A flower drum, wheel set and mountain bike

By introducing annular baffles and boss structures into the hub, the movement of the jacks is restricted, solving the problem of jack breakage, improving the durability and reliability of the hub, and reducing maintenance costs.

CN224545603UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-24BOLARD SPORTS TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
BOLARD SPORTS TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-07-01
Publication Date
2026-07-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The jacks of existing mountain bike hubs are prone to breakage under long-term high-stress cycles, causing fragments to impact other critical components, resulting in high maintenance costs and reduced safety.

Method used

The introduction of plastic ring baffles and boss structures inside the gear ring in the hub restricts the movement of the jacks, preventing debris from entering the hub, while optimizing the bearing layout and sealing structure to enhance durability.

Benefits of technology

It reduces the risk of jack breakage, minimizes damage to other parts, improves the durability and reliability of the hub, and lowers maintenance costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of flower drum, wheel group and mountain bike, flower drum includes axle, tower base, ratchet mechanism, flower drum shell and side cover, the both ends of axle are provided with side cover, tower base includes tower base shell, first bearing and second bearing, tower base shell is rotatably connected with axle by first bearing and second bearing, third bearing and fourth bearing are provided between the both ends of flower drum shell and axle, ratchet mechanism includes the gear ring being set to the end of flower drum shell and the ratchet wheel being set to the end of tower base shell and cooperating with gear ring, ratchet wheel includes ratchet wheel main body, accommodating groove, thousand jin piece and elastic sheet, thousand jin piece is engaged with gear ring, elastic sheet is connected between thousand jin piece and the side wall of accommodating groove, annular baffle is provided on ratchet wheel main body, annular baffle is used to shield the opening of accommodating groove on ratchet wheel main body.Wheel group and mountain bike all contain flower drum.The flower drum of the utility model can improve the durability of thousand jin piece, and reduce the damage to bearings and other parts caused by thousand jin piece fracture, improve the durability of flower drum.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bicycle accessories technology, specifically to a hub, wheelset, and mountain bike. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component connecting the wheel and frame, the hub of a mountain bike directly impacts the riding experience and safety due to its structural strength and durability. The ratchet mechanism inside the hub is crucial for achieving unidirectional transmission, with the spring serving as a vital element; its performance determines the hub's reliability. During mountain biking, the hub must withstand frequent impact loads, including jumps and vibrations from rough terrain, while also handling rapidly changing torque transmission requirements.

[0003] In existing hub structures, the jack is prone to breakage under long-term high-stress cycles. However, when the broken jack fragments rotate at high speed inside the hub, they may collide with other critical components, such as the gear ring, hub shell, bearing assembly, and hub shaft, causing problems such as breakage or scratches, resulting in high maintenance costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model provides a hub, wheelset and mountain bike, which reduces the risk of jack breakage and reduces the occurrence of secondary damage to other parts, thereby improving the durability of the hub.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:

[0006] A hub for a mountain bike includes an axle, a freehub base, a ratchet mechanism, a hub shell, and side covers. The side covers are located at both ends of the axle. The freehub base includes a freehub shell, a first bearing, and a second bearing. The freehub shell is rotatably connected to the axle via the first and second bearings. A third bearing and a fourth bearing are located between the two ends of the hub shell and the axle. The ratchet mechanism includes a gear ring located at the end of the hub shell and a ratchet located at the end of the freehub shell and engaging with the gear ring. The ratchet includes a ratchet body, multiple receiving grooves on the ratchet body, and a jack and a spring plate located within the receiving grooves. The jack engages with the gear ring, and the spring plate connects the jack and the side wall of the receiving groove. A plastic annular baffle is provided on the ratchet body to cover the opening of the receiving groove on the ratchet body.

[0007] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a limiting ring is provided on the ratchet body, the limiting ring and the ratchet body form a stepped limiting, and the annular baffle is connected to the stepped limiting.

[0008] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a boss is provided on the inner side of the gear ring and on the side away from the ratchet.

[0009] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the side of the boss facing the inside of the gear ring includes a smoothly connected plane and a slope, and the slope is inclined towards the outside of the gear ring.

[0010] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a limiting tube is provided inside the tower base shell. The first bearing and the second bearing are respectively disposed at both ends of the tower base shell and abut against both ends of the limiting tube. The tower base shell is adjacent to the second bearing passing through one end of the hub shell and the fourth bearing of the hub shell near one end of the tower base shell.

[0011] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a washer is provided between the second bearing and the fourth bearing, and the thickness of the washer is 0.5-2mm.

[0012] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a waterproof ring is provided on the tower base shell, which is used to seal the gap between the tower base shell and the hub shell.

[0013] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a sealing ring is provided between the side cover and the shaft.

[0014] The present invention also provides a technical solution: a bicycle wheelset, including the hub in the above technical solution. The present invention also provides a technical solution: a mountain bike, including the wheelset in the above technical solution.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The annular baffle made of plastic blocks the jack plate in the groove on the ratchet body, limiting its movement and reducing the risk of breakage, thus improving the durability of the ratchet mechanism. Additionally, it reduces the likelihood of jack plate fragments impacting bearings and other parts inside the hub in the event of breakage, minimizing damage to these components. Furthermore, the protrusion inside the gear ring prevents the jack plate from entering the hub shell, further reducing the amount of jack plate debris entering the hub shell and thus minimizing damage to bearings and other parts. This improves the hub's durability; if the jack plate breaks, only the ratchet mechanism needs to be replaced, reducing maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of a flower drum according to this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a structural exploded view of a flower drum according to this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a flower drum according to this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the bearing position in a hub according to this utility model;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a ratchet in a hub according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram with an added annular baffle based on the existing design;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a toothed ring in a hub according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the toothed ring in a hub according to this utility model.

[0026] Reference numerals: 100, hub; 110, axle; 120, hub shell; 121, mounting groove; 122, third bearing; 123, fourth bearing; 131, freehub base shell; 132, first bearing; 133, second bearing; 134, limiting ring; 135, limiting tube; 141, ratchet; 1411, ratchet body; 1412, receiving groove; 1413, jack; 1414, spring; 142, annular baffle; 143, gear ring; 1431, boss; 150, first side cover; 151, first sealing ring; 160, second side cover; 161, second sealing ring; 170, waterproof ring; 180, washer. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following will clearly and completely describe the concept, specific structure, and technical effects of this utility model in conjunction with embodiments and accompanying drawings, so as to fully understand the purpose, features, and effects of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are all within the scope of protection of this utility model. Furthermore, all connections / connections involved in the patent do not simply refer to direct contact between components, but rather to the ability to form a better connection structure by adding or reducing connecting accessories according to specific implementation conditions. For example, fixed connections / fixed installations can use screw connections, bolt connections, pin connections, key connections, adhesive connections, mortise and tenon connections, welding, riveting, etc., as needed. For detachable connections, screw connections, bolt connections, threaded connections, snap-fit ​​connections, mortise and tenon connections, Velcro connections, etc., can be used as needed. The various technical features in this utility model can be combined interactively without contradicting each other.

[0028] Embodiment 1 of this utility model provides a hub 100, mainly used for mountain bikes, but also for bicycles used in high-intensity activities such as off-road racing and competitions. (See reference...) Figures 1-3 The hub 100 includes an axle 110, a freehub base, a ratchet mechanism, a hub shell 120, and side covers. Side covers are provided at both ends of the axle 110. The freehub base includes a freehub shell 131, a first bearing 132, and a second bearing 133. The freehub shell 131 is rotatably connected to the axle 110 via the first bearing 132 and the second bearing 133. A third bearing 122 and a fourth bearing 123 are provided between the two ends of the hub shell 120 and the axle 110. The ratchet mechanism includes a gear ring 143 located at the end of the hub shell 120 and a ratchet 120 located at the end of the freehub shell 131 and engaging with the gear ring 143. 41. The ratchet 141 includes a ratchet body 1411, a plurality of receiving grooves 1412 disposed on the ratchet body 1411, and a jack 1413 and a spring 1414 disposed in the receiving grooves 1412. The jack 1413 meshes with the gear ring 143, and the spring 1414 is connected between the jack 1413 and the side wall of the receiving groove 1412. The ratchet body 1411 is provided with an annular baffle 142 made of plastic, which can be made of engineering plastics such as polycarbonate and polyamide. The annular baffle 142 is used to block the opening of the receiving groove 1412 on the ratchet body 1411.

[0029] During operation, the shaft 110 rotates relative to the hub 120 via a bearing between the freehub base and the hub shell 131. When the freehub base 131 rotates, the jack 1413 drives the gear ring 143 to rotate. The jack 1413 maintains engagement with the gear ring 143 through the elastic action of the spring plate 1414, achieving unidirectional transmission. The annular baffle 142 blocks the opening of the receiving groove 1412, preventing the jack 1413 from disengaging from the receiving groove 1412. This ensures the stability and reliability of the jack 1413, thereby improving the durability of the ratchet mechanism and preventing fragments of the jack 1413 from entering the hub 100 and causing damage if it breaks.

[0030] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 3 The side cover includes a first side cover 150 and a second side cover 160. The first side cover 150 and the second side cover 160 are respectively disposed between the second side cover 160 and the shaft 110, and a second sealing ring 161 is provided. Both the first sealing ring 151 and the second sealing ring 161 are O-rings. In this way, the side cover, by tightly fitting the hub shell 120, forms a physical barrier, preventing external dust, dirt, moisture, and other contaminants from entering the hub 100. It can effectively resist rainwater erosion and the corrosion of muddy environments, protecting the internal bearings, ratchet mechanisms, and other parts of the hub 100, and significantly extending the service life of the hub 100.

[0031] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 6 The ratchet body 1411 has multiple evenly distributed receiving grooves 1412. Each receiving groove 1412 is equipped with a jack 1413 and a spring plate 1414. One end of the jack 1413 is located in the receiving groove 1412, and the other end extends out of the receiving groove to engage with the gear ring 143. The spring plate 1414 is connected between the jack 1413 and the side wall of the receiving groove 1412 to provide elastic support for the jack 1413.

[0032] Reference Figure 7 An annular baffle 142 covers the opening of the receiving groove 1412, forming a barrier to prevent the jack 1413 or spring 1414 from dislodging from the receiving groove 1412. This prevents the jack 1413 from jumping in the axial direction when the ratchet mechanism is activated, thus improving the durability of the jack 1413. In mountain bike use, the breakage rate of the jack 1413 can be reduced from approximately 30% to approximately 1%. Furthermore, when the jack 1413 breaks, the annular baffle 142 also reduces the likelihood of fragments of the broken jack 1413 detaching from the receiving groove 1412, thereby reducing damage to components such as the hub shell 120, the second bearing 133, the fourth bearing 123, and the axle 110, and lowering maintenance costs.

[0033] Understandably, the thickness and shape of the annular baffle 142 can effectively block the opening of the receiving groove 1412 without affecting the normal meshing of the jack 1413 and the gear ring 143.

[0034] During assembly, the first bearing 132 and the second bearing 133 are first installed onto the freehub base shell 131 from both ends. Since the freehub base shell 131 has a limiting tube 135 inside, the first bearing 132 and the second bearing 133 abut against the two ends of the limiting tube 135, thus limiting the installation of the first bearing 132 and the second bearing 133. Then, the freehub base shell 131 is fitted onto the shaft 110. Next, the ratchet 141 is installed at the end of the freehub base shell 131, and the gear ring 143 is fixed inside the mounting groove 121 at the end of the hub shell 120. Then, the hub shell 120 is fitted onto the outside of the freehub base, so that the gear ring 143 engages with the ratchet 141. Finally, the side covers at both ends are added, completing the assembly of the hub 100.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, refer to 6 and Figure 7 A limiting ring 134 is provided on the ratchet body 1411, forming a stepped limiting mechanism with the ratchet body 1411. An annular baffle 142 is connected to the stepped limiting mechanism. The limiting ring 134 is fixed to the surface of the ratchet body 1411 by machining or welding. Its outer diameter is smaller than the diameter of the corresponding area of ​​the ratchet body 1411, forming a stepped structure. The vertical surface of the stepped limiting mechanism contacts the end face of the annular baffle 142, restricting the radial movement of the annular baffle 142. Understandably, specifically, the vertical surface of the limiting ring 134 fits against the edge of the annular baffle 142, forming a mechanical limit to prevent the annular baffle 142 from falling out of its original position due to centrifugal force or vibration during the operation of the hub 100. The horizontal surface of the stepped limit provides support for the annular baffle 142, dispersing the impact of external loads on the baffle. The annular baffle 142 is restricted to a fixed area by the stepped limit, ensuring that it always covers the opening of the receiving groove 1412. Even under high-frequency vibration or impact conditions, it can still effectively limit the jack piece 1313.

[0036] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 A boss 1431 is provided on the inner side of the gear ring 143, away from the ratchet 141. The boss 1431 slides in contact with the surface of the ratchet body 1411. The boss 1431 is located on the inner side of the gear ring 143 away from the ratchet 141. Its side facing the inside of the gear ring 143 includes a smoothly connected plane and a slope, with the slope inclined towards the outside of the gear ring 143.

[0037] Understandably, when the ratchet mechanism is in operation, the boss 1431 contacts the bottom surface of the mounting groove 121 on the hub shell 120, increasing the force-bearing area between the gear ring 143 and the hub shell 120. This avoids the force being concentrated on the threads of the 143 thread, disperses the force on the gear ring 143, and reduces pressure, thereby effectively reducing the possibility of the gear ring 134 slipping relative to the mounting groove 121. Additionally, the boss 1431 also acts as a barrier for the jack 1413. When broken jack 1413 fragments move outward under centrifugal force, they are blocked by the boss 1431, preventing them from entering the internal space of the hub shell 120 and reducing the possibility of damage to the hub shell 120, the second bearing 133, the fourth bearing 123, the shaft 110, and other parts. Furthermore, the inclined surface on the boss 1431 reduces friction between the boss 1431 and the jack 1413.

[0038] Through the above embodiments, this utility model achieves an effective seal between the gear ring 143 and the ratchet body 1411. The sliding contact between the boss 1431 and the surface of the ratchet body 1411 forms a barrier, preventing the fragments of the spring piece 1414 from entering the interior of the hub shell 120. This effectively prevents the fragments of the broken spring piece 1414 from damaging the bearings and other parts, thus improving the overall durability and reliability of the hub 100. Therefore, through the synergistic effect of the annular baffle 142 and the boss 1431, a dual protection mechanism is formed, improving the durability of the jack piece 1413 and confining the fragments of the broken jack piece 1413 within a controllable area between the ratchet body 1411 and the gear ring 143, reducing damage to other parts.

[0039] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 The first bearing 132 and the second bearing 133 are respectively disposed at both ends of the tower base shell 131. The second bearing 133 at the end of the tower base shell 131 near the hub shell 120 is disposed adjacent to the fourth bearing 123 at the end of the hub shell 120 near the tower base shell 131. The adjacent placement of the second bearing 133 and the fourth bearing 123 makes the bearing support more uniform and stable. (Refer to...) Figure 5 The second bearing 133 is close to the force axis of the hub 100, so that the force on each bearing is more even when riding. As a result, the hub 100 runs more smoothly and is easier to install and maintain, thus improving the service life and reliability of the hub 100.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, a washer 180 is provided between the second bearing 133 and the fourth bearing 123, as shown in the figure. During actual riding, the axle is prone to bending, deformation, and breakage (especially the section between the fourth bearing and the hub). The washer 180 controls the axial clearance between the second bearing 133 and the fourth bearing 123. When the hub housing 131 and the hub housing 120 are assembled, the washer 180 absorbs the axial assembly pressure, preventing the raceways of the second bearing 133 and the fourth bearing 123 from bearing overload preload. During riding, the washer 180 maintains a constant distance between the two bearings, preventing axial misalignment and friction between the inner and outer rings of the bearings due to thermal expansion of the axle 110 or impact loads. This allows the second bearing 133 and the fourth bearing 123 to operate independently, reducing abnormal wear of the rolling elements and cage, and extending the bearing life.

[0041] Furthermore, the thickness of the washer 180 is 0.5-2mm, preferably 1mm, which reduces the distance between the second bearing 133 and the fourth bearing 123 compared to the prior art, thereby effectively reducing the risk of shaft 110 breakage.

[0042] In some embodiments, a waterproof ring 170 is provided on the freehub shell 131 to seal the gap between the freehub shell 131 and the hub shell 120. The waterproof ring 170 is made of annular elastic material and is embedded in an annular groove on the outer surface of the freehub shell 131. The outer diameter of the waterproof ring 170 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the hub shell 120, achieving radial compression through an interference fit. Understandably, when the freehub shell 131 and the hub shell 120 are assembled, the waterproof ring 170 is pressed into the annular gap between them. The compression deformation of the elastic material causes the waterproof ring 170 to fit tightly against the inner wall of the hub shell 120. During riding, splashing water or mud particles are blocked outside the gap and cannot enter the hub 100 through the sealing interface of the waterproof ring 170. This protects the ratchet mechanism inside the hub 100 from erosion and contamination by moisture and dust. The waterproof ring 170 improves the waterproof performance of hub 100, extends its service life, and reduces maintenance frequency. Furthermore, the waterproof ring 170 prevents internal lubricant leakage from hub 100, maintaining good lubrication.

[0043] Through the above-described embodiments, this invention improves the durability of the jack 1413 and effectively reduces the likelihood of fragments from the jack 1413 breaking and entering the hub 100, thus minimizing potential damage to critical components such as bearings and axle 110. Furthermore, by optimizing the bearing layout, this invention enhances the load-bearing capacity and service life of the hub 100, significantly improving its reliability and durability, reducing maintenance frequency and costs, and providing a safer and more stable transmission system for mountain bike riding.

[0044] Embodiment 2 of this utility model provides a bicycle wheel set, including the hub 100, rim, and spokes connecting the two of Embodiment 1. The two ends of the axle 110 of the hub 100 are closed by side covers, and the contact surface between the side covers and the axle 110 is provided with a sealing ring. The rim is fixedly connected to the spoke holes on the outer periphery of the hub shell 120 by thirty-six cross-arranged spokes. In the ratchet mechanism provided inside the hub 100, the annular baffle 142 is fixed to the end of the freehub shell 131 by a stepped structure formed by the limiting ring. The surface of the boss 1431 on the inner side of the toothed ring 143 maintains sliding contact with the ratchet body 1411.

[0045] In this embodiment, the durability of the jack 1413 is enhanced, and the entry of fragments from a broken jack 1413 into the hub housing 120 is effectively reduced. The fragments are confined within the ratchet body 1411 by the sealing effect of the annular baffle 142 on the opening of the receiving groove 1412 and the blocking effect of the boss 1431 on the jack 1413. When the wheelset is subjected to the impact of mountain biking, the broken jack 1413 fragments are blocked by the double constraint structure, ensuring the integrity of the internal transmission components of the hub 100 and reducing the risk of bearing failure and axle damage due to flying fragments. Maintenance only requires disassembling the freehub base to replace the ratchet mechanism.

[0046] Embodiment 3 of this utility model provides a mountain bike, including the wheelset of Embodiment 2, the wheelset including a hub 100; the hub 100 includes an axle 110, a freehub base, a ratchet mechanism, a hub shell 120 and a side cover.

[0047] This embodiment effectively prevents fragments from detaching from the receiving groove 1412 and entering the internal space of the hub 100 after the jack 1413 breaks. The annular baffle 142 physically blocks the opening of the receiving groove 1412, limiting the movement range of the fragments and preventing them from impacting bearings and other parts. The boss 1431 contacts the surface of the ratchet body 1411, forming a secondary barrier, further preventing fragments from moving axially along the gear ring 143 into the hub housing 120. Therefore, even under extreme conditions where the jack 1413 breaks, the key internal components of the hub 100 can still maintain structural integrity, extending the overall service life and reducing the number of parts that need to be replaced during maintenance.

[0048] The above is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present utility model. However, the present utility model is not limited to the described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present utility model. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A hub for mountain bikes, characterized in that: The device includes a spindle, a freehub base, a ratchet mechanism, a hub shell, and side covers. The side covers are located at both ends of the spindle. The freehub base includes a freehub shell, a first bearing, and a second bearing. The freehub shell is rotatably connected to the spindle via the first and second bearings. A third bearing and a fourth bearing are located between the two ends of the hub shell and the spindle. The ratchet mechanism includes a gear ring located at the end of the hub shell and a ratchet located at the end of the freehub shell and engaging with the gear ring. The ratchet includes a ratchet body, multiple receiving grooves on the ratchet body, and a jack and a spring plate located within the receiving grooves. The jack engages with the gear ring, and the spring plate connects the jack and the side wall of the receiving groove. A plastic annular baffle is located on the ratchet body to block the opening of the receiving groove on the ratchet body.

2. A flower drum according to claim 1, characterized in that: A limit ring is provided on the ratchet body, and the limit ring and the ratchet body form a stepped limit. The annular baffle is connected to the stepped limit.

3. A flower drum according to claim 1, characterized in that: A boss is provided on the inner side of the gear ring and on the side away from the ratchet.

4. A flower drum according to claim 3, characterized in that: The boss on the side facing the inside of the gear ring includes a smoothly connected plane and a slope, the slope being inclined towards the outside of the gear ring.

5. A flower drum according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tower base shell is provided with a limiting tube inside. The first bearing and the second bearing are respectively disposed at both ends of the tower base shell and abut against both ends of the limiting tube. The tower base shell is adjacent to the second bearing passing through one end of the hub shell and the fourth bearing of the hub shell near one end of the tower base shell.

6. A flower drum according to claim 5, characterized in that: A washer with a thickness of 0.5-2 mm is provided between the second bearing and the fourth bearing.

7. A flower drum according to claim 1, characterized in that: A waterproof ring is provided on the tower base shell, which is used to seal the gap between the tower base shell and the hub shell.

8. A flower drum according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing ring is provided between the side cover and the shaft.

9. A bicycle wheel set, characterized in that: Includes the drum as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A mountain bike, characterized in that: Includes the wheel set as described in claim 9.