Power hub for a bicycle

By using the torsion of a fixed power meter shaft in the bicycle hub to achieve stress detection, the complexity and stability problems of the relative motion between the detection unit and the magnet in the prior art are solved, and a power meter design with simplified structure and lifetime maintenance-free operation is realized.

CN224465567UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-07KUNSHAN LUNJIE RUBIKS CUBE TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
KUNSHAN LUNJIE RUBIKS CUBE TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-08-08
Publication Date
2026-07-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the existing technology, the stress detection method of bicycle power meters relies on the relative rotation between the axle housing assembly and the axle, which leads to the relative movement between the detection part and the magnet, resulting in structural complexity and stability issues.

Method used

Stress values ​​are measured by the torsion of a single part in the hub. The torsion of the fixed power meter shaft drives the detection part to move relative to the magnet. Torque is transmitted through the spline to achieve stress value detection.

Benefits of technology

The stress detection structure has been simplified, the concentricity and stability between parts have been improved, the power meter is now maintenance-free for life, and wireless charging has been added to its ease of use.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a power hub of bicycle, including central shaft, the hub body of pivot connection on central shaft, the drive part for driving the one -way rotation of hub body on central shaft, and the fixed power meter axle is pivotally connected on central shaft, and the power meter is installed on fixed power meter axle. The torsion of fixed power meter axle one end is driven by the drive part, and the other end of fixed power meter axle is connected with hub body, and the torsion from drive part is transmitted to the other end of fixed power meter axle through the one end of fixed power meter axle, and is transmitted to hub body again. The torsion of fixed power meter axle occurs, and the greater torsion amplitude is, and the stress value that power meter detects is greater. The torsion of fixed power meter axle transmits the torsion to the other end, and the other end drives hub body to rotate, and hub body drives the rotation of rear wheel connected with it. The utility model sets up the power meter in the hub, realizes the lifelong maintenance -free purpose of power meter, and is favorable to the stable work of power meter.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to transportation vehicles, specifically bicycles. Background Technology

[0002] A bicycle power meter is a device used to measure the power generated by a cyclist while cycling. It is an important tool for professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts to assess training effectiveness and improve physical fitness.

[0003] Bicycle power meters primarily calculate power by measuring the force exerted by the rider on the bicycle and the bicycle's motion. Their basic principle is based on the power calculation formula in physics: P = F × v (where P is power, F is force, and v is velocity). In cycling, this formula can be translated into indirectly calculating power by measuring parameters such as pedaling force, wheel speed, or chain tension.

[0004] A bicycle power meter typically consists of the following components: a sensor, responsible for collecting various physical quantities during riding, such as pedaling force, chain tension, and wheel speed; a signal processing unit, which amplifies, filters, and digitizes the signals collected by the sensor for subsequent analysis and calculation; a display module, used to display key indicators such as riding power, average power, and maximum power in real time; and a power supply, which provides a stable power supply for the entire system.

[0005] As a high-precision sports monitoring device, the bicycle power meter works based on the power calculation formula in physics and advanced sensing technology. By accurately measuring and analyzing various physical quantities during cycling, it can provide athletes and fitness enthusiasts with valuable training data and feedback. With continuous technological advancements and expanding applications, the bicycle power meter will play an increasingly important role in future sports training and fitness.

[0006] Patent document CN 205417008 U discloses a hub structure and a bicycle. The hub structure includes: an axle; an axle housing assembly and a freehub assembly fitted onto the outside of the axle; and a power detection device, comprising: a speed detection component for detecting the rotational speed of the wheel to which the hub structure belongs; and a stress detection component for detecting the stress value generated when the freehub assembly rotates. This technical solution integrates the power detection device into the hub structure.

[0007] The stress detection component involved in the aforementioned patent document may include: a magnet and a detection unit capable of sensing changes in the magnetic field; wherein, when the tower base assembly rotates, the detection unit and the magnet can generate relative motion, allowing the detection unit to measure the stress value based on the sensed changes in the magnetic field. In other words, by reasonably arranging the magnet and the detection unit, so that they generate relative motion when the tower base assembly rotates, the detection unit can determine the corresponding stress value based on the changes in the sensed magnetic field (obviously generated by the aforementioned magnet) (paragraphs

[0038] and

[0039] of the patent document specification with authorization announcement number CN 205417008U).

[0008] To achieve the aforementioned "relative motion," the following two configurations can be adopted: In one case, the detection unit is fixedly connected to the axle housing assembly, allowing the detection unit to rotate synchronously when the tower base assembly drives the axle housing assembly to rotate; simultaneously, the magnet is fixedly connected to the axle. During riding, the tower base assembly drives the axle housing assembly to rotate, while the axle remains stationary, thus the detection unit rotates while the magnet remains stationary, thereby creating relative motion between the detection unit and the magnet (paragraphs

[0040] and

[0041] of the patent document specification with authorization announcement number CN 205417008U).

[0009] In another case, the opposite approach can be adopted, that is, the magnet is fixedly connected to the shaft housing assembly and the detection part is fixedly connected to the shaft. Then, the relative motion between the detection part and the magnet can be formed by rotating the magnet and keeping the detection part stationary (paragraph

[0043] of the patent document specification with authorization announcement number CN 205417008U).

[0010] The stress detection assembly described above utilizes the relative rotation between the shaft housing assembly and the shaft center to achieve relative movement between the detection unit and the magnet, thereby determining the stress value. Utility Model Content

[0011] The technical problem solved by this utility model is to change the existing technology that uses the relative rotation between the shaft housing assembly and the shaft to achieve the relative movement between the detection part and the magnet, and then determine the stress value. Instead, the stress value is measured by the torsion of a single part in the hub itself.

[0012] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a power hub for a bicycle, comprising a central shaft, a hub body pivotally connected to the central shaft, and a drive part for driving the hub body to rotate unidirectionally on the central shaft. A fixed power meter shaft is pivotally connected to the central shaft, and a power meter is installed on the fixed power meter shaft. The power meter has no contact with the hub body.

[0013] The torsion at one end of the fixed power meter shaft is driven by the drive unit, and the other end of the fixed power meter shaft is connected to the hub body. The torque from the drive unit is transmitted from one end of the fixed power meter shaft to the other end of the fixed power meter shaft, and then to the hub body.

[0014] The chainring on the bicycle's bottom bracket drives the drive unit to rotate via a transmission mechanism. This drive unit rotates one end of the fixed power meter shaft, causing it to twist. This twisting of the fixed power meter shaft causes the sensing part of the power meter, mounted on the shaft, to rotate relative to the magnet. The greater the force on the fixed power meter shaft, the greater the twisting amplitude, the greater the relative displacement between the sensing part and the magnet, and the greater the stress value detected by the power meter. The twisted fixed power meter shaft transmits torque to the other end, which drives the hub body to rotate. The hub body then drives the connected rear wheel to rotate.

[0015] The fixed power meter shaft includes a minor diameter portion and a major diameter portion. The minor diameter portion is provided with a first external spline, and the hub body is provided with a first internal spline that mates with the first external spline. The fixed power meter shaft drives the hub body to rotate synchronously through the first external spline and the first internal spline.

[0016] The power meter is ring-shaped and is axially mounted on the fixed power meter shaft.

[0017] The major diameter portion of the shaft is provided with a second internal spline, and a gear disk is pivotally connected to the central shaft. The gear disk is provided with a second external spline that mates with the second internal spline, and a passive ratchet that mates with the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism drives the gear disk to rotate via the passive ratchet, and the gear disk drives the fixed power meter shaft to rotate via the second external spline and the second internal spline.

[0018] The drive section includes a drive section shaft pivotally connected to a central shaft, and a drive gear fitted at one end of the drive section shaft. The drive gear is provided with an active ratchet that engages with the passive ratchet.

[0019] One end of the drive shaft is provided with a third internal spline, and the drive gear is provided with a third external spline that mates with the third internal spline. The inner wall of the drive shaft is provided with a limiting edge, and a spring is provided inside the drive shaft. One end of the spring abuts against the limiting edge, and the other end abuts against the drive gear. The spring pushes the drive gear towards the gear plate. Under the action of the spring, the drive gear moves closer to the gear plate to ensure the effectiveness of the active ratchet driving the passive ratchet.

[0020] The bearing between the hub body and the central shaft is equipped with a first limiting sleeve, and the bearing between the drive shaft and the central shaft is equipped with a second limiting sleeve.

[0021] One end of the hub body is threaded with a threaded locking disc, which abuts against the end face of the large diameter portion of the fixed power meter shaft, thus confining the fixed power meter shaft within the hub body and ensuring that the first external spline and the first internal spline are engaged.

[0022] The power meter integrates a rechargeable battery, and the hub itself has a charging port that allows for wireless charging of the power meter's battery. The charging port has an openable protective cover.

[0023] This utility model has the following technical effects:

[0024] First, the use of the first external spline and the first internal spline to achieve the linkage between the fixed power meter shaft and the hub body, and the use of the second external spline and the second internal spline to achieve the linkage between the gear plate and the fixed power meter shaft, not only helps to absorb the form and position errors between the parts, but also, this axial assembly helps to improve the concentricity and stability between the parts.

[0025] Second, the two ends of the fixed power meter shaft are used to transmit torque by splines, and the power meter monitors the corresponding stress by using its own torsional deformation, which is different from the stress detection method of the existing technology.

[0026] Third, the threaded locking disc is connected to the hub body by a threaded connection, making it easy to install and disassemble;

[0027] Fourth, the power meter battery can be wirelessly charged, making it convenient to use;

[0028] Fifth, this utility model places the power meter in the hub, achieving the goal of lifelong maintenance-free power meter operation, which is conducive to stable operation of the power meter. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a bicycle's power hub;

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view;

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the power hub of a bicycle from another perspective;

[0033] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Exploded view;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the drum body 20.

[0035] Explanation of symbols in the diagram:

[0036] 10. Central shaft; 11. First limiting sleeve; 12. Second limiting sleeve;

[0037] 20. Hub body; 21. First inner spline; 22. Toothed locking disc;

[0038] 30. Drive section; 31. Drive section shaft; 311. Third internal spline; 312. Limiting edge; 32. Drive gear; 321. Drive ratchet; 322. Third external spline; 33. Spring;

[0039] 40. Fixed power meter shaft; 41. First external spline; 42. Second internal spline;

[0040] 50. Power meter;

[0041] 60. Gear plate; 61. Second external spline; 62. Passive ratchet. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 A bicycle power hub includes a central shaft 10, a hub body 20 pivotally connected to the central shaft, and a drive section 30 for driving the hub body to rotate unidirectionally on the central shaft. A fixed power meter shaft 40 is pivotally connected to the central shaft, and a power meter is mounted on the fixed power meter shaft without contact with the hub body. Torque at one end of the fixed power meter shaft is driven by the drive section 30, and the other end of the fixed power meter shaft is connected to the hub body. Torque from the drive section is transmitted from one end of the fixed power meter shaft to the other end, and then to the hub body.

[0043] The power meter 50 is ring-shaped and is axially mounted on the fixed power meter shaft.

[0044] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 5 The fixed power meter shaft 40 includes a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion. The small diameter portion is provided with a first external spline 41, and the hub body 20 is provided with a first internal spline 21 that mates with the first external spline.

[0045] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 4 The large diameter portion of the shaft is provided with a second internal spline 42, and a gear disk 60 is pivotally connected to the central shaft 10. The gear disk is provided with a second external spline 61 that mates with the second internal spline, and a passive ratchet 62 that mates with the drive part 30.

[0046] The drive part 30 includes a drive part shaft 31 pivotally connected to the central shaft 10, and a drive gear 32 engaged at one end of the drive part shaft. The drive gear is provided with an active ratchet 321 that engages with the passive ratchet 62.

[0047] like Figure 2 One end of the drive shaft 31 is provided with a third internal spline 311, and the drive gear 32 is provided with a third external spline 322 that cooperates with the third internal spline. The inner wall of the drive shaft is provided with a limiting edge 312, and a spring 33 is provided inside the drive shaft. One end of the spring abuts against the limiting edge, and the other end abuts against the drive gear 32. The spring pushes the drive gear towards the gear plate 60.

[0048] The bearing between the hub body 20 and the central shaft 10 is equipped with a first limiting sleeve 11, and the bearing between the drive shaft 31 and the central shaft is equipped with a second limiting sleeve 12.

[0049] One end of the hub body 20 is threaded with a threaded locking disc 22. The threaded locking disc abuts against the end face of the large diameter portion of the fixed power meter shaft 40, thereby confining the fixed power meter shaft within the hub body and ensuring that the first external spline 41 and the first internal spline 21 are engaged.

[0050] The power meter 50 integrates a rechargeable battery, and the hub body 20 has a charging port, through which the power meter's rechargeable battery can be wirelessly charged.

[0051] The chainring on the bicycle's bottom bracket drives the drive unit 30 to rotate via a transmission mechanism. This drive unit rotates one end of the fixed power meter shaft 40, causing the fixed power meter shaft to twist. This twist causes the detection part of the power meter 50, mounted on the fixed power meter shaft, to rotate relative to the magnet. The greater the force on the fixed power meter shaft 40, the greater the twisting amplitude, the greater the relative displacement between the detection part and the magnet, and the greater the stress value detected by the power meter 50. The twisted fixed power meter shaft 40 transmits torque to the other end, which drives the hub body 20 to rotate. The hub body then drives the rear wheel connected to it to rotate. The power meter's signal output line can be led out along the central shaft.

[0052] Under the action of spring 33, drive gear 32 moves closer to gear disk 60 to ensure the effectiveness of active ratchet 321 driving passive ratchet 62.

[0053] The drive unit 30 drives the gear plate 60 to rotate via the passive ratchet 62, and the gear plate drives the fixed power meter shaft 40 to rotate via the second external spline 61 and the second internal spline 42.

[0054] The fixed power meter shaft 40 drives the hub body 20 to rotate synchronously through the first external spline 41 and the first internal spline 21.

[0055] In practice, bicycle power meters serve the following functions:

[0056] First, it improves cycling efficiency. Power meters can help cyclists understand their cycling efficiency, thereby adjusting their cycling posture and cadence to improve cycling efficiency.

[0057] Second, objectively assess training effectiveness. Through power data, cyclists can objectively assess their training effectiveness, providing a basis for adjusting their training plan.

[0058] Third, it enhances teamwork. In road cycling races, power meters can help team members understand each other's riding status and improve teamwork.

[0059] Fourth, adapting to different road conditions, the power meter can help cyclists adjust their riding strategy under different road conditions, ensuring safety while increasing speed;

[0060] Fifth, it provides accurate calorie consumption data. Traditional cycling computers have a function to display calories burned, but they are usually calculated based on the rider's age, weight, and heart rate, which is actually different from the actual value. Now that there is a power rating, riders can get accurate calorie consumption data.

[0061] Sixth, power meters help riders identify specific abilities to improve and design targeted interval training. Through interval training, riders can sustain a specific intensity for a longer period, thereby improving their physical fitness.

[0062] Seventh, interpreting training data: Power meters can also help drivers interpret training data, rationally arrange training of different intensities, and design power-based training plans.

[0063] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation and application scope based on the idea of ​​this utility model. The content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

Claims

1. A power hub for a bicycle, comprising a central shaft (10), a hub body (20) pivotally connected to the central shaft, and a drive portion (30) for driving the hub body to rotate unidirectionally on the central shaft, characterized in that: A fixed power meter shaft (40) is pivotally connected to the central shaft. The power meter is installed on the fixed power meter shaft and has no contact with the hub body. The torsion at one end of the fixed power meter shaft is driven by the drive part (30), and the other end of the fixed power meter shaft is connected to the hub body. The torque from the drive part is transmitted from one end of the fixed power meter shaft to the other end of the fixed power meter shaft, and then to the hub body.

2. The bicycle power hub as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The power meter (50) is ring-shaped and is axially mounted on the fixed power meter shaft.

3. The bicycle power hub as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed power meter shaft (40) includes a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion. The small diameter portion is provided with a first external spline (41), and the hub body (20) is provided with a first internal spline (21) that mates with the first external spline.

4. The bicycle power hub as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The large diameter portion of the shaft is provided with a second internal spline (42), and a gear disk (60) is pivotally connected to the central shaft (10). The gear disk is provided with a second external spline (61) that mates with the second internal spline, and the gear disk is provided with a passive ratchet (62) that mates with the drive part (30).

5. The bicycle power hub as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The drive section (30) includes a drive section shaft (31) pivotally connected to the central shaft (10), and a drive gear (32) fitted at one end of the drive section shaft. The drive gear is provided with an active ratchet (321) that engages with the passive ratchet (62).

6. The power hub of a bicycle as described in claim 5, characterized in that: One end of the drive shaft (31) is provided with a third internal spline (311), the drive gear (32) is provided with a third external spline (322) that cooperates with the third internal spline, the inner wall of the drive shaft is provided with a limiting edge (312), and a spring (33) is provided inside the drive shaft. One end of the spring abuts against the limiting edge, and the other end abuts against the drive gear (32). The spring pushes the drive gear towards the gear plate (60).

7. The power hub of a bicycle as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The bearing between the hub body (20) and the central shaft (10) is fitted with a first limiting sleeve (11), and the bearing between the drive shaft (31) and the central shaft is fitted with a second limiting sleeve (12).

8. The power hub of the bicycle as described in claim 3, characterized in that: One end of the hub body (20) is threaded with a threaded locking disc (22). The threaded locking disc abuts against the end face of the large diameter portion of the fixed power meter shaft (40), which restricts the fixed power meter shaft in the hub body and keeps the first external spline (41) and the first internal spline (21) in engagement.

9. The power hub of a bicycle as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The power meter (50) integrates a rechargeable battery, and the hub body (20) is equipped with a charging port, through which the rechargeable battery of the power meter can be wirelessly charged.