Spindle structure for a bicycle

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of applied to the mandrel structure of bicycle, it includes a shaft, a quick-release handle and a connecting assembly.The shaft has a first end and a second end opposite the first end.The quick-release handle has a socket part and an operating part connected to the socket part, and the socket part is connected to the second end of the shaft.The connecting assembly is adjacent to the socket part of the quick-release handle, and the connecting assembly has a first connecting piece, a second connecting piece and a fixing piece.The fixing piece is connected to the second end of the shaft, and the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece are connected to the shaft through the fixing piece and surround the fixing piece.Accordingly, the fixing piece is hidden between the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece, reducing the risk of the fixing piece falling off.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a spindle structure, and particularly to a spindle structure for use in bicycles, which can quickly connect the rear wheel and rear fork of a bicycle, and can ensure the stability of the first connector and the second connector of the connecting assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, shared bicycles are available for public rental in various locations, making bicycles a common mode of transportation. In recent years, with changing usage habits, electric-assisted bicycles have become the preferred choice. Electric-assisted bicycles offer either human or electric power, allowing users to choose between pedaling or using a motor for different levels of power assistance. This reduces physical strain and increases riding distance, achieving a balance between exercise, fitness, and travel, making them widely popular. Whether traditional or electric-assisted, ease of maintenance has become a key design consideration in bicycle construction due to their widespread use. Therefore, bicycles incorporate many quick-disassembly and assembly features, allowing users to easily and quickly disassemble components such as the front and rear wheels.

[0003] Traditional quick-release mechanisms mainly consist of a shaft and a quick-release handle fixed to the shaft and operable. The user passes the shaft through the bicycle frame's rear fork and rear wheel. One end of the shaft has an external thread, allowing the user to quickly lock the shaft onto the rear fork by rotating the quick-release handle, thus assembling the rear wheel onto the fork. In electric-assisted bicycles, the hub motor is typically mounted on the rear wheel, requiring additional wiring for the battery to electrically connect to the hub motor. Therefore, some modern electric-assisted bicycles allow the hub motor to be electrically connected to the battery during the assembly of the rear wheel and rear fork.

[0004] Chinese invention patent CN117335223A discloses an electrical connector for attaching and detaching to a bicycle frame and a bicycle spindle assembly including the same. The spindle has a first electrical connector on the rear fork and a second electrical connector on the hub motor. The first electrical connector can be electrically connected to the second electrical connector on the hub motor via a magnetic attraction between a second magnetic element on the spindle and a first magnetic element on the first electrical connector. Alternatively, the first electrical connector can be selectively separated from the second electrical connector, resulting in a non-conductive state. While this patent does allow the hub motor to be electrically connected to the battery via the spindle, the connection between the spindle's sleeve and the second magnetic element is glued together with adhesive. Under prolonged outdoor use, the adhesive gradually deteriorates, making it easy for the second magnetic element to detach from the sleeve. There is still room for improvement.

[0005] Therefore, the applicant considered how to provide a structure that can stably connect the various components of the mandrel and increase its durability. Utility Model Content

[0006] Given the numerous shortcomings of the existing bicycle spindle structure, the main objective of this invention is to provide a spindle structure that can stably connect the various components, enabling the connecting components of the spindle structure to mechanically fix the first connector and the second connector, thereby avoiding the problem of adhesive deterioration.

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned main objectives, this utility model provides a spindle structure for bicycles, comprising a shaft, a quick-release handle, and a connecting assembly. The shaft has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The quick-release handle has a sleeve portion and an operating portion for connecting the sleeve portion, the sleeve portion being assembled to the second end of the shaft. The connecting assembly is adjacent to the sleeve portion of the quick-release handle, and the connecting assembly has a first connector, a second connector, and a fixing member. The fixing member is snapped into the second end of the shaft, and the first connector and the second connector are assembled to the shaft via the fixing member and surround the fixing member.

[0008] Through the aforementioned technical features, the fixing component of the connecting assembly is hidden between the first connecting component and the second connecting component, and the positions of the first connecting component and the second connecting component are restricted by the fixing component, thereby achieving the purpose of securely assembling the first connecting component and the second connecting component to the shaft, ensuring the strength of the connection. The fixing component can be, for example, a buckle, using a mechanical element to fix the first connecting component and the second connecting component to the shaft, avoiding the problem of adhesive deterioration and significantly reducing assembly time. The fixing component of this utility model is not exposed to the external environment, which not only achieves a simplified and integrated appearance, but also reduces the risk of the fixing component falling off due to impact or vibration, effectively preventing the first connecting component and the second connecting component from separating from the shaft, and increasing the overall durability of the mandrel structure.

[0009] Preferably, the second end of the shaft has two large-diameter sections and a combined section, with the combined section located between the two large-diameter sections. The outer diameter of the combined section is smaller than the outer diameters of the large-diameter sections, and the fastener of the connecting assembly is disposed in the combined section. Thus, a portion of the fastener is engaged with the combined section of the shaft, while other portions simultaneously abut against the first and second connecting members, restricting the positions of the first and second connecting members to both sides of the fastener.

[0010] Preferably, the outer peripheral surface of the first end of the axle is formed with an external thread, and the outer peripheral surface of the second end is formed with an external hexagonal shape, while the sleeve portion of the quick-release handle is formed with an internal hexagonal shape corresponding to the external hexagonal shape. In this way, the quick-release handle is securely connected to the axle, and the user can rotate the entire axle by operating the part, so that the external thread of the first end is quickly locked into the internal thread of the bicycle's rear fork.

[0011] Preferably, the first connector of the connecting assembly is made of a magnetically conductive material, and the second connector is made of a non-magnetically conductive material. The second connector is fitted over the first connector, and the first and second connectors together cover the fixing member. Thus, the first connector is magnetic, enabling the electrical connector of the bicycle's rear fork and the electrical connector of the hub motor to selectively switch between conductive and de-energized states via magnetic force. Furthermore, covering the first connector with the second connector effectively guides the magnetic lines of force, improving the efficiency of magnetic attraction.

[0012] Preferably, the second connector of the connecting assembly has a recess on the side facing the first connector to accommodate the fastener. This clamps the fastener between the first and second connectors, preventing it from being exposed to the external environment and effectively extending its service life.

[0013] Preferably, the first connector of the connecting assembly has multiple locking holes, and the second connector has multiple through holes. Multiple fasteners pass through these through holes and locking holes to assemble the first and second connectors. This fastener connection strengthens the connection between the first and second connectors, eliminating the need for adhesives and heating, thus reducing assembly time.

[0014] Preferably, it further includes a seal disposed between the sleeve portion of the quick-release handle and the second connector of the connecting assembly. This seal prevents external water or dust from entering the joint between the shaft, quick-release handle, and connecting assembly, reducing the chance of component damage.

[0015] Detailed construction, features, assembly, and usage of the spindle structure for bicycles provided by this invention will be described in the subsequent detailed description of embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that these detailed descriptions and the specific embodiments listed for implementing this invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this patent application. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Another perspective;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged view of the shaft of this utility model, showing the structure of the second end; and

[0021] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0022] The meanings of the reference numerals in the above figures are as follows:

[0023] 10. Mandrel structure;

[0024] 20. Shaft;

[0025] 21. First end;

[0026] 22. Second end;

[0027] 221. Large diameter section;

[0028] 222. Combined segments;

[0029] 223. Slot;

[0030] 30. Quick-release handle;

[0031] 31. Socket part;

[0032] 311. Through hole;

[0033] 32. Operations Unit;

[0034] 40. Connecting components;

[0035] 41. First connector;

[0036] 411. Perforation;

[0037] 42. Second connecting component;

[0038] 421. Circumferential wall;

[0039] 422. Keyhole;

[0040] 423. Depression;

[0041] 43. Fasteners;

[0042] 44. Locking components;

[0043] 50. Bolts;

[0044] 60. Sealing components. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The applicant first clarifies that in the embodiments and accompanying drawings described below, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components or structural features thereof. It should be noted that the components and structures in the drawings are for illustrative purposes and are not drawn to scale or in quantity; moreover, features of different embodiments may be used interchangeably if feasible in practice. Secondly, when it is stated that a component is disposed on another component, it means that the aforementioned component is directly disposed on the other component, or indirectly disposed on the other component; that is, one or more other components are disposed between the two components. Conversely, when it is stated that a component is "directly" disposed on another component, it means that no other components are disposed between the two components.

[0046] Please see Figures 1 to 5 The spindle structure 10 provided by this utility model mainly includes a shaft 20, a quick-release handle 30, and a connecting component 40.

[0047] The shaft 20 has a first end 21 and a second end 22 opposite to the first end 21. The outer peripheral surface of the first end 21 of the shaft 20 forms an external thread, and the outer peripheral surface of the second end 22 forms an external hexagonal shape. On the inner side of the external hexagonal shape, two large-diameter sections 221 and a combined section 222 are formed. The combined section 222 is located between the two large-diameter sections 221, and the outer diameter of the combined section 222 is smaller than the outer diameter of these large-diameter sections 221. Therefore, the combined section 222 presents a groove pattern relative to the two large-diameter sections 221.

[0048] The quick-release handlebar 30 has a sleeve portion 31 and an operating portion 32 that connects to the sleeve portion 31. The sleeve portion 31 forms an inner hexagonal shape corresponding to the outer hexagon of the second end 22 of the shaft 20, allowing the quick-release handlebar 30 to be assembled to the shaft 20 via the sleeve portion 31. The operating portion 32 has a handle shape and is perpendicular to the sleeve portion 31, allowing the user to quickly rotate the shaft 20 using the operating portion 32, locking the first end 21 of the shaft 20 into the rear fork of the bicycle. The sleeve portion 31 also forms a through hole 311, while the end face of the second end 22 of the shaft 20 is recessed to form a slot 223. A bolt 50 passes through the through hole 311 of the quick-release handlebar 30 and locks it into the slot 223 of the shaft 20, making the quick-release handlebar 30 and the shaft 20 more securely connected.

[0049] The connecting component 40 is adjacent to the socket 31 of the quick-release handle 30. The connecting component 40 has a first connector 41, a second connector 42, and a fixing member 43. The first connector 41 is made of a magnetic material, while the second connector 42 is made of a non-magnetic material. A ring wall 421 is formed on one side of the second connector 42 to fit the first connector 41. A plurality of locking holes 422 are formed on the inner side of the ring wall 421, and the first connector 41 has a plurality of through holes 411 corresponding to the positions of these locking holes 422. Thus, a plurality of fasteners 44 can be taken and passed through these through holes 411 and these locking holes 422 to assemble the first connector 41 and the second connector 42.

[0050] The second connector 42 has a recess 423 on the side facing the first connector 41 to accommodate the fixing member 43, so that the first connector 41 and the second connector 42 together cover the fixing member 43. From the appearance of the mandrel structure 10, the fixing member 43 is hidden, which can reduce the risk of the fixing member 43 falling off due to impact or vibration. The fixing member 43 is snapped into the assembly section 222 of the second end 22 of the shaft 20. After the first connector 41, the fixing member 43 and the second connector 42 are passed through the second end 22 of the shaft 20 in sequence, they are then assembled to the shaft 20 by the fixing member 43.

[0051] When the first connector 41 or the second connector 42 is pushed by an external force, the fixing member 43 cannot be displaced because part of its structure is located in the assembly section 222. This prevents the first connector 41 and the second connector 42 from moving along the shaft 20. This design restricts the fixed position of the first connector 41 and the second connector 42, effectively preventing the first connector 41 and the second connector 42 from separating from the shaft 20.

[0052] In addition, the spindle structure 10 of this utility model also includes a sealing element 60, which is disposed between the sleeve portion 31 of the quick release handle 30 and the second connecting member 42 of the connecting assembly 40. This position is exactly located at the junction of the second end 22 of the shaft 20, the sleeve portion 31 of the quick release handle 30 and the connecting assembly 40. The sealing element 60 can prevent external water or sand from affecting the internal components of the spindle structure 10 through the junction, thereby protecting the internal components.

[0053] In summary, the spindle structure 10 for bicycles provided by this utility model has at least the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0054] 1. The mandrel structure 10 of this utility model has a fixing member 43 of the connecting component 40 used to connect the first connecting member 41 and the second connecting member 42 to the second end 22 of the shaft 20. The positioning of the first connecting member 41 and the second connecting member 42 is achieved by mechanical structural design. Compared with the existing adhesive bonding method, this utility model can save a lot of assembly time and avoid the problem of adhesive deterioration.

[0055] 2. In the mandrel structure 10 of this utility model, the fixing member 43 of the connecting component 40 is surrounded by the first connecting member 41 and the second connecting member 42. From the appearance of the mandrel structure 10, the fixing member 43 is hidden, so that the fixing member 43 will not directly contact the external environment, achieving a simple and integrated appearance, and reducing the risk of the fixing member 43 falling off due to external impact or vibration, thereby increasing the stability and durability of the connecting component 40.

[0056] Finally, it must be stated again that the constituent elements described in the above embodiments of this utility model are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Substitutions or variations of other equivalent elements should also be covered by the patent application scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A spindle structure, incorporated into a rear fork of a bicycle, characterized in that, Includes: A shaft having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; A quick-release handle having a sleeve and an operating part connecting the sleeve, the sleeve being assembled to the second end of the shaft; and A connecting assembly is located adjacent to the sleeve portion of the quick-release handle. The connecting assembly has a first connector, a second connector, and a fixing member. The fixing member is snapped onto the second end of the shaft. The first connector and the second connector are connected to the shaft via the fixing member and surround the fixing member.

2. The mandrel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second end of the shaft has two large-diameter sections and a combined section, which is located between the two large-diameter sections and has an outer diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter sections. The fastener of the connecting assembly is located in the combined section.

3. The mandrel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer peripheral surface of the first end of the shaft is formed with an external thread, the outer peripheral surface of the second end is formed with an external hexagonal shape, and the sleeve of the quick-release handle is formed with an internal hexagonal shape corresponding to the external hexagonal shape.

4. The mandrel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector of the connecting assembly is made of a magnetic material, the second connector is made of a non-magnetic material, the second connector is fitted over the first connector, and the first connector and the second connector together cover the fixing member.

5. The mandrel structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second connector of the connecting assembly has a recessed portion on the side facing the first connector to accommodate the fixing member.

6. The mandrel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector of the connecting assembly has multiple locking holes, and the second connector has multiple through holes. Multiple fasteners pass through these through holes and locking holes to assemble the first connector and the second connector.

7. The mandrel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a seal disposed between the socket of the quick-release handle and the second connector of the connecting assembly.

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