Wheel locking axle and bicycle hub assembly

Abstract

Wheel safety axle (10) comprising: a shaft (20) comprising a first end section (22), a second end section (24) including a thread, and a shaft axis (AX); a disk (30) which is / is rotatably supported by the first end section (22) of the shaft (20); and a click mechanism (40) which is designed to transmit a torsional moment between the shaft (20) and the disk (20).

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 543,913, filed on November 18, 2014. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 543,913 is hereby incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] The present invention relates to a wheel locking axle and a bicycle hub assembly. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0003] A typical bicycle wheel is coupled to a hub support of a bicycle frame by a bicycle hub assembly. A bicycle hub assembly includes a hub shell, a hollow hub axle, and a wheel locking axle. A wheel rim is supported by spokes against the hub shell. For example, the hub shell is rotatably supported by a bearing on the hollow hub axle. The wheel locking axle is inserted through the hollow hub axle. The wheel locking axle includes a head (base section) and a threaded distal section that projects axially from opposite ends of the hollow hub axle. The threaded distal section of the wheel locking axle engages with a nut or a threaded through-hole in the hub support. This couples the wheel locking axle to the bicycle frame.Patent US 6,886,894 B2, according to Kanehisa, which is hereby incorporated by reference, describes an example of a conventional wheel locking axle. Another wheel locking axle is known, for example, from US 2013 / 0328,385 A1. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A first aspect of a wheel locking axle according to the present invention includes a shaft which includes a first end section, a second end section, a thread, a shaft axis, a disc which is rotatably supported with the first end section of the shaft and a click mechanism which is designed to transmit a torsional moment between the shaft and the disc.

[0005] In one example, the click mechanism is designed to allow the shaft to rotate around the shaft axis when the disc is in contact with a defined surface and is prevented from rotating relative to the defined surface.

[0006] In one example, the click mechanism is designed such that the disc rotates integrally with the shaft, at least when the disc is not in contact with the fixed surface.

[0007] In one example, the wheel locking axle further includes a housing which is coupled to the first end section and accommodates at least a section of the disc. The click mechanism is designed such that the shaft rotates integrally with the housing and the disc, at least when the disc is not in contact with the fixed surface.

[0008] In one example, the click mechanism includes at least a first click element formed on one side of the disc and the housing, and at least a second click element formed on the other side of the disc and the housing, and an actuating element that elastically acts on the housing towards the disc in an axial direction, such that the click element elastically engages with the second click element.

[0009] In one example, at least the first click element consists of a multitude of protrusions arranged around the shaft axis at equal angular intervals. Each protrusion includes first and second inclined surfaces, which are inclined at different angles, as well as a cusp or vertex formed between the first and second inclined surfaces.

[0010] In one example, at least one second click element is a multitude of recesses formed around the shaft axis at equal angular intervals; each of the recesses includes third and fourth inclined surfaces, which are inclined at or with different angles, and a base or bottom formed between the third and fourth inclined surfaces.

[0011] In one example, the actuating element applies pressure to the housing in relation to the disk, such that the housing is movable in the axial direction relative to the disk.

[0012] In one example, the housing is supported by the shaft in such a way that the housing can be rotated around the shaft axis together with or freely from the disk.

[0013] In one example, the shaft includes a built-in socket formed on an end face of the first end section, and the housing includes a centering bore or center hole that allows a turning tool to physically access the built-in socket.

[0014] In one example, the shaft includes a shaft opening formed in an end face of the first end section. The wheel locking axle further includes a socket that fits into the shaft opening. The click mechanism includes at least a first click element formed on one side of the socket and the housing, at least a second click element formed on the other side of the socket and the housing, and an actuating element arranged in the shaft opening that actuates the socket towards the housing in an axial direction, such that the first click element engages with the second click element.

[0015] In one example, the socket is a cup-shaped or cup-shaped socket comprising a socket opening and an outer flange. The housing includes an inner flange with a centering bore that allows a turning tool to physically access the socket opening. At least one first click element and at least one second click element are formed on the outer flange of the socket and the inner flange of the housing, respectively.

[0016] In one example, at least the first click element consists of a multitude of protrusions arranged around the shaft axis at equal angular intervals. Each protrusion includes first and second inclined surfaces, which are inclined at the same or different angles, as well as a cusp or vertex formed between the first and second inclined surfaces.

[0017] In one example, at least one second click element consists of a multitude of recesses arranged around the shaft axis at equal angular intervals. Each of the recesses includes third and fourth inclined surfaces, inclined at the same or different angles, and a base or bottom formed between the third and fourth inclined surfaces.

[0018] In one example, the socket is movable in the axial direction relative to the shaft when the disk is in contact with / comes into contact with the fixed surface.

[0019] In one example, the disk, the housing and the socket are integrally movable in the axial direction relative to the shaft, at least when the disk is not in contact with the fixed surface.

[0020] In one example, the shaft includes a circumferential surface that supports the disk, allowing the disk to move axially, and a disk stop that projects radially outward from the circumferential surface and restricts the disk's axial movement by making contact with it. The click mechanism includes an actuating element that generates an elastic recoil force in the axial direction, enabling the disk stop to rotate relative to the disk while in contact with it when the disk is in contact with the defined surface.

[0021] In one example, the disc is a bowl-shaped or shell-shaped disc that surrounds an outer surface of the disc stopper.

[0022] In one example, the disc includes a non-smooth surface that touches the defined surface and a smooth surface that touches the disc stopper.

[0023] In one example, the wheel locking axle further includes an elastic element, which is arranged on the second end section of the shaft on a side distal to the thread, to prevent the shaft from separating or coming loose. The elastic element has a maximum outer dimension that is larger than the diameter of the thread; the elastic element is capable of being compressed elastically to the diameter of the thread or less.

[0024] In one example, the wave is a hollow body which includes a central passage.

[0025] Another aspect of the present invention provides a bicycle hub assembly comprising: the protruding wheel locking axle, a hub shaft which includes a hub axle and which is secured to a bicycle frame by the wheel locking axle, and a hub shell which is supported by the hub shaft in order to be rotatable at least about the hub axle.

[0026] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to a person skilled in the art from the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] New features of the invention will become apparent from the attached claims. The invention, together with its objectives and advantages, will best be understood by reference to the following description and the preferred embodiment presented here, together with the attached drawings, in which: Fig. 1 a side view of the first embodiment of a wheel locking axle; Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 a perspective view of the wheel locking axle of Fig. 1 is; Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 a perspective exploded view of the wheel locking axle of Fig. 1 is; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a disc; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a housing which includes a click element; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a version which includes a click element; Fig. 9 to 11 partial cross-sectional views of the wheel locking axle are shown; Fig. 12 is a side view of a second embodiment of a wheel locking axle; Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 perspective exploded views of the wheel locking axle of Fig. 12 are; Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a housing which includes a click element; Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a disc which includes a click element; Fig. 17 to 19 Partial cross-sectional views of the wheel safety axle of Fig. 12 are; Fig. 20 is a perspective view of an elastic element; Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a modified example of the elastic element; Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view, which shows the use of the elastic element of Fig. 21 illustrates; and Fig. Figure 23 is a perspective exploded view illustrating a bicycle hub arrangement. FORMS OF EXECUTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Several embodiments of a wheel locking axle are now described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a first embodiment of a wheel locking axle 10 comprises a base section 12 (also referred to as a head) and a threaded distal section 14. A bicycle frame 100 includes hub supports 100a and 100b. The wheel locking axle 10 is secured to the bicycle frame 100 by the hub supports 100a and 100b. The base section 12 of the wheel locking axle 10 is pressed against a defined surface 104 in the axial direction. The defined surface 104 can be a side surface of the bicycle frame 100. The hub support 100a of the first embodiment includes a through-hole 102a. The hub support 100b includes an internally threaded through-hole 102b.

[0030] As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the wheel locking axle 10 includes a shaft 20 (also referred to as a pointed shaft), a disc 30 and a click mechanism 40.

[0031] The shaft 20 includes a first end section 22, a second end section 24 which includes threads, and a shaft axis AX. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the shaft 20 includes a shaft opening 22c in an end surface 22a of the first end section 22. The shaft opening 22c is not circular and is, for example, a hexagonal hole.

[0032] The shaft 20 of the first embodiment includes a shaft circumferential surface 26 and a disc stop 22b, which extends from the shaft circumferential surface 26 in a radial outward direction. The axial movement of the control shaft 30 is restricted when the disc stop 22b is in contact with the disc 30 in the axial direction. Although not specifically restricted, the disc stop 22b can be a flange or a projection. The disc stop 22b can be a section of the shaft or a desired component different from the shaft 20, for example, a C-shaped ring that is secured in a groove formed in the shaft circumferential surface 26.

[0033] The disk 30 is moved from the second end section 24 to the first end section 22 along the shaft circumferential surface 26 and is coupled to the shaft 20 at the first end section 22. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the disc 30 includes a smooth surface 32 and a non-smooth surface 34. The non-smooth surface 34 of the disc 30 touches the defined surface 104 of the bicycle frame 100 (referring to Fig. 1) Although not particularly restricted, the non-smooth surface 34 can, for example, be a rough surface, a knurled surface, a surface comprising regular or irregular projections, or a surface comprising regular or irregular grooves. The smooth surface 32 of the disk 30 contacts the disk stop 22b. The disk 30 is rotationally supported by the first end section 22 of the shaft 20 when the shaft contacts the disk stop 22. The disk 30 is cup-shaped and surrounds an outer surface of the disk stop 22b. The disk 30 includes at least one projection 38 which projects from a rim 36 in the radial outward direction. The disk 30 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of projections 38 which are arranged at equal angular intervals. Each projection 38 extends in a straight manner and in a direction parallel to the shaft axis AX.

[0034] As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a housing 50, a socket 60 and a pressure member 70 are coupled to the first end section 22 of the shaft 20.

[0035] With regard to the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 The housing 50 accommodates at least a section of the disk 30. The housing 50 includes grooves 52 which engage the projections 38. The engagement of the projections 38 and the grooves 52 rotates integrally with the housing 50 and the disk 30. The housing 50 includes an internal flange 54 which defines a centering bore or center hole 51.

[0036] As in the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the socket 60 includes a shaft 62, which fits into the shaft opening 22c of the shaft 20. The shaft 62 of the first embodiment is hexagonal and includes six engagement surfaces or corners corresponding to the shaft opening 22c. The socket 60 includes a socket opening 68, which communicates with the centering bore 51 of the housing 50. The socket opening 68 serves as an engagement section, which engages with a rotary tool such as an Allen wrench or an electrically powered tool. The socket opening 68 is, for example, a hexagonal hole. A rotary tool engages with the socket opening 68 through the centering bore 51 of the housing 50.

[0037] The click mechanism 40 is now referred to in relation to the Fig. Described in sections 7 to 9.

[0038] The click mechanism 40 is arranged between the shaft 20 and the disk 30. The click mechanism 40 is designed to allow relative rotation of the disk 30 and the shaft 20 when a torsional moment exceeds a certain torque value or when rotational resistance (described below) is generated between the disk 30 and the shaft 20. The click mechanism 40 of the first embodiment is formed by a plurality of first click elements 64, which are formed on the socket 60, a plurality of second click elements 56, which are formed in the housing 50, and the actuating element 70.

[0039] The first click elements 64 are a plurality of projections formed on an outer flange 66 of the socket 60 at equal angular intervals around the shaft axis AX. Each projection includes a first inclined surface 46a, a second inclined surface 46b, and a tip or vertex 64c formed between the first inclined surface 64a and the second inclined surface 64b. The first and second inclined surfaces 64a and 64b of the first embodiment are inclined at the same angle with respect to the outer flange 66 of the socket 60. The first and second inclined surfaces 64a and 64b can be inclined at different angles. Although the first and second inclined surfaces 64a and 64b of the first embodiment are flat, they can also be curved.Although the first click element 64 of the first embodiment is a rib-like elongated projection, the first click element 64 can be a tapered projection having a point or a hemispherical projection.

[0040] The second click elements 56 are a plurality of recesses formed on the inner flange 54 of the housing 50 at equal angular intervals around the shaft axis AX. Each recess includes a third inclined surface 56a, a fourth inclined surface 56b, and a base 56c formed between the third inclined surface 56c and the fourth inclined surface 56b. The third and fourth inclined surfaces 56a and 56b are inclined at the same angle with respect to the inner flange 54 of the housing 50. The third and fourth inclined surfaces 56a and 56b can be inclined at different angles. The third and fourth inclined surfaces 56a and 56b can be flat or curved. Although the second click element 56 of the first embodiment is a groove-like recess, the second click element 56 can be a dimple.

[0041] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the actuating element 70, which is received in the shaft opening 22c, applies axial force to the socket 60 and the housing 50. The actuating element 70 is, for example, a compression coil spring. When the actuating element 70 applies axial force to the socket 60, each of the first click elements 64 engages with one of the second click elements 56.

[0042] The actuation of the click mechanism 40 is now described with reference to the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 described.

[0043] The present invention defines the positions of the wheel locking axle 10 in the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 as a normal position and as a switched position. At the normal position, shown in Fig. 10, the tips 64c of the first click elements 64 engage with the base sides 56c of the second click elements 56. At the activated position, shown in Fig. 11, the tips 64c of the first click elements 64 each touch a boundary of the adjacent second click elements 56. The actuating element 70 enables the socket 60 to enter the shaft opening 22c between the normal position ( Fig. 10) and the switched position ( Fig. 11) to be moved in the axial direction solely by means of a click action SL. The click mechanism 40 has a torque value or a rotational resistance in accordance with, for example, the geometry of the click elements 56 and 64 and the elastic restoring coefficient (spring constant) of the actuating element 70.

[0044] The user, for example a rider or a repairman, can secure the wheel locking axle 10 to the bicycle frame 100. The user inserts a turning tool with the socket opening 68 through the centering bore 51 of the housing 50 and rotates the socket 60 with the turning tool. The rotation of the socket 60 rotates the shaft 20 and tightens the threaded distal section 14 of the wheel locking axle 10 in the internally threaded through-hole 102b of the hub support 100b.

[0045] At least when the disc 30 is not in contact with the fixed surface 104 of the bicycle frame 100, the socket 60 and the housing 50 do not rotate, and the click mechanism 40 does not produce any clicks. Consequently, the shaft 20 and the disc 30 rotate integrally with each other.

[0046] When the non-smooth surface 34 of the disc 30 is in contact with the fixed surface 104 of the bicycle frame 100, the wheel locking axle 10 generates an axial force or a tightening force, and the torsional moment between the disc 30 and the shaft 20 increases. If the torsional moment exceeds the torque of the click mechanism 40, the socket 30 and the housing 50 rotate relative to each other, and the click mechanism 40 generates clicks. Although the shaft 20 continues to rotate about the shaft axis AX, the click mechanism 40 prevents the disc 30 from rotating with respect to the fixed surface 104. This prevents or reduces the damage that would be caused by rotation of the disc 30 into the fixed surface 104 when the wheel locking axle 10 is secured to the bicycle frame 100.

[0047] When the disc 30 and the shaft 20 rotate relative to each other, the click mechanism 40 generates clicks or one click. A user can determine the next or appropriate tightening torque based on the number of clicks generated by the click mechanism 40.

[0048] A situation in which the user releases or removes the wheel locking axle 10 from the bicycle frame 100 is described below. In an initial stage, with the wheel locking axle 10 released, the user uses a rotary tool to rotate the socket 60 (and shaft 20) with a relatively high torque. In this case, the click mechanism 40 continuously generates clicks. The click mechanism 40 prevents the disc 30 from rotating when the non-smooth surface 34 of the disc 30 is in contact with the fixed surface 104 of the bicycle frame 100. This prevents or reduces damage to the fixed surface 104 caused by the rotation of the disc 30.

[0049] The rotation of the shaft 20 reduces the axial force, or the tightening force of the wheel locking axle 10, and the torsional moment between the disc 30 and the shaft 20. When the non-smooth surface 34 of the disc 30 is no longer engaged with the fixed surface 104 of the bicycle frame 100, the click mechanism 40 stops generating clicks. The disc 30 and the housing 50 rotate integrally with the shaft 20 and the socket 60. This allows the wheel locking axle 10 to be removed from the bicycle frame 100 without, or in particular without, loosening the disc 30 relative to the shaft 20.

[0050] The first embodiment has the following advantages.

[0051] (1) The wheel locking axle comprises the shaft 20, which includes the first end section 22, the second end section 24 which contains threads, and the shaft axis AX, the disc 30, which is rotatably supported by the first end section 22 of the shaft 20, and the click mechanism 40, which is arranged between the shaft 20 and the disc 30. The click mechanism 40 prevents or reduces damage to the fixed surface 104 caused by rotation of the disc 30. In addition, the click mechanism 40 produces clicks. This allows the user to know the next tightening torque. For example, in dim or dark conditions, the user does not need to see the disc 30 to recognize that it is in contact with the fixed surface 104 by referring to the click sounds or vibrations of the click mechanism 40.

[0052] (2) The wheel locking axle 10 includes a housing 50, which is coupled to the first end section 22 and accommodates at least one section of the disc 30. The click mechanism 40 is designed such that the shaft 20 rotates integrally with the housing 50 and the disc, at least when the disc 30 is not in contact with the defined surface 104. In this configuration, the click mechanism 40 does not produce a click when the disc 30 is not in contact with the defined surface 104. This allows the user to recognize whether or not the disc 30 is in contact with the defined surface 104.

[0053] (3) The shaft 20 includes the shaft opening 22c, which is formed in the end face 22a of the first end section 22. The wheel locking axle 10 includes the socket 60, which fits into the shaft opening 22c. The click mechanism 40 includes at least a first click element 64, which is formed on one side of the socket 60 and the housing 50, at least a second click element 56, which is formed on the other side of the socket 60 and the housing 50, and the actuating element 70. The actuating element 70 is arranged in the shaft opening 22c and actuates the socket 60 towards the housing 50 in the axial direction, such that the first click element 64 engages with the second click element 56. In this configuration, the click mechanism 40 produces clicks when the socket 60 rotates and moves in the axial direction simultaneously.

[0054] (4) The socket 60 includes the socket opening 68 and the outer flange 66. The housing 50 includes the inner flange 54, which contains the centering bore 51 that allows a turning tool to physically access the socket opening 68. The first click elements 64 and the second click elements 56 are formed on the outer flange 66 of the socket 60 and on the inner flange 54 of the housing 50, respectively. In this structure, a flat surface between the first click elements 64 of the outer flange 66 stabilizes the rotation of the socket 60. Additionally, the click mechanism 40 generates clicks in the vicinity of a turning tool. This allows the user to directly and sensitively feel the clicks of the click mechanism 40.

[0055] (5) The first click elements 64 are projections formed around the shaft axis AX at equal angular intervals. Each projection includes the first inclined surface 64a and the second inclined surface 64b, which are inclined at the same angle or at different angles. The tip 64c is formed between the first and second inclined surfaces 64a and 64b. This structure allows for an increase in the number of clicks of the click mechanism 40 per rotation of the shaft 20. In addition, the torque of the click mechanism 40 can be constant regardless of the direction of rotation of the shaft 20 or varied according to the direction of rotation of the shaft 20.

[0056] (6) The second click elements 56 are recesses formed around the shaft axis AX at equal angular intervals. Each of the recesses includes third inclined surfaces 56a and fourth inclined surfaces 56b, which are inclined at the same angle or at different angles. The base 56c is formed between the third and fourth inclined surfaces 56a and 56b. This structure allows for an increase in the number of clicks of the click mechanism 40 per rotation of the shaft 20. In addition, the torque of the click mechanism 40 can be kept constant regardless of the direction of rotation of the shaft 20 or varied accordingly with the direction of rotation of the shaft 20.

[0057] (7) When the disc 30 is in contact with the fixed surface 102 of the bicycle frame 100, the socket 60 is movable in the axial direction relative to the shaft 20. Although vibrations of the bicycle frame 100 will be transmitted directly to the disc 30 from the fixed surface 104, the movement of the socket 60 in the axial direction absorbs some of the vibrations. Consequently, the click mechanism 40 reduces the vibration transmitted to the shaft 20 and prevents the shaft 20 from loosening.

[0058] (8) At least when the disc 30 is not in contact with the fixed surface 104, the disc 30, the housing 50, and the socket 60 are integrally movable in the axial direction relative to the shaft 20. In this configuration, when an axial impact affects the shaft 20 or the housing, the impact is partially absorbed by the axial movement of the shaft 20 relative to the subset of the disc 30, the housing 50, and the socket 60. This reduces the damage to the wheel locking axle 10.

[0059] (9) The shaft 20 includes the shaft circumferential surface 26, which movably supports the disk 30 in the axial direction, and the disk stop 22b, which projects radially outward from the shaft circumferential surface 26 and restricts the movement of the disk 30 in the axial direction by making contact with the disk 30. The click mechanism 40 includes the actuating element 70, which generates an elastic restoring force in the axial direction. When the disk 30 is in contact with the fixed surface 104, the elastic restoring force allows the disk stop 22b to rotate relative to the disk 30 while it is in contact with the disk 30. In this structure, the restoring force of the actuating element 70 stabilizes the relative rotation of the disk 30 and the disk stop 22b. Additionally, it prevents the disk 30 from detaching from the shaft 20.

[0060] (10) The disc 30 is cup- or shell-shaped and surrounds the outside of the disc stopper 22b. This structure prevents or reduces the movement of the disc 30 and prevents the ingress of foreign material between the disc 30 and the disc stopper 22b.

[0061] (11) The disc 30 includes the non-smooth surface 34, which contacts the fixed surface 104, and the smooth surface 32, which contacts the disc stop 22b. With this structure, the smooth surface 32 of the disc 30 does not interrupt the rotation of the shaft 20. The non-smooth surface 34 and the smooth surface 32 differ significantly in their coefficient of friction. Consequently, the disc 30 immediately stops rotating when it contacts the fixed surface 104. This prevents or reduces damage to the fixed surface 104 caused by the rotation of the disc 30.

[0062] (12) The wheel locking axle 10 includes the mounting opening 68, which communicates with the centering bore 51 of the housing 50 and serves as an engagement section that engages with a rotary tool. This structure reduces the air resistance of the wheel locking axle 10 compared to a lever-type wheel locking axle.

[0063] (13) The actuating element 70 is arranged in the shaft opening 22c. This structure reduces the head thickness L1 (referring to Fig. 1) of the wheel locking axle 10. Reducing the head thickness L1 is preferable from the perspective of aerodynamic drag. The head thickness L1 is 7.8 mm in the first embodiment. The head thickness L1 can be less than 7.8 mm.

[0064] A second embodiment of the wheel locking axle 10 is now described with reference to the Fig. 12 to 20 are described, with emphasis placed on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0065] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the wheel locking axle 10 includes the base section 12 and the threaded distal section 14. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the shaft opening 22c of the shaft 20, which can be a hexagonal hole, functions as an engagement section that engages with a turning tool. The shaft opening 22c can be described as a built-in socket. As shown in the Fig. 13 and Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the centering bore 51 of the housing 50 is not circular, for example, a hexagonal hole. A turning tool can access or engage the shaft opening 22c through the centering bore 51 of the housing 50. The first end section 22 of the shaft 20 includes a nut 22d. The nut 22d is designed to fit into the centering bore 51 of the housing 50. Consequently, the housing 50 rotates integrally with the shaft 20.

[0066] As in the Fig. 13, Fig. 14 and Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the housing 50 is supported by the shaft 20 and is rotatable about the shaft axis AX together with or without the disk 30. A cap 80 is secured to the shaft 20 by a C-shaped ring, which is coupled near the shaft opening 22c. The actuating element 70 is arranged at an annular distance between the cap 80 and the housing 50. The actuating element 70 applies force to the housing towards the disk 30, such that the housing 50 can move in the axial direction relative to the disk 30. The actuating element 70 can be a corrugated spring.

[0067] The click mechanism 40 of the second embodiment is designed as a plurality of first click elements 64 formed in the housing 50, a plurality of second click elements 56 formed in the disk 30, and the actuating element 70.

[0068] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the first click elements 64 are a plurality of projections formed on the inner flange 54 of the housing 50 at equal angular intervals around the shaft axis AX. Each projection includes a first inclined surface 64a, a second inclined surface 64b, and a tip 64c formed between the first inclined surface 64a and the second inclined surface 64b. The first and second inclined surfaces 64a and 64b of the second embodiment are inclined at different angles with respect to the inner flange 54 of the housing 50. The first and second inclined surfaces 64a and 64b of the second embodiment can be inclined at the same angle. Although the first and second inclined surfaces 64a and 64b of the second embodiment are flat, they can also be curved.Although the first click element 64 of the second embodiment is a wave-like elongated projection, the first click element 64 can be a tapered projection, have a point or a hemispherical projection.

[0069] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the edge 36 of the disk 30 includes an end surface 36a on one side opposite the non-smooth surface 34. The end surface has a larger diameter than the smooth surface 32. The second click elements 56 are a plurality of recesses formed on the end surface 36a of the disk 30 at equal angular intervals around the shaft axis AX. Each of the recesses includes a third inclined surface 56a, a fourth inclined surface 56b, and a base 56c formed between the third inclined surface 56a and the fourth inclined surface 56b. The third and fourth inclined surfaces 56a and 56b are inclined at different angles relative to the end surface 36a of the disk 30. The third and fourth inclined surfaces 56a and 56b can be inclined at the same angle.Although the third and fourth inclined surfaces 56a and 56b of the second embodiment are flat, the third and fourth inclined surfaces 56a and 56b can be curved. Although the second click element 56 of the second embodiment is a groove-like recess, the second click element 56 can be a dimple.

[0070] The click mechanism 40 of the second embodiment generates clicks when the first click elements 64 move over the second click elements 56 as soon as the shaft 20 rotates. In this case, the housing 50 moves in the axial direction against the actuating force of the actuating element 70.

[0071] The property of the click mechanism 40 to restrict the release is now described with reference to the Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 described.

[0072] Fig. Figure 18 shows the wheel locking axle 10, which is not coupled to the bicycle frame 100. A gap is formed between the disc 30 and the disc stop 22b. Fig. Figure 19 shows the wheel locking axle 10, which is coupled to the bicycle frame 100. The disc 30 is in contact with the disc stop 22b and is clamped between the disc stop 22b and the fixed surface 104 of the bicycle frame 100. The state of Fig. 19 is defined as a locked state of the wheel locking axle 10. When the wheel locking axle 10 is in the locked state, the actuating force of the actuating element 70 continuously presses the disc 30 against the defined surface 104. In this way, the click mechanism 40 prevents or reduces spontaneous loosening of the wheel locking axle 10.

[0073] The second embodiment has the following advantages in addition to the advantages of the first embodiment.

[0074] (14) The second click elements 56 are formed on the edge 36 of the disc 30. This structure allows for an increase in the number of second click elements 56. The distance from the shaft axis AX to the second click elements 56 can also be increased. This increases the degree of freedom for adjusting the torque or the rotational resistance of the click mechanism 40.

[0075] (15) The actuating element 70 acts on the housing 50 towards the disk 30, such that the housing 50 can be moved axially relative to the disk 30. This structure allows the housing 50 and the disk 30 to move axially, such that the distance between the housing 50 and the disk 30 decreases in response to the actuating force of the actuating element 70. This prevents or reduces the loosening of the wheel locking axle 10.

[0076] (16) The housing 50 is rotatable about the shaft axis AX together with or without the disk 30. This structure prevents the disk 30 from rotating when the housing 50 rotates integrally with the shaft 20. This prevents or reduces damage to the fixed surface 104 caused by rotation of the disk 30.

[0077] (17) The shaft 20 includes the shaft opening 22c, which serves as a built-in socket formed in the end face 22a of the first end section 22. This structure allows for an increase in the inner diameter of the engagement section that engages with a turning tool. For example, the socket opening 68 of the first embodiment is turned with a turning tool of 4 mm in diameter, and the shaft opening 22c of the second embodiment is turned with a turning tool of 6 mm in diameter. The socket opening 68 of the first embodiment can be turned with a turning tool of 5 or 6 mm in diameter. The shaft opening 22c of the second embodiment can be turned with a turning tool of 5 or 6 mm in diameter.

[0078] Only a few embodiments have been selected and described to illustrate the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments (and one or more aspects of the embodiments). For example, the embodiment can be modified as follows.

[0079] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, an elastic element 16 can be arranged at the second end section 24 of the shaft 20 at one of the threaded distal ends to prevent the shaft 20 from separating or coming loose. The elastic element 16 has a maximum outer dimension that is larger than the diameter of the second end section 24 and can be elastically compressed to a dimension that is less than or equal to the diameter of the second end section 24. The elastic element 16 is, for example, an O-ring ( Fig. 20). In a modified example of Fig. 21 includes an elastic element 16a, at least one thin plate spring 16b, and a C-shaped ring 16c. The thin plate spring 16b has a free end and a base end, which is connected to the C-shaped ring 16c. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the thin plate spring 16b is arranged at the distal end of the wheel locking axle 10.

[0080] As in Fig.Figure 23 shows that the wheel locking axle 10 of the embodiments and the modified example can interact with a hub shaft 92 (also referred to as a hollow hub shaft) and a hub shell 94 to form a bicycle assembly 90. The hub shaft 92, having a hub axle HA, is secured to the bicycle frame 100 by the wheel locking axle 10. The hub shell 94 is secured by the hub shaft 92 and is rotatable at least about the hub axle HA. The hub shaft 92 and the hub shell 94 may be known and are not described in detail herein.

[0081] In the embodiments, the projections and recesses of the click mechanism 40 can be interchanged. For example, the first click elements 64 can be located on the housing 50 and the second click elements 56 can be located on the socket 60. The same configuration can be applied to the second embodiment.

[0082] The number of the first clickable elements (64) is unlimited as long as there is at least one clickable element. The number of the second clickable elements (56) is unlimited as long as there is at least one clickable element. If one of the first clickable elements (64) and one of the second clickable elements (56) contain a single element, it is preferred that the other contain more than one element.

[0083] A nut can be attached to the threaded second end section 24 of the shaft 20. In this case, the hub support 100b of the bicycle frame 100 can include a through hole instead of the internally threaded through hole 102.

[0084] The shaft 20 of the embodiment is a hollow body having a central passage. The shaft 20, excluding the shaft opening 22c, can be made of a solid body.

[0085] The wheel locking axle 10 can be a front locking axle, which is used to secure a front hub axle to the bicycle frame 100, or a rear locking axle, which is used to secure a rear hub axle to the bicycle frame 100.

[0086] The term "comprehensive" and its derivatives, as used herein, are to be understood as open terms that specify the presence of the aforementioned features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words with similar meanings, for example, the terms "exhibiting," "including," and their derivatives.

[0087] The term "touching", as used herein, includes configurations in which one element directly touches another element, and configurations in which the element indirectly touches another element by means of an adhesive.

[0088] The term “part”, “section”, “section”, “link” or “element”, when used in the singular, can have the plural meanings of a single part or a multitude of parts.

[0089] The terms "oblique," "inclined," "slanted," or "beveled," as used herein, encompass not only straight or linear configurations but also curved / bent / wavy configurations, provided such configurations are inclined relative to the baseline. The ordinal numbers, such as "first" and "second" as cited in the present application, are merely identifiers and have no other meaning, such as indicating a particular sequence or the like. Furthermore, the term "first element," for example, does not imply the existence of a "second element," and the term "second element" does not imply the existence of a "first element."

[0090] The term "a" or "an" unit refers to one or more of these units. The term itself, such as "a", "one or more", and "at least one", can be used interchangeably here.

[0091] The terms "at least one", "one or more", and "and / or" are open terms that can be used in both the subjunctive and disjunctive moods. For example, the expressions "at least one of a, b and c", "at least one of a, b or c", "one or more of a, b and c", "one or more of a, b, or c" and "a, b and / or c" mean a alone, b alone, c alone, a and b together, a and c together, b and c together, or a, b and c together.

[0092] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be implemented in various other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, some components disclosed in the embodiments (one or more aspects of the present embodiments) can be omitted or combined. The present examples and embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative only and not as limiting, and the invention is not limited to the details given therein, but can be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Wheel locking axle (10) comprising: a shaft (20) comprising a first end section (22), a second end section (24) including a thread, and a shaft axis (AX); a disk (30) which is / is rotatably supported by the first end section (22) of the shaft (20); and a click mechanism (40) which is designed to transmit a torsional moment between the shaft (20) and the disk (20). [2] Wheel locking axle (10) according to claim 1, in which the click mechanism (40) is designed to allow the shaft (20) to rotate about the shaft axis (AX) when the disc (30) is in contact with a defined surface (104) and is prevented from rotating relative to the defined surface (104). [3] Wheel locking axle (10) according to claim 2, in which the click mechanism (40) is designed such that the disc (30) rotates integrally with the shaft (20), at least when the disc (30) is not in contact with the fixed surface (104). [4] Wheel locking axle (10) according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a housing (50) which is / will be coupled to the first end section (22) and accommodates at least a section of the disc (30), wherein the click mechanism (40) is designed such that the shaft (20) rotates integrally with the housing and the disc (30), at least when the disc (30) is not in contact with the defined surface (104). [5] Wheel locking axle (10) according to claim 4, in which the click mechanism (40) includes at least a first click element (64) which is formed on one of the disc (30) and the housing (50), at least a second click element (56) which is formed on the other by the disc (30) and the housing (50) and a pressure element (70) which elastically applies pressure to the housing (50) towards the disk (30) in an axial direction, such that the first click element (64) elastically engages with the second click element (56). [6] Wheel locking axle (10) according to claim 5, in which the actuating member (70) acts on the housing (50) towards the disk (30) such that the housing is movable in the axial direction relative to the disk (30). [7] Wheel locking axle (10) according to claim 5 or 6, in which the housing (50) is supported by the shaft (20) such that the housing (50) is rotatable about the shaft axis (AX) together with or free from the disk (30). [8] Wheel locking axle (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shaft (20) includes a shaft opening (22c) which is formed on an end surface (22a) of the first end section (22), wherein the wheel locking axle further includes a socket (60) which is fitted into the shaft opening (22c), and wherein the click mechanism (40) includes at least a first click element (64) which is formed on one of the socket (60) and the housing (50), at least a second click element (56) which is formed on the other by the socket (60) and the housing (50) and a pressure element (70) which is arranged in the shaft opening (22c) and applies pressure to the socket (60) towards the housing (50) in an axial direction, such that the first click element (64) engages with the second click element (56). [9] Wheel locking axle (10) according to claim 8, wherein the socket (60) is a cup-shaped socket comprising a socket opening and an outer flange (66), the housing (50) comprising an inner flange comprising a central hole (51) which enables a rotary tool to physically access the socket opening, and wherein the at least one first click element (64) and the at least one second click element (56) are formed on the outer flange (66) of the socket (60) and on the inner flange of the housing (50). [10] Wheel locking axle (10) according to claim 8 or 9, in which the socket (60) is moved in the axial direction relative to the shaft (20) when the disk (30) is in contact with the defined surface (104). [11] Wheel locking axle (10) according to claim 8 or 9 or 10, wherein the disk (30), the housing (50) and the socket (60) are integrally movable in the axial direction relative to the shaft (20), at least when the disk (30) is not in contact with the fixed surface (104). [12] Wheel locking axle (10) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the shaft (20) includes a built-in socket which is formed on an end face of the first end section (22) and the housing (50) includes a central hole (51) which enables a turning tool to physically access the built-in socket. [13] Wheel locking axle (10) according to one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the shaft (20) includes a circumferential surface (26) which supports the disk (30) in such a way that the disk (30) is movable in the axial direction and a disc stopper (22b) which projects from the shaft circumferential surface (26) in a radial outward direction and restricts the movement of the disc (30) in the axial direction by touching the disc (30) in the axial direction, wherein the click mechanism (40) includes an actuating element (70) which generates an elastic recoil force in the axial direction to enable the disc stopper (22b) to rotate relative to the disc (30) while it is touching the disc (30) when the disc (30) is in contact with the defined surface (104). [14] Wheel locking axle (10) according to claim 13, wherein the disc (30) is a shell-shaped disc (30) which surrounds an outer surface of the disc stopper (22b). [15] Wheel locking axle (10) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the disc (30) includes a non-smooth surface (34) which touches the defined surface (104) and a smooth surface (32) which touches the disc stopper (22b). [16] Wheel locking axle (10) according to one of claims 5 to 15, in which the at least one first click element (64) is formed from a plurality of projections (38) which are formed around the shaft axis (AX) at equal angular intervals, wherein each of the projections (38) includes first and second inclined surfaces which are inclined at the same angle or different angles and a tip or vertex is formed between the first and second inclined surface. [17] Wheel locking axle (10) according to one of claims 5 to 16, in which the at least one second click element (56) is formed from a plurality of recesses which are formed around the shaft axis (AX) at equal angular intervals, wherein each of the recesses includes third and fourth inclined surfaces which are inclined at the same angle or at different angles and a base which is formed between the third and fourth inclined surfaces. [18] Wheel locking axle (10) according to one of claims 5 to 7 and 12 to 17, further comprising an elastic element (16) which is arranged on the second end section (24) of the shaft (20) towards a side distal to the thread in order to prevent separation from the shaft (20), wherein the elastic element (16) has a maximum outer dimension which is greater than a diameter of the thread and wherein the elastic element (16) is able to be elastically compressed to the diameter of the thread or less. [19] Wheel locking axle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the shaft (20) is a hollow body which includes a central passage. [20] Bicycle hub assembly comprising: the wheel locking axle (10) according to one of claims 1 to 19; a hub shaft (92) which includes a hub axle (HA) and which is secured to a bicycle frame (100) by the wheel locking axle (10); and a hub shell (94) which is supported by the hub shaft (92) in order to be rotatable at least about the hub axis (HA).

Images