LIGHT VEHICLE DRIVE WHEEL MOUNTING DEVICE, AND VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A DEVICE

Abstract

LIGHT VEHICLE DRIVE WHEEL MOUNTING DEVICE, AND VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A DEVICE Device comprising: - a wheel hub (1) with an external tubular hub structure (2) rotatably mounted around a coaxial internal tubular hub structure (3), - a central axle (9) sliding in the internal tubular hub structure (3), - a first receiving structure (10) and a second receiving structure (11), provided in the frame or chassis of the vehicle, - a drive part (12), rotatably mounted around the axial direction (II) on the first receiving structure (10), - a dog clutch device (15), comprising a hub dog clutch (16) integral with the external tubular hub structure (2),and comprising a drive dog (17) rotationally fixed to the drive part (12) and translationally movable along the axial direction (II) between an engagement position with the hub dog and a disengagement position away from the hub dog, - a mechanical linkage (18) between the central axis (9) and the drive dog (17), configured such that an axial displacement of the central axis produces a displacement of the drive dog between its engagement position and its disengagement position. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR MOUNTING A DRIVE WHEEL OF A LIGHT VEHICLE, AND VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the mounting of the drive wheels of light vehicles such as bicycles, scooters, tricycles.

[0002] In this field of light vehicles, it is useful for the wheels to be easily removable, either to reduce the size of the vehicle during transport, or for the adaptation of different wheels having different tire profiles, or for removing a wheel for the purpose of changing or repairing a damaged tire.

[0003] In the case of a drive wheel, the latter is associated with a transmission system for transmitting a rotational drive torque from a pedal assembly and / or a motor to the drive wheel.

[0004] In its most common current form, a traditional drive wheel comprises a hub connected by spokes to a rim on which the tire is located. The standard hub comprises an external tubular hub structure, rotatably mounted with interposition of bearings around a coaxial internal tubular hub structure in which a central axis is placed for fixing the ends in two receiving structures provided in the frame or chassis of the vehicle. The external tubular hub structure is secured, at one end, to a drive part in the form of a bevel gear in the case of a shaft and cardan transmission, or in the form of a pinion assembly in the case of a chain transmission.

[0005] In the case of a chain drive, disassembly and reassembly of such a traditional drive wheel structure are delicate and messy operations: for disassembly, the user must loosen the central axle and remove it, manually pull the chain away from the sprockets, remove the wheel without re-engaging the chain; for reassembly, the user must manually put the chain back around a sprocket by presenting the wheel at an angle, then position and hold the wheel so that the hub is aligned with the receiving structures, and finally engage and secure the central axle. These operations are made even more difficult when the vehicle is equipped with disc brakes, because the external tubular hub structure then includes a brake disc that the user must align correctly to engage it between fixed pads when reassembling the wheel.

[0006] In the case of a shaft and cardan transmission, the transmission system does not allow for a standard coupling between the system and a traditional wheel. It is then necessary to have a specific coupling, so that dismantling the wheel is a delicate, dirty operation requiring access to a mechanical workshop.

[0007] To facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the drive wheel, a tubular hub structure in 3 consecutive sections has already been proposed, for example in document FR 3 005 028 A, namely a central section constituting the wheel hub itself which carries the rim, a first lateral section carrying the drive part of the transmission system, and a second lateral section carrying the brake disc. The 3 sections are secured by a central axis which passes through them and which receives an axial tightening screw. The lateral sections of the tubular hub each pivot in bearings provided in a respective receiving structure of the frame or chassis of the vehicle.After removal of the central axle, the central section can be separated from the side sections by a lateral translational movement, so that the wheel can be removed without having to uncouple the transmission system and / or the brake disc, which remain permanently on the respective receiving structures.

[0008] Such a 3-section structure in principle makes it easier to remove and refit a drive wheel. A first disadvantage, however, is that such a device is not compatible with the use of a standard hub with an external tubular hub structure rotatably mounted around a coaxial internal tubular hub structure itself traversed by a central axis. This results in an additional cost incompatible with economical operation. A second disadvantage is the need, during refitting of the wheel, to manually couple the wheel with the transmission system, not only by positioning and holding the wheel, but also by indexing the respective angular positions of the wheel and of each of the lateral sections to interlock the interlocking shapes provided between the adjacent ends of the sections for their rotational securing.This coupling operation is delicate, especially since it must be carried out before and during the introduction and tightening of the central axle. Another disadvantage is the significant risk of losing the tightening screw before reassembling the wheel.

[0009] There is therefore a need to further facilitate the disassembly and reassembly of a drive wheel, in particular when it is a standard hub wheel having an external tubular hub structure rotatably mounted around a coaxial internal tubular hub structure itself crossed by a central fixing axis. Statement of the invention

[0010] A problem proposed by the present invention is to further facilitate the assembly and disassembly of a light vehicle drive wheel, in particular by reducing the number of operations to be carried out for this.

[0011] Another problem proposed by the present invention is to avoid having to index the angular position of the wheel when reassembling it.

[0012] Another problem proposed by the present invention is to produce such a drive wheel mounting device which is compatible with the use of a standard wheel hub with a coaxial internal tubular hub structure itself crossed by a central fixing axis.

[0013] Another problem addressed by the present invention is to provide such a drive wheel mounting device which avoids the need for small and loseable parts.

[0014] To achieve these and other objects, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for mounting a drive wheel of a light vehicle such as a bicycle, moped, motorcycle or tricycle, comprising: - a wheel hub, having a first hub end and a second hub end, and comprising an external tubular hub structure extending around an axial direction and rotatably mounted around a coaxial internal tubular hub structure, - a central axis, slidably mounted in the axial direction in the internal tubular hub structure, comprising a first axis end and a second axis end, and having a length greater than that of the internal tubular hub structure, - a first receiving structure, provided in the frame or chassis of the vehicle, and shaped to receive in axial engagement and removably retain the first axle end of the central axle when the latter is in a functional wheel holding position, - a drive part, rotatably mounted around the axial direction on the first receiving structure, - a dog clutch device, comprising a hub dog secured to the external tubular hub structure, and comprising a drive dog secured in rotation to the drive part and movable in translation in the axial direction between a position of engagement with the hub dog and a position of withdrawal away from the hub dog, - a mechanical connection between the central axis and the drive dog, shaped so that an axial movement of the central axis produces a movement of the drive dog between its engagement position and its withdrawal position.

[0015] With such a device, the operation of mounting a drive wheel is considerably simplified for the user: the user can hold the wheel with one hand to present the hub between and in alignment with the receiving structures, and hold the central axis with the other hand to make it penetrate into the first receiving structure, then into the hub and finally into the second receiving structure; the coupling between the transmission system and the wheel is achieved by this single maneuver of the central axis; and it is not necessary to manipulate the chain or the universal joint of the transmission system.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, such a drive wheel mounting device may be such that: - in the absence of the central axis, the drive dog is in its retracted position, set back from the internal face of the first receiving structure, so as to be away from the first hub end, - the first receiving structure comprises an internal face generally perpendicular to the axial direction to allow transverse movement of the first hub end in at least one direction of passage in the absence of the central axis. With such an arrangement, the wheel passage is completely freed as soon as the central axle is removed. In this way, it is possible to move the wheel by simple transverse translation for its installation and removal, and such a structure is compatible with the possible presence of a brake disc integral with the external tubular structure of the hub. Indeed, during a simple transverse translation, the brake disc easily engages between the brake pads without this requiring any particular attention from the user.

[0017] In practice, the drive wheel mounting device may be such that: - a first elastic means permanently urges the drive dog towards the hub dog and is shaped to move the drive dog to its position of engagement with the hub dog in the absence of an opposing urge, - the mechanical connection comprises a tubular spacer mounted to slide in the axial direction in the first receiving structure and around the central axis, between an engagement position in which it has no contact with the drive dog, and a retracted position in which it retains the drive dog in its retracted position against the stress of the first elastic means, - a second elastic means biases the tubular spacer towards its axial retracted position, the second elastic means having a stiffness greater than that of the first elastic means, - the mechanical connection comprises a connecting means between the central axis and the tubular spacer, shaped to maintain the tubular spacer in its engagement position when the central axis is in the functional wheel holding position, and shaped so as to release the tubular spacer to allow it to return to the retracted position under the action of the second elastic means when the central axis is moved away from the functional wheel holding position.

[0018] In this way, the user does not need to index the angular position of the wheel before and during the installation of the axle: the elastic means come to elastically support the drive dog against the hub dog, whatever the relative position of the teeth of the dogs, and the subsequent rotation of the drive dog requested by the transmission system will automatically cause the teeth of the dogs to engage relative to each other.

[0019] The drive wheel mounting device of the present invention may further include one or more of the following features: - the first elastic means may be a helical compression spring, arranged around the axial direction, bearing at a first end against the drive part, and bearing at a second end against the drive dog; the structure of such an elastic means is particularly simple, effective and inexpensive; - the second elastic means may be a helical compression spring, arranged around the tubular spacer, bearing at a first end against a first radial protuberance of the tubular spacer, and bearing at a second end against a transverse facet of the first receiving structure; the structure of such an elastic means is particularly simple, effective and inexpensive; - the tubular spacer may comprise a second radial protuberance, the second radial protuberance being shaped so as to bear against a front face of the drive dog to retain the latter in its retracted position when the tubular spacer is in the axial retracted position, the second radial protuberance being shaped so as to be away from said front face of the drive dog when the tubular spacer is in its axial engagement position; in this way, the mechanical connection between the tubular spacer and the drive dog is particularly simple and inexpensive; in addition, this mechanical connection is only functional during assembly or disassembly of the road, that is to say when the transmission system is stopped and there is no risk of friction;on the other hand, when the transmission system is in operation, the tubular spacer, which is fixed in rotation, is not in contact with the drive dog, which is rotating; thus there is never any friction and wear between the tubular spacer and the dog; training; - the hub dog can be a part added to the front housing at the first end of the external tubular hub structure; it is thus possible to adapt a wheel with a standard hub easily and at low cost, by adding said part to a pre-existing front housing of the standard hub; - a second receiving structure may be provided in the frame or chassis of the vehicle, and shaped to receive in axial engagement and removably retain the second axle end of the central axle when the latter is in the functional wheel holding position, - the second receiving structure may comprise an internal face shaped to allow transverse movement of the second hub end along said at least one direction of passage in the absence of the central axis, - the central axle may comprise a first end head constituting said connecting means, and a second end threaded section capable of being screwed into a tapped axial passage of the second receiving structure; in this way, in the functional wheel holding position, the second end threaded section of the central axle is screwed into the tapped axial passage of the second receiving structure, and the head of the central axle bears against an external face of the first receiving structure and against the first end of the tubular spacer; in this way, the head can advantageously itself constitute the shoulder of the central axle which, at the end of the central axle being put in place, pushes the tubular spacer back to bring it into and maintain it in the engagement position; it is understood that such a device does not use any small and possibly loseable assembly part;it is also understood that in this case the central axis is introduced and removed from the side of the first receiving structure; ; - alternatively, it can be provided that the central axis is introduced and removed from the side of the second receiving structure; for this, the central axis comprises a second end head, and comprises a first end threaded section constituting said connecting means and capable of being screwed into a threaded section of the tubular spacer; in the functional wheel holding position, the first end threaded section of the central axis is screwed into the threaded section of the tubular spacer, and the second end head of the central axis bears against an external face of the second receiving structure; - the invention is also applicable to a cycle frame structure with a single wheel holding arm, i.e. in the absence of a second receiving structure; in this case, the central axis comprises a first end head, said head is shaped to engage without play in an external front housing of the first receiving structure, and the head constitutes said connecting means, the central axle comprises a distal threaded section capable of being screwed into a tapped section of the internal tubular hub structure; in the functional wheel holding position, the distal threaded section of the central axle is screwed into the tapped section of the internal tubular hub structure, and the head of the central axle bears against the first end of the tubular spacer and is held firmly in the external front housing of the first receiving structure to secure the central axle to the first receiving structure; - the first receiving structure may comprise a casing fixed on the frame or chassis of the vehicle, the casing comprising an annular housing, open on the internal face of the first receiving structure, and in which the drive part is rotatably mounted in the form of an angle gear, the casing comprising a central through passage, in which the central axis is engaged; in the case of a bevel gear transmission, the casing ensures the protection of these elements against the intrusion of dust and dirt, but also against mechanical shocks; - alternatively, the first receiving structure comprises a tubular sleeve fixed on the frame or chassis of the vehicle, the tubular sleeve comprises an external peripheral surface on which the drive part is rotatably mounted in the form of a pinion assembly for chain transmission or a pulley for belt transmission, the tubular sleeve comprises a central through passage, in which the central axis is engaged; - the hub dog and the drive dog may each have front teeth shaped to allow mutual front engagement of the dogs with each other; the front engagement is advantageous, in that the necessary axial movement of the drive dog between its engagement and retraction positions can be reduced, which reduces the size and weight of the device; - the front teeth of the dogs may have oblique flanks, facilitating the frontal mutual engagement of the dogs with each other.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a bicycle comprising a drive wheel mounting device as defined above. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the following description of particular embodiments, made in relation to the attached figures, among which:

[0022] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a longitudinal sectional side view of a device for assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention, in functional position for holding and coupling a wheel with a standard hub;

[0023] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a longitudinal sectional side view of the mounting device of [Fig.l], in the intermediate functional position of uncoupling without release of the standard hub wheel;

[0024] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a longitudinal sectional side view of the device of mounting of [Fig.l], in intermediate functional position of uncoupling and release of the standard hub wheel;

[0025] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates the movement of the wheel in the released state;

[0026] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is an exploded perspective view illustrating the main sub- assemblies forming the device of [Fig.l];

[0027] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is an exploded perspective view illustrating the parts forming the device of [Fig.l];

[0028] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a longitudinal sectional side view of a device for assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention, in functional position for holding and coupling a wheel with a standard hub;

[0029] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a longitudinal sectional side view of the device of mounting of [Fig.7], in intermediate functional position of uncoupling without release of the standard hub wheel;

[0030] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a longitudinal sectional side view of the device of mounting of [Fig.7], in intermediate functional position of uncoupling and release of the standard hub wheel;

[0031] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] illustrates the movement of the wheel in the released state;

[0032] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a longitudinal sectional side view of a device for assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention, in functional position for holding and coupling a wheel with a standard hub;

[0033] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a longitudinal sectional side view of the device of mounting of [Fig. 11], in intermediate functional position of uncoupling without release of the standard hub wheel;

[0034] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a longitudinal sectional side view of the device of mounting of [Fig. 11], in intermediate functional position of uncoupling and release of the standard hub wheel;

[0035] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] illustrates the movement of the wheel in the released state;

[0036] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] is a longitudinal sectional side view of a device for assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, in functional position for holding and coupling a wheel with a standard hub;

[0037] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] is a longitudinal sectional side view of the device of mounting of [Fig. 15], in intermediate functional position of uncoupling without release of the standard hub wheel;

[0038] [Fig. 17] [Fig. 17] is a longitudinal sectional side view of the device of mounting of [Fig. 15], in intermediate functional position of uncoupling and release of the standard hub wheel;

[0039] [Fig. 18] [Fig. 18] illustrates the movement of the wheel in the released state.

[0040] [Fig. 19] [Fig. 19] is a longitudinal sectional side view of a device for assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, in functional position for holding and coupling a wheel with a standard hub;

[0041] [Fig.20] [Fig.20] is a longitudinal sectional side view of the device of mounting of [Fig. 19], in intermediate functional position of uncoupling without release of the standard hub wheel;

[0042] [Fig.21] [Fig.21] is a longitudinal sectional side view of the device of mounting of [Fig. 19], in the intermediate functional position of uncoupling and release of the standard hub wheel; and

[0043] [Fig.22] [Fig.22] illustrates the movement of the wheel in the released state. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] When identical reference numerals are used in several figures, embodiments or variants of the invention, these reference numerals designate identical or similar elements in each of the figures, embodiments or variants.

[0045] We first consider Figures 1 to 6, illustrating the first embodiment of the wheel mounting device according to the invention in its association with a wheel having a standard hub 1.

[0046] The standard hub 1 comprises an external tubular hub structure 2, developing around an axial direction II between a first hub end 4 and a second hub end 5, and rotatably mounted around a coaxial internal tubular hub structure 3. The external tubular hub structure 2 comprises a first flange 2a and a second flange 2b arranged for connecting the hub 1 to a wheel rim by spokes. In the illustrated embodiment, the external tubular hub structure 2 further comprises a brake disc 6 arranged in the vicinity of the second hub end 5.

[0047] The outer tubular hub structure 2 is rotatably mounted around the inner tubular hub structure 3 with the interposition of bearings 7 and 8 shown schematically. A front housing 2c is provided at the first end of the outer tubular hub structure 2.

[0048] A central axis 9 is slidably mounted in the axial direction II in the internal tubular hub structure 3. The central axis 9 comprises a first axis end 9a and a second axis end 9b which are distant from each other by a length greater than that of the internal tubular hub structure 3. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, the central axis 9 comprises a first end head 9d of larger diameter, and a second end threaded section 9e.

[0049] A first receiving structure 10 is provided in the frame or chassis of the vehicle, and is shaped to receive in axial engagement and removably retain the first axle end 9a when the central axle 9 is in the wheel holding position as illustrated in [Fig.l]. In this position, the first end head 9d is embedded in an external front housing 10j of the first receiving structure 10, so as to be held axially and radially.

[0050] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the first receiving structure 10 comprises a casing 10a, fixedly mounted on the frame or chassis of the vehicle or formed in a single piece with it, and making it possible to protect the components it contains. The casing 10a comprises an annular housing 10b, closed at its periphery and along its external face 10c, and open along its internal face 10d oriented towards a second receiving structure 11. The internal face 10d is generally perpendicular to the axial direction II. The annular housing 10b is limited towards the axis II by an annular wall 10e surrounding a central through passage 10f in which the central axis 9 is engaged.

[0051] The second receiving structure 11 is provided in the frame or chassis of the vehicle, and is shaped to receive in axial engagement and removably retain the second end of the axle 9b when the central axle 9 is in the wheel holding position as illustrated in [Fig.l]. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the second receiving structure 11 comprises a threaded axial passage 11a into which the threaded section of the second end 9e of the central axle 9 is screwed, and comprises an internal face 11b, oriented towards the first receiving structure 10, generally perpendicular to the axial direction II.

[0052] A drive part 12 is rotatably mounted in the annular housing 10b of the casing 10a around the axial direction II, and is centered by bearings 13 and 14. The drive part 12 comprises an internal front housing 12a, coaxial with the axial direction II, and open along the internal face 10d of the first receiving structure 10. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, this drive part 12 is a bevel gear shaped to receive a motor torque transmitted from a motor and / or a pedal assembly by a transmission shaft not shown. The casing 10a is adapted for the passage of the transmission shaft.

[0053] A dog clutch device 15 is functionally engaged between the drive part 12 and the external tubular hub structure 2 to selectively couple or uncouple in rotation the external tubular hub structure 2 with respect to the drive part 12. This dog clutch device 15 comprises a hub dog 16 which is integral with the external tubular hub structure 2, and comprises a drive dog 17 which is integral in rotation with the drive part 12 and movable in translation in the axial direction II between an engagement position illustrated in [Fig.l] and a retracted position illustrated in Figures 2 to 4.

[0054] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the hub dog 16 is a part added in the front housing 2c of the first end of the external tubular hub structure 2. The hub dog 16, which is fixed in axial position along the axial direction II, is permanently set back or flush with the first hub end 4, that is to say away from the internal face 10d of the first receiving structure 10. Alternatively, the hub dog 16 could be in one piece with the external tubular hub structure 2.

[0055] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the drive dog 17 is a movable part, locked in rotation and engaged with longitudinal sliding in the internal front housing 12a of the drive part 12. In its retracted position illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the drive dog 17 is away from the hub dog 16, and preferably set back from the internal face 10d of the first receiving structure 10. In its engagement position illustrated in [Fig.l], the drive dog 17 projects beyond the internal face 10d of the first receiving structure 10, and comes into contact with the hub dog 16, to secure in rotation the external tubular hub structure 2 with the drive part 12.

[0056] Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], the hub dog 16 and the drive dog 17 have respective front teeth 16a and 17a shaped to allow front mutual engagement of the dogs 16 and 17 with each other. Preferably, the front teeth 16a and 17a of the dogs have oblique flanks facilitating front mutual engagement of the dogs 16 and 17 with each other.

[0057] As also illustrated in [Fig.4] and in [Fig.l], the hub dog 16 comprises radial teeth 16b, which engage in respective splines 2d of the front housing 2c to facilitate the fixing and rotational securing of the hub dog 16 in the external hub structure 2. It will be noted that the splines 2d of the front housing 2c are usually pre-existing in a standard hub, so that no machining is necessary on a standard hub to adapt the device of the invention.

[0058] As also illustrated in [Fig.4] and in [Fig.6], the drive dog 17 comprises radial teeth 17b, which engage in respective grooves 12b of the internal front housing 12a to rotationally secure the drive dog 17 in the drive part 12.

[0059] A mechanical connection 18 is arranged between the central axis 9 and the drive dog 17. This mechanical connection 18 is shaped so that an axial displacement of the central axis 9 along the axial direction II produces the displacement of the drive dog 17 between its retracted position and its engaged position. In this way, when the user engages the central axis 9 in the first receiving structure 10 and the hub 1, it simultaneously ensures the securing in rotation of the external tubular hub structure 2 with the drive part 12, without this requiring an additional operation. Similarly, when the user removes the central axis 9, it simultaneously ensures the rotational detachment of the external tubular hub structure 2 with the drive part 12, without this requiring an additional operation.

[0060] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the mechanical connection 18 comprises a tubular spacer 19, slidably mounted in the axial direction II in the central passage through 10f of the first receiving structure 10 and around the central axis 9. The tubular spacer 19 can slide between an engagement position, illustrated in [Fig.l], in which it has no contact with the drive dog 17, and a retracted position, illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, in which it retains the drive dog 17 in its retracted position away from the hub dog 16. In practice, as illustrated, the tubular spacer 19 comprises a first radial protuberance 19a and a second radial protuberance 19b.The second protuberance 19b is shaped and arranged so as to bear against an annular front facet 17c of the drive dog 17 to retain the latter in its retracted position when the tubular spacer 19 is in the axial retracted position, and it is arranged so as to be away from said front facet 17c of the drive dog 17 when, on the one hand, the tubular spacer 19 is in its axial engagement position and, on the other hand, the drive dog 17 is engaged in axial support against the hub dog 16.

[0061] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the mechanical connection 18 further comprises a first elastic means 20 which permanently urges the drive dog 17 towards the hub dog 16, and a second elastic means 21 which permanently urges the tubular spacer 19 towards its axial retracted position, i.e. away from the second receiving structure 11. The second elastic means 21 has a stiffness which is greater than that of the first elastic means 20, so that in the absence of stress exerted on the tubular spacer 19 by the central axis 9, the second elastic means 21 brings the tubular spacer 19 and the drive dog 17 towards their axial retracted position, and maintains them in this position.

[0062] In practice, the first elastic means 20 is a helical compression spring, arranged around the axial direction II in the internal front housing 12a of the drive part 12, bearing at a first end against the drive part 12, and bearing at a second end against the drive dog 17. The second elastic means 21 is a helical compression spring, arranged around the tubular spacer 19, bearing at a first end against the first radial protuberance 19a of the tubular spacer 19, and support according to a second end against a transverse facet 10g of the first receiving structure 10.

[0063] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the mechanical connection 18 further comprises a connection means 9c between the central axis 9 and the tubular spacer 19. This connection means 9c is shaped to hold the tubular spacer 19 in its engagement position when the central axis 9 is in the functional wheel holding position, and is shaped so as to release the tubular spacer 19 to allow it to return to the retracted position under the action of the second elastic means 21 when the central axis 9 is moved away from its functional wheel holding position.

[0064] In practice, in this embodiment of figures 1 to 6, the connecting means 9c is constituted by a first end head 9d arranged at the first end 9a of the central axis 9.

[0065] As seen in [Fig.l], in a functional wheel holding position, the central axis 9 is engaged in the first receiving structure 10, in the hub 1 and in the second receiving structure 11, and the first end head 9d comes to bear against a first end 19c of the tubular spacer 19 to hold it in its engagement position. In this position, the tubular spacer 19 releases the drive dog 17 which, pushed back by the first elastic means 20, comes into its engagement position in contact with the hub dog 16.

[0066] As seen in [Fig. 2], in an intermediate functional position of uncoupling without releasing the wheel, the central axis 9 is disengaged by unscrewing away from the second receiving structure 11, and its first end head 9d is away from the first end 19c of the tubular spacer 19. Under the action of the second elastic means 21, the tubular spacer 19 is moved away from the second receiving structure 11 and holds the drive dog 17 in its axial retracted position, ensuring the uncoupling of the wheel. However, in this functional position, the central axis 9 is still engaged in the receiving structures 10 and 11 as well as in the wheel hub 2, so that the wheel is held in position and free to rotate.

[0067] As seen in [Fig. 3], in a functional wheel release position, the central axle 9 is removed from the corresponding passages provided in the second receiving structure 11, in the first receiving structure 10 and in the internal tubular hub structure 3. In this position, the tubular spacer 19 remains stressed by the second elastic means 21 which maintains it in its retracted position against the retaining force exerted by the first elastic means 20 whose stiffness is lower.

[0068] In the functional wheel release position illustrated in [Fig.3], the hub 1 (and therefore the wheel) can be moved transversely in a direction of passage illustrated by arrow A, between the respective inner faces 10d and 11b of the receiving structures 10 and 11, which are parallel to each other. The movement of the wheel is illustrated in [Fig.4]: the wheel hub 2 has been moved in the direction of passage A, and is then offset relative to the direction II.

[0069] When gradually introducing the central axle 9 to move from the wheel release position illustrated in [Fig. 3] to the wheel holding position illustrated in [Fig. 1], the central axle 9 is first introduced into the first receiving structure 10, i.e. through the tubular spacer 19. In this step, the mechanical connection 18 initially remains in the state illustrated in [Fig. 3], with the tubular spacer 19 and the drive dog 17 held in the retracted position by the second elastic means 21, allowing the hub 1 to be engaged between the receiving structures 10 and 11 until it comes into line with the passages 10f and 11a. The central axle 9 can then be introduced into the internal tubular hub structure 3, then into the second receiving structure 11.At the end of introduction, by screwing the threaded section 9b into the tapped passage 11a, the head of the first end 9d comes to bear against the end 19c of the tubular spacer 19 and pushes the latter towards its engagement position against the force exerted by the second elastic means 21, releasing the drive dog 17 which is then pushed back by the first elastic means 20 and comes to engage on the hub dog 16.

[0070] During the progressive withdrawal of the central axis 9 to move from the wheel holding position illustrated in [Fig.l] to the wheel release position illustrated in [Fig.3], the central axis 9 is first removed by unscrewing from the second receiving structure 11. During this withdrawal, the first end head 9d releases the tubular spacer 19 which, under the action of the second elastic means 21, moves towards its withdrawal position and carries with it the drive dog 17 to its withdrawal position away from the hub dog 16, ensuring the disengagement of the hub 1. Then, as soon as the central axis 9 has been removed from the internal tubular hub structure 3, the hub 1 (and the wheel) can be removed by translation in the direction of passage illustrated by the arrow A.

[0071] In the embodiment which has been described in relation to Figures 1 to 6, the drive part 12 is an angle gear for transmission by a shaft, the central axis 9 is held at its two ends by two receiving structures 10 and 11, and the central axis 9 is introduced and withdrawn from the side occupied in the first receiving structure 10. In a bicycle, this side occupied by the first receiving structure 10 is generally the right side of the vehicle.

[0072] Figures 7 and following illustrate other embodiments, in which the same functional elements are found ensuring the engagement and disengagement of the wheel hub, so their description will be abbreviated in this regard.

[0073] In particular, figures 7 to 10 illustrate a second embodiment, in which the central axis 9 is engaged not from the first receiving structure 10, but from the second receiving structure 11, and in which the drive part 12 is also an angle gear for transmission by a shaft.

[0074] Compared to the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the differences of this second embodiment relate to the inverted position of the central axis 9, and to the structure of the connecting means 9c: the central axis 9 comprises a second end head 9f, and comprises a first end threaded section 9g. Said first end threaded section 9g cooperates with a tapped section 19d of the tubular spacer 19 to constitute said connecting means 9c.

[0075] In the functional wheel holding position, illustrated in [Fig. 7], the first end threaded section 9g of the central axis 9 is screwed into the tapped section 19d of the tubular spacer 19, and the second end head 9f of the central axis 9 bears against an external face 11e of the second receiving structure 11. Figures 7 to 10 illustrate the successive steps of dismantling the wheel, and are similar to Figures 1 to 4 of the first embodiment.

[0076] Figures 11 to 14 illustrate a third embodiment, in which the central axis 9 is again introduced and withdrawn from the side occupied by the first receiving structure 10, as in the first embodiment, but in which the drive part 12 is in the form of a sprocket assembly for chain transmission.

[0077] Compared to the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the differences of this third embodiment relate to the structure of the drive part 12 for chain transmission, and on the other hand to the shape of the first receiving structure 10: in this case, the first receiving structure 10 comprises a tubular sleeve 10h, fixed on the frame or chassis of the vehicle, and having an external peripheral surface 10i on which the drive part 12 is rotatably mounted. The tubular sleeve 10h comprises a central through passage 10f, in which the central axis 9 is engaged.

[0078] The operation is identical to that of the first embodiment. Figures 11 to 14 illustrate the successive steps of disassembly of the wheel, and are similar to Figures 1 to 4 of the first embodiment.

[0079] Figures 15 to 18 illustrate a fourth embodiment, in which the central axis 9 is again introduced and removed from the side occupied by the second receiving structure 11, as in the second embodiment, but in which the drive part 12 is in the form of a sprocket assembly for chain transmission.

[0080] Compared to the second embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 to 10, the differences of this fourth embodiment relate to the structure of the drive part 12 for chain transmission, and on the other hand to the shape of the first receiving structure 10: in this case, the first receiving structure 10 comprises a tubular sleeve 10h, fixed on the frame or chassis of the vehicle, and having an external peripheral surface 10i on which the drive part 12 is rotatably mounted. The tubular sleeve 10h comprises a central through passage 10f, in which the central axis 9 is engaged.

[0081] The operation is identical to that of the second embodiment. Figures 15 to 18 illustrate the successive steps of disassembly of the wheel, and are similar to Figures 7 to 10 of the second embodiment.

[0082] Figures 19 to 22 illustrate a fifth embodiment, in which the central axis 9 is again introduced and withdrawn from the side occupied by the first receiving structure 10, as in the first embodiment, but in which there is no second receiving structure 11.

[0083] Compared to the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the differences of this fifth embodiment relate to the mechanical holding means of the central axis 9 and to the holding of the wheel hub 1 on the central axis 9. In this case: the first receiving structure 10 comprises an external frontal housing 10j which is more elongated in the axial direction II than that of the first embodiment, the central axis 9 comprises a first end head 9h also more elongated and shaped to engage without play in the external front housing 10j of the first receiving structure 10, the central axis 9 comprises a distal threaded section 9i capable of being screwed into a tapped section 3a of the internal tubular hub structure 3, in the functional wheel holding position, the distal threaded section 9i of the central axle 9 is screwed into the tapped section 3a of the internal tubular hub structure 3, and the head 9h of the central axle bears against the first end 19c of the tubular spacer 19 and is held firmly in the external front housing 10j of the first receiving structure 10 to secure the central axle 9 to the first receiving structure 10.

[0084] The operation is identical to that of the first embodiment. Figures 19 to 22 illustrate the successive steps of disassembly of the wheel, and are similar to Figures 1 to 4 of the first embodiment.

[0085] In a variant of this fifth embodiment, the first receiving structure 10 and the drive part 12 could be adapted to a chain or belt transmission, as illustrated in relation to the embodiments of the Figures 11 to 18.

[0086] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have been explicitly described, but it includes the various variations and generalizations contained within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for mounting a drive wheel of a light vehicle such as a bicycle, moped, motorcycle or tricycle, comprising: - a wheel hub (1), having a first hub end (4) and a second hub end (5), and comprising an external tubular hub structure (2) extending around an axial direction (II) and rotatably mounted around a coaxial internal tubular hub structure (3), - a central axis (9), slidably mounted in the axial direction in the internal tubular hub structure (3), comprising a first axis end (9a) and a second axis end (9b), and having a length greater than that of the internal tubular hub structure (3), - a first receiving structure (10), provided in the frame or chassis of the vehicle,and shaped to receive in axial engagement and removably retain the first axle end (9a) of the central axle (9) when the latter is in a functional wheel holding position, - a drive part (12), rotatably mounted about the axial direction (II) on the first receiving structure (10), - a dog clutch device (15), comprising a hub dog (16) secured to the external tubular hub structure (2), and comprising a drive dog (17) secured in rotation to the drive part (12) and movable in translation in the axial direction (II) between a position of engagement with the hub dog (16) and a position of withdrawal away from the hub dog (16), - a mechanical connection (18) between the central axis (9) and the drive dog (17), shaped so that an axial displacement of the central axis (9) produces a displacement of the drive dog (17) between its engagement position and its withdrawal position.

2. A drive wheel mounting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: - in the absence of the central axis (9), the drive dog (17) is in its retracted position, set back from the internal face (10d) of the first receiving structure (10), so as to be away from the first hub end (4), - the first receiving structure (10) comprises an internal face (10d)

3.

4. generally perpendicular to the axial direction (II) to allow transverse movement of the first hub end (4) in at least one direction of passage (A) in the absence of the central axis (9). Drive wheel mounting device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that: - a first elastic means (20) permanently urges the drive dog (17) towards the hub dog (16) and is shaped to move the drive dog (17) to its position of engagement with the hub dog (16) in the absence of an opposing urge, - the mechanical connection (18) comprises a tubular spacer (19) slidably mounted in the axial direction (II) in the first receiving structure (10) and around the central axis (9), between an engagement position in which it has no contact with the drive dog (17), and a retracted position in which it retains the drive dog (17) in its retracted position against the stress of the first elastic means (20), - a second elastic means (21) urges the tubular spacer (19) towards its axial retracted position, the second elastic means (21) having a stiffness greater than that of the first elastic means (20), - the mechanical connection (18) comprises a connecting means (9c) between the central axis (9) and the tubular spacer (19), shaped to maintain the tubular spacer (19) in its engagement position when the central axis (9) is in the functional position for maintaining wheel,and shaped so as to release the tubular spacer (19) to allow it to return to the retracted position under the action of the second elastic means (21) when the central axis (9) is moved away from the functional wheel holding position., Drive wheel mounting device according to claim 3, characterized in that: - the first elastic means (20) is a helical compression spring, arranged around the axial direction (II), bearing at a first end against the drive part (12), and bearing at a second end against the drive dog (17), - the second elastic means (21) is a helical compression spring, arranged around the tubular spacer (19), bearing at a first end against a first radial protuberance (19a) of the tubular spacer (19), and bearing at a second end against a transverse facet (10g) of the first receiving structure (10).

5. A drive wheel mounting device according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the tubular spacer (19) comprises a second radial protuberance (19b), the second radial protuberance (19b) being shaped so as to bear against a front face of the drive dog (17) to retain the latter in its retracted position when the tubular spacer (19) is in the axial retracted position, the second radial protuberance (19b) being shaped so as to be away from said front face of the drive dog (17) when the tubular spacer (19) is in its axial engagement position.

6. Drive wheel mounting device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: - a second receiving structure (11) is provided in the frame or chassis of the vehicle, and is shaped to receive in axial engagement and removably retain the second axle end (9b) of the central axle (9) when the latter is in the functional wheel holding position, - the second receiving structure (11) comprises an internal face (11b) shaped to allow transverse movement of the second hub end (5) in at least one direction of passage (A) in the absence of the central axle (9), - the central axle (9) comprises a first end head (9d) constituting said connecting means (9c), and comprises a second end threaded section (9e) capable of being screwed into a tapped axial passage (11a) of the second receiving structure (11), - in the functional wheel holding position,the second end threaded section (9e) of the central axis (9) is screwed into the tapped axial passage (11a) of the second receiving structure (11), and the first end head (9d) of the central axis (9) bears against an external face (10c) of the first receiving structure (10) and against the first end (19c) of the tubular spacer (19).,

7. Drive wheel mounting device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: - the central axis (9) comprises a second end head (9f), and comprises a first end threaded section (9g) constituting said connecting means (9c) and capable of being screwed into a threaded section (19d) of the tubular spacer (19), - in the functional wheel holding position, the first end threaded section (9g) of the central axle (9) is screwed into the tapped section (19d) of the tubular spacer (19), and the second end head (9f) of the central axle (9) bears against an external face (11e) of the second receiving structure (11).

8. Drive wheel mounting device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: - the central axis (9) comprises a first end head (9h), said head is shaped to engage without play in an external front housing (10j) of the first receiving structure (10), and the head constitutes said connecting means (9c), - the central axis (9) comprises a distal threaded section (9i) capable of being screwed into a tapped section (3a) of the internal tubular hub structure (3), - in the functional wheel holding position, the distal threaded section (9i) of the central axis (9) is screwed into the tapped section (3a) of the internal tubular hub structure (3),and the first end head (9h) of the central axis (9) bears against the first end (19c) of the tubular spacer (19) and is held firmly in the external front housing (10j) of the first receiving structure (10) to secure the central axis (9) to the first receiving structure (10).,

9. Drive wheel mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the hub dog (16) is a part fitted into a front housing (2c) at the first end of the external tubular hub structure (2).

10. A drive wheel mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the hub dog (16) and the drive dog (17) each have front teeth (16a, 17a) shaped to allow mutual frontal engagement of the dogs (16, 17) with each other.

11. A drive wheel mounting device according to claim 9, characterized in that the front teeth (16a, 17a) of the dogs (16, 17) have oblique flanks facilitating the frontal mutual engagement of the dogs (16, 17) with each other.

12. Drive wheel mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: - the first receiving structure (10) comprises a casing (10a) fixed on the frame or chassis of the vehicle, - the casing (10a) comprises an annular housing (10b), open on the internal face (10d) of the first receiving structure (10), and in which the drive part (12) is rotatably mounted in the form of an angle gear, - the casing (10a) comprises a central through passage (10f), in which the central axis (9) is engaged.

13. Drive wheel mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: - the first receiving structure (10) comprises a tubular sleeve (10h) fixed on the frame or chassis of the vehicle, - the tubular sleeve (10h) comprises an external peripheral surface (10i) on which the drive part (12) is rotatably mounted in the form of a pinion assembly for chain transmission or a pulley for belt transmission, - the tubular sleeve (10h) comprises a central passage (10f) passing through, in which the central axis (9) is engaged.

14. A bicycle comprising a drive wheel mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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