shaped spoke passing through the hole. Both ends of the U-shaped spoke can be fixed at different positions on the wheel rim, facilitating quick engagement of the spoke to the disc body 21 via the detachable connection structure 22, reducing the need for additional fasteners. Of course, other structures can also be used for the detachable connection structure 22, as long as they can achieve the fixation of the spoke to the hub body 1. The disc body 21 and the detachable connection structure 22 are a single 3D-printed structure. The detachable connection structure 22 can be configured with complex shapes according to the spoke layout requirements, reducing the need for separate parts of the detachable connection structure 22 and the disc body 21.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the hub body 1 is provided with a first weight reduction structure, and / or the connector 2 is provided with a second weight reduction structure 23. By providing the first weight reduction structure in the hub body 1 and the second weight reduction structure 23 in the connector 2, the overall weight of the hub assembly can be reduced, the degree of lightweighting can be improved, the rotational inertia of the hub assembly can be reduced, and the operation can be facilitated.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first weight-reduction structure can be placed in the less stress-bearing parts of the hub body 1, while retaining sufficient material in the more stress-bearing parts. For example, the hub body 1 can adopt a honeycomb or mesh-like hollow structure to reduce weight while maintaining sufficient strength. Similarly, the second weight-reduction structure 23 can also be placed in the less stress-bearing parts of the connector 2, such as the disc 21, while retaining sufficient material in the more stress-bearing parts, such as the detachable connection structure 22. After the various parts of the hub assembly are 3D printed into a single structure, they can be used directly. If certain surfaces have high surface performance requirements, simple machining methods such as polishing can also be used for processing.

[0051] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, an embodiment of the second aspect of this utility model provides a bicycle, including a frame 6, a wheel 7, and a hub assembly as described in any of the above embodiments. The wheel 7 is rotatably mounted on the frame 6 via the hub assembly. The wheel 7 is connected to the connector 2 via spokes. The hub body 1 is rotatably mounted on the frame 6. The hub body 1 can be directly rotatably connected to the frame 6, or it can be rotatably connected to the frame 6 via axle components such as axle 3. By adopting the hub assembly in the above embodiments, the bicycle reduces the need for separate components between the hub assembly parts and can effectively improve transmission accuracy.

[0052] The wheel 7 can be divided into a front wheel 7 and a rear wheel 7, and the hub assembly can also be divided into a front hub assembly and a rear hub assembly. The front hub assembly is set on the front wheel 7 and can be a hub without ratchet and pawl. The rear hub assembly is set on the rear wheel 7 and can be a hub with ratchet and pawl.

[0053] In some embodiments, the bicycle also includes a brake disc, which cooperates with braking mechanisms such as brake discs. The brake contacts of the brake disc can abut against the brake disc, braking the hub body 1 and thus the wheel 7. Braking the hub body 1 is released when the brake contacts of the brake disc move away from the brake disc. The brake disc is located at one end of the hub body 1, and the brake disc and hub body 1 are a 3D-printed integral structure, reducing the assembly requirements of the hub body 1 and the brake disc, reducing the use of bolts and other fasteners, improving the overall strength and stability of the hub body 1 and the brake disc, and increasing the fitting precision between the hub body 1 and the brake disc, thus reducing wear caused by fitting gaps.

[0054] Since the bicycle of this utility model embodiment includes the above-described hub assembly, it has all the advantages and beneficial effects of the above-described embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0055] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A hub assembly, characterized in that, The hub assembly includes a hub body (1), and the hub body (1) has connectors (2) at both ends for connecting spokes. The hub body (1) and the connectors (2) are integrally formed by 3D printing.

2. The hub assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hub assembly also includes an axle (3), and the hub body (1) is rotatably mounted on the axle (3). The axle (3) is a 3D printed integral structure.

3. The hub assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hub body (1) is provided with a mounting hole (11), the axle (3) is rotatably connected to the hub body (1) through the mounting hole (11), and the inner wall of the mounting hole (11) of the hub body (1) is provided with a plurality of ratchet teeth (12) in the circumferential direction. The hub assembly also includes a freehub base (4) for connecting to a flywheel (5). The freehub base (4) is rotatably mounted on the axle (3) and is at least partially disposed within the mounting hole (11). The freehub base (4) is provided with a pawl that can selectively engage with the ratchet teeth (12).

4. The hub assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The tower base (4) and the flywheel (5) are an integral structure formed by 3D printing.

5. The hub assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, One or at least two first bearings are provided between the tower base (4) and the wheel axle (3), and the tower base (4) can be rotatably connected to the wheel axle (3) through the first bearings.

6. The hub assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, One or at least two second bearings are provided between the hub body (1) and the axle (3), and the hub body (1) can be rotatably connected to the axle (3) through the second bearings.

7. The hub assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector (2) includes a disc body (21) and a plurality of detachable connection structures (22). The plurality of detachable connection structures (22) are fixedly disposed on the outer periphery of the disc body (21), and the detachable connection structures (22) can be detachably connected to the spokes.

8. The hub assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hub body (1) is provided with a first weight-reducing structure, and / or the connector (2) is provided with a second weight-reducing structure (23).

9. A bicycle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a frame (6), a wheel (7), and a hub assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the wheel (7) is rotatably mounted on the frame (6) via the hub assembly.

10. The bicycle according to claim 9, characterized in that, The bicycle also includes a brake disc, which is located at one end of the hub body (1). The brake disc and the hub body (1) are an integral structure formed by 3D printing.

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