Wheel hub on a bicycle

Abstract

A rear wheel (3) is mounted on a bicycle frame. A first spoke (11) has a first bore (110), and a second spoke (12) has a first threaded bore (120) coaxial with the first bore (110) and a third axial bearing surface (121) on the inside of the second spoke (12). The rear wheel (3) consists of a wheel hub (31) and a cassette of sprockets (2) equipped with a first pair of interlocking surfaces (6) that provide a rotational and coaxial engagement position for the wheel hub (31) with the cassette of sprockets (2) in the wheel-mounted position on the frame, and a disengagement position for the wheel hub (31) to remove it, while the cassette of sprockets (2) remains on the second spoke (12) of the frame. The wheel hub (31) rotatably supports a first hollow axle (32).The cassette assembly of sprockets (2) rotatably supports a cassette-carrying sleeve (20) which has a threaded tenon (201) screwed into the tapped hole (120), a fourth axial bearing surface (202) which abuts against the third axial bearing surface (121), and a second tapped bore (204) coaxial with the threaded tenon (201) into which a threaded end (342) of a fixing pin (34) is screwed. A safety device (22) ensures that the cassette-carrying sleeve (20) does not unscrew during tightening or loosening of the fixing pin (34). [Fig 2].

Description

Title of the invention: Wheel hub on a bicycle

[0001] The present invention relates to improvements in the mounting and securing of a wheel on a commercially available bicycle using thru-axle wheel mounting technology. More particularly, it aims at an improved mounting system to enhance the speed and ease of changing a bicycle wheel, especially with the rear wheel equipped with a cassette assembly having at least one or more sprockets, a freewheel, and / or a brake disc, while still leaving the cassette assembly on the bicycle frame. French patents Nos. FR1770719, FR1800091, and FR2201471, filed in the name of the same inventor, describe improved systems that still leave the cassette and brake disc on the bicycle but require a special frame to integrate the system.The present invention makes it possible to use a commercially available frame employing thru-axle wheel mounting technology without any modifications.

[0002] The invention finds its application among bicycle manufacturers and among manufacturers of wheels and their equipment.

[0003] The object of the invention finds a particularly advantageous but not exclusive application for equipping a road or all-terrain racing bicycle.

[0004] The wheels used on racing bicycles consist of a wheel hub connected by spokes to the rim on which the tire is mounted. The hub is equipped with bearings supporting a hollow axle in which the locking system is housed. This system consists of a pin that passes through one arm of the frame or fork and is screwed into the second arm of the frame or fork by passing through the hollow axle. The rear wheel is equipped with a cassette assembly with a freewheel containing the sprockets for the drivetrain. On all current wheels, this cassette assembly with a freewheel is fixed to the wheel hub, which necessitates removing the chain from the sprockets in order to remove the wheel. To facilitate this operation, the cyclist must first position the chain on the outermost sprocket.The operation of changing a wheel after a rear wheel puncture, for example, is done as follows: the cyclist positions their chain on the last sprocket, loosens the clamp on the thru-axle and removes it, takes the wheel out of the frame's dropouts by disengaging the chain from the sprocket, takes a new wheel and engages the chain on the last sprocket, replaces the wheel in the frame's dropouts, replaces the thru-axle and tightens it, then the cyclist gets back on their bike and sets off again with a high gear (because they are using the smallest sprocket) which they must quickly change in order to be able to restart more quickly.

[0005] Changing the rear wheel after a puncture (for example) is a problem for competitors who can see all their chances of victory disappear due to the excessive time required to perform this operation. Manipulating the derailleur and chain is impractical and complicates the process.

[0006] The invention according to patents Nos. FR1770719, FR1800091 and FR2201471 offers a significant improvement in the speed of changing a wheel, but the system cannot be used on a currently available commercial frame and requires the manufacture of a specific frame with the bearings located in the frame or fork arms. Bicycle manufacturers are hesitant to produce specific frames and prefer to continue producing frames with thru-axle wheel mounting technology.

[0007] Leaving the cassette assembly on the bicycle frame during a rear wheel change is already described in many patents. Franck Savard's patent FR2776612, Shimano's EP1213217 and EP1213157, and Jan Deckx's WO2016083412 describe such an assembly using complex locking systems. These patents date from a time when wheel mounting technology did not use thru-axles but rather open-cage frames, and the solutions described are designed for these open-cage frames. Figures 21 and 22 of patent WO2016083412 describe an assembly that could be adapted to a bicycle frame using thru-axle wheel mounting technology, but without utilizing the important functionality of the second arm of the frame equipped with the threaded hole, and by using a large screw that locks the cassette assembly and tightens the wheel axle.This solution does not guarantee that the screw will not loosen during axle tightening and compromise the rigidity necessary for proper wheel attachment.

[0008] US patent 2016039487 of Morelli Angelo describes, in particular on [Fig. 10], an assembly leaving the cassette and sprocket assembly on the bicycle frame during wheel change and uses a fixing technology with a thru-axle but with a second frame arm having a first thread (18) for fixing the cassette and sprocket assembly and a second (46) smaller one for fixing the fixing axle, i.e. the obligation to make a specific frame.

[0009] Furthermore, all the systems described require the use of tools to remove the cassette assembly, whereas, most often, on a wheel assembly using thru-axle wheel mounting technology, this operation is quick and tool-free. The present invention retains this feature of quick and tool-free removal.

[0010] The present invention describes a rear wheel assembly that reduces the time and makes wheel changing more convenient because the cassette assembly remains on the bicycle frame during the change; it is compatible with current commercially available frames. Using thru-axle wheel mounting technology without any modifications, it ensures that the cassette and sprocket assembly will not unscrew during tightening or loosening of the wheel mounting axle and allows for quick removal of the cassette and sprocket assembly without tools.

[0011] More specifically, and with reference to the attached drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, where the various preferred embodiments of the invention are shown:

[0012] [Fig. 1] shows the rear part of a current commercial frame using the Wheel fixing technology with thru-axle, bare frame without wheel, in two rear views in right and left perspective.

[0013] [Fig.2] shows a first construction of a rear wheel mounting on the bicycle frame according to the invention leaving the cassette assembly of sprockets fixed on the frame of a bicycle using the wheel fixing technology with thru axle, with a freewheel fully installed in the cassette assembly of sprockets, in wheel mounted position, viewed from the rear and in section along a vertical plane passing through the axis of rotation of the wheel.

[0014] [Fig.3] shows a similar view of [Fig.2] but in the wheel disassembled position.

[0015] [Fig.4] shows a similar view of [Fig.2] but with a fully freewheel installed in the wheel hub according to an initial construction.

[0016] [Fig. 5] shows a similar view of [Fig. 4] with a fully installed freewheel in the wheel hub following a second construction.

[0017] [Fig.6] shows the detail of the cassette carrier sleeve according to a first construction of a preferred removable threaded tenon of the invention, following a cross-sectional view passing through the axis of rotation of the threaded tenon mounted on the sleeve and a perspective view of the unassembled parts.

[0018] [Fig.7] shows the detail of the cassette carrier sleeve according to a second construction of a preferred removable threaded tenon of the invention, following a cross-sectional view passing through the axis of rotation of the threaded tenon mounted on the sleeve and a perspective view of the unassembled parts.

[0019] [Fig.8] shows the detail of the cassette carrier sleeve according to a third construction of a preferred removable threaded tenon of the invention, following a cross-sectional view passing through the axis of rotation of the threaded tenon mounted on the sleeve and a perspective view of the unassembled parts.

[0020] [Fig.9] shows the detail of the cassette carrier sleeve following a fourth construction of a preferred removable threaded tenon of the invention, along a cross-sectional view passing through the axis of rotation of the threaded tenon mounted on the sleeve, a cross-sectional view along II of the first view and a perspective view of the assembled cassette-carrying sleeve.

[0021] [Fig. 10] shows a similar view of [Fig.2] but following a second construction of a rear wheel assembly according to the invention also leaving the brake disc on the bicycle frame during wheel change, with a first solution for the attachment on the first spoke.

[0022] [Fig. 11] shows a similar view of [Fig. 10] but in the wheel disassembled position.

[0023] [Fig. 12] shows the detail of the attachment to the first arm of the frame of the second construction of [Fig. 10] and [Fig. 11] according to a second preferred solution of the invention.

[0024] [Fig. 13] shows a similar view of [Fig.2] following a third construction of a rear wheel assembly according to the invention leaving the fixing axle always in place in the wheel.

[0025] [Fig. 14] shows the detail of the making of the interlocking surfaces with a partial perspective view of the end of the wheel hub and a partial perspective view of the end of the cassette assembly of sprockets.

[0026] [Fig. 1] shows the rear part of a bicycle frame (1) using thru-axle wheel attachment technology, bare frame without the rear wheel. The frame (1) consists of a first arm (11) and a second arm (12) centered with respect to the median plane of the bicycle and used for attaching the rear wheel. The first arm (11) has a first bore (110) and a first axial bearing surface (111) on the outside of the first arm and a second axial bearing surface (112) on the inside of the first arm. The first axial bearing surface (111) is, by way of non-limiting example, a flat surface perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the first bore, but other shapes exist, such as, again by way of non-limiting example, a conical surface or a flat surface with a conical contour coaxial with the first bore (110).The second frame arm (12) has a first threaded bore (120) coaxial with the first bore (110) of the first arm (11) and a third axial bearing surface (121) on the inside of the second arm (12). The first arm (11) and the second arm (12) are separated by a length "L" from the recesses (10) on the inside of each first and second frame arm, a few millimeters deep, with a radius "R" centered on the first bore (110) and the first threaded bore (120). The recesses (10) are open downwards in an inverted "U" shape to allow the wheel to be removed and installed. The "U" shape of the recesses (10) consists of a first flat recess surface linked by a portion of a cylinder of radius "R" to a second flat recess surface and forms an open angle to facilitate the introduction of the wheel.The second axial bearing surface (112) is in the hollow of the recess (10) of the first branch (11) and the third axial bearing surface (121) is in the hollow. of the recess (10) of the second arm (12) of the frame (1). The first bore (110) may optionally have an opening downwards roughly in the direction of the "U" shape of the recess (10) of the first arm with a width "1" less than or equal to the diameter of the first bore and centered with respect to the first bore (110) to form an open arm along the entire length of the first bore (110) allowing the downward exit of an axis with a diameter not more than "1" equal to the width of the opening.

[0027] [Fig.2] and [Fig.3] show a first construction of a wheel assembly rear (3) according to the invention leaving the cassette assembly of sprockets fixed to the frame of a bicycle using thru-axle wheel mounting technology. [Fig.2] has the wheel mounted on the frame while [Fig.3] has the wheel removed.

[0028] The rear wheel (3) consists of a wheel hub (31) connected to the rim (not shown) by a multitude of spokes (not shown) and a cassette assembly of sprockets (2) each equipped with a sprocket surface forming a first pair of sprocket surfaces (6) giving a position of rotational and coaxial engagement of the wheel hub (31) with the cassette assembly of sprockets (2) in wheel position (3) mounted on the frame (1) and a position of disengagement of the wheel hub (31) to extract it while the cassette assembly of sprockets (2) remains on the second arm (12) of the frame (1) of the bicycle. The wheel hub (31) supports in a rotational manner by means of at least two bearings a first hollow axle (32) bearing against the second axial bearing surface (112) and of a length enabling it not to protrude from the wheel hub (31) at the level of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6).The cassette assembly of sprockets (2) rotatably supports, by means of at least two bearings, a cassette carrier sleeve (20) of a length corresponding to the remaining length between the first hollow shaft (32) and the third axial bearing surface (121).

[0029] The rear wheel (3) is optionally equipped with a brake disc (5). Here, by way of non-limiting example, the brake disc (5) is fixed according to the fixing system called "Center Lock" known to those skilled in the art, with a disc equipped with a grooved flange which collaborates with a grooved core of the wheel hub and is locked by a central nut but it can also be fixed by screws on tabs forming part of the wheel hub (31).

[0030] The cassette of sprockets (2) may comprise a plurality of sprockets progressively ranging from the smallest sprocket located on the outer part of the wheel to the largest sprocket located on the inner part, i.e., against the wheel hub (31). Each sprocket is equipped with a plurality of teeth on which a transmission chain (not shown) meshes to rotate the cassette of sprockets (2).

[0031] The cassette-carrying sleeve (20) has a threaded tenon (201) having a thread the same size as the tapped hole in the first tapped bore (120) of the second arm (12) of the frame and a fourth axial bearing surface (202) that abuts the third axial bearing surface (121) of the second arm (12) of the frame. The threaded tenon (201) of the cassette-carrying sleeve (20) is screwed into the first tapped bore (120) of the second arm (12), and the fourth axial bearing surface (202) of the cassette-carrying sleeve (20) is clamped against the third axial bearing surface (121) of the second arm (12) of the frame. The end of the cassette-carrying sleeve (20) on the side of the fourth axial bearing surface (202) has at least a portion of a cylindrical bearing surface (330) a few millimeters long and with a radius at most equal to the radius "R" of the recess (10) of the second arm (12) and coaxial with the threaded tenon (201). As a non-limiting example, the tightening of the cassette holder sleeve is carried out with two flats close to the cylindrical support surface (330) to collaborate with a tightening key.The cassette holder sleeve (20) has, on the end positioned at the level of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6), a second threaded bore (204) coaxial with the threaded tenon (210) into which a threaded end (342) of a fixing pin (34) is screwed. The second threaded bore (204) may optionally have a smooth portion forming a second bore (203) on the end of the cassette holder sleeve (20) with the diameter of the pin (34) to facilitate the insertion of the pin and to provide a stronger cross-section of the fixing pin (34), since it is not threaded, at the junction of the first hollow pin with the cassette holder sleeve.The fixing axle (34) has a length less than "L" allowing it to be inserted through the first bore (110) of the first arm (11) of the frame, to pass through the first hollow axle (32) and to screw into the second threaded bore (204) of the cassette carrier sleeve (20) to clamp the wheel (3) once a support head (341) of the fixing axle (34) is bearing directly or indirectly through a first possible support washer (not shown) on the first axial bearing surface (111) of the first arm (11) of the frame.

[0032] The cassette carrier sleeve (20) has a first cylindrical portion (205) coaxial with the threaded tenon (201) and terminates in a fifth axial bearing surface (206) close to the cylindrical bearing surface (330), allowing the cassette assembly of sprockets (2) to be inserted without play. The length of the first cylindrical portion (205) is such that the cassette assembly of sprockets (2) is flush with the end of the cassette carrier sleeve (20), i.e., at the level of the interlocking surfaces of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6) once it abuts against the fifth axial bearing surface (206), allowing the interlocking surfaces to be engaged when the first hollow shaft (32) is tightened against the cassette carrier sleeve (20) after the fixing shaft (34) has been tightened. Once the wheel (3) is removed, it is possible to remove the cassette assembly of sprockets (2) without using any tools.

[0033] The end of the first hollow axis (32) on the side of the first branch (11) of the frame (1) has at least a portion of the cylindrical support surface (330) of a few millimeters in length and of a radius at most equal to the radius “R” of the recess (10) of the first branch (11) and coaxial with the first hollow axis (32).

[0034] [Fig.3] shows the assembly with the wheel removed and the cassette of sprockets (2) still in place on the bicycle frame.

[0035] A safety device (22) ensures that the threaded tenon (201) of the cassette carrier sleeve (20) does not unscrew from the second arm (12) of the frame during tightening or loosening of the mounting axle (34). Indeed, there is a risk that the threaded tenon (201) of the cassette carrier sleeve could unscrew from the first tapped bore (120) of the second frame arm before the axle (34) and its threaded end (342) are loosened in the second tapped bore (204) of the cassette carrier sleeve (20), making it impossible to remove the wheel.

[0036] In the first solution, the safety device (22) consists of a thread-locking adhesive disposed between the threaded tenon (201) and the first tapped bore (120) of the second arm (12) of the frame (1). The very frequent tightening and loosening of the axle could reduce the adhesive's effectiveness and prevent it from functioning correctly. A mechanical device would be more appropriate.

[0037] In [Fig. 2], the safety device (22) comprises a first locking screw (222) with a diameter much smaller than that of the threaded tenon (201) and having a thread with a reverse pitch relative to that of the threaded tenon (201), and a reverse tapped hole (207) in the cassette holder sleeve (20) at the level of the threaded tenon (201) corresponding to the reverse thread of the first locking screw (222). The first locking screw is screwed into the reverse tapped hole (207) until the head of the first locking screw (222) bears directly or indirectly, through an optional second thrust washer (221), against the outside of the second arm (12) of the frame (1). With the reverse thread of the first locking screw (222) the cassette holder sleeve (20) can no longer loosen because the direction of rotation which unscrews the threaded tenon (201) screws the first locking screw (222).

[0038] Another solution is shown in [Fig. 3]. The safety device (22) consists of an additional threaded tenon (223) arranged as an extension of the threaded tenon (201) with a smaller diameter and a reverse thread relative to that of the threaded tenon (201), and a nut (224) with a reverse thread corresponding to that of the additional threaded tenon (223). The nut (224) is screwed onto the additional tenon (223) and tightened directly or indirectly through a possible third thrust washer (not shown) against the outer face of the second arm (12) of the frame (1). These descriptions of the safety device (22) are given by way of non-limiting example and we will see later other constructions in accordance with the invention.

[0039] A freewheel (4) is installed so that the cassette assembly of sprockets (2) drives the wheel hub (31) in the direction of forward motion of the bicycle when the cyclist pulls on the chain while pedaling and lets the wheel hub (31) rotate in the direction of forward motion of the bicycle while the cassette assembly of sprockets (2) does not rotate when pedaling is stopped.

[0040] [Fig. 2] and [Fig. 3] show a construction in which the freewheel (4) is installed The cassette assembly (2) is entirely integrated into the cassette assembly and allows the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6) to rotate or not. The cassette assembly (2) is mounted here with a cassette body supporting a cassette of sprockets using a technique known to those skilled in the art. The cassette body interfaces with the cassette of sprockets and the cassette carrier sleeve (20), which it supports with two bearings. The freewheel is positioned within the cassette body. Here, the freewheel (4) uses the well-known "ratchet" technology. It consists of a first fixed ratchet (41) fitted onto a first bearing fixed to the end of the cassette carrier sleeve (20) on the side of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6), allowing it to rotate freely and fixed axially relative to the cassette assembly (2).The first fixed ratchet (41) has, on its inner side (facing the inside of the cassette assembly (2), ratchet teeth that mesh with the ratchet teeth of a first movable ratchet (42) fixed for rotation within the cassette assembly (2) but axially free and driven by a spring (not shown). The first fixed ratchet (41) has, on its outer side, the engagement surface of the cassette assembly (2) and the first pair of engagement surfaces (6). The ratchet teeth on the inner side of the first fixed ratchet (41) are connected to the engagement surface on the outer side by a cylindrical portion inside which the first bearing is fitted. The first movable ratchet (42), driven by the cassette assembly (2), meshes with the first fixed ratchet (41) and drives it in rotation in the direction of travel of the bicycle, but does not mesh in the opposite direction.The first fixed ratchet (41) drives the wheel hub (31) with the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6).

[0041] This freewheel construction (4) is given by way of non-limiting example; the more conventional technology with pawls driving a toothed wheel or any other construction can also be used, which will remain consistent with the invention if they allow the cassette assembly of sprockets (2) to drive the wheel hub (31) in the direction of travel of the bicycle during pedaling and to release the hub (31) when pedaling stops while the bike continues to move forward with the cassette of sprockets (2) not turning.

[0042] The construction will remain in accordance with the invention while the free wheel (4a, 4b) is no longer in the cassette of sprockets (2) but is installed entirely in the wheel hub (31a, 31b) and allows the drive or not in rotation of the interlocking surface of the wheel hub (31a, 31b) of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6) with the wheel hub (31a, 31b).

[0043] [Fig.4] shows a construction of the freewheel (4a) fully installed in the wheel hub (31a). The freewheel here uses the known "ratchet" technology; it consists of a second fixed ratchet (41a) fitted onto a second bearing fixed to the end of the first hollow axle (32) on the side of the interlocking surfaces of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6) so as to be free in rotation and fixed axially with respect to the first hollow axle (32). The second fixed ratchet (41a) has on its inner side, i.e. towards the inside of the wheel hub (31a), the ratchet teeth which engage with the ratchet teeth of a second movable ratchet (42a) fixed in rotation within the wheel hub (31a) but axially free and pushed by a spring (not shown). The second fixed ratchet (41a) has on its outer side the interlocking surface of the wheel hub (31a) of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6).The ratchet teeth on the inner side of the second fixed ratchet (41a) are connected to the outer mounting surface by a cylindrical portion inside which the second bearing is fitted and outside of which is fitted the inner ring of a third bearing having its outer ring fitted into a housing in the wheel hub (31a). The second and third bearings are roughly axially aligned and contribute to the rotational fixation of the first hollow axle (32) in the wheel hub (31a). The second fixed ratchet (41a), driven by the cassette assembly (2) with the first pair of mounting surfaces (6), engages with the second movable ratchet (42a) and drives it in rotation in the direction of travel of the bicycle and does not engage in the opposite direction, thus allowing the wheel hub (31a) to rotate in the direction of travel of the bicycle while the cassette assembly (2) does not rotate.

[0044] The freewheel construction of [Fig. 4] uses two bearings, but it should be noted that the third bearing does not function when the second fixed ratchet (41a) engages with the second movable ratchet (42a) when the freewheel (4a) is engaged, whereas the second bearing ensures the rotation of the hollow axle relative to the wheel hub assembly (31a) and cassette assembly (2). When the cassette assembly (2) is not rotating while the wheel hub continues to rotate with the freewheel disengaged, the rotations are reversed with the second bearing without rotation and the third bearing in action to ensure the rotation of the wheel hub (31a).

[0045] [Fig. 5] shows a freewheel (4b) fully installed in the wheel hub (31b) according to a second construction in accordance with the invention. The freewheel here uses the known "ratchet" technology; it consists of a ratchet support ring (43) fitted onto a fourth bearing fixed to the end of the first hollow shaft (32b) on the side of the interlocking surfaces of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6) so as to be free to rotate and fixed axially with respect to the first hollow shaft (32). The fourth bearing is fixed next to one of the bearings that ensure the rotational fixation of the first hollow shaft in the wheel hub (31b). The ratchet support ring (43) has ratchets regularly distributed around its periphery which may or may not engage with the internal teeth of a toothed ring (44) fixed around the ratchet support ring and coaxially in the wheel hub (31b).The ratchet support ring (43) has on its outer side the interlocking surface of the wheel hub (31b) of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6). With the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6), the cassette assembly (2) drives the ratchet support ring (43) in rotation, which engages with the toothed ring (44) in the direction of travel of the bicycle to drive the wheel hub (31b) and does not engage in the opposite direction, allowing the wheel hub (31b) to rotate in the direction of travel of the bicycle while the cassette assembly (2) does not rotate.

[0046] These freewheel constructions (4a, 4b) are given by way of non-limiting example, and any other construction will remain in accordance with the invention if they allow the cassette assembly of sprockets (2) to drive the wheel hub (3la,31b) in the direction of forward movement of the bicycle during pedaling and to release the hub (31a, 31b) when pedaling stops while the bicycle continues to move forward with the cassette assembly of sprockets (2) not rotating.

[0047] Not all commercially available frames using thru-axle wheel mounting technology have the same thread pitch for the first tapped hole (120). For example, there are thread pitches of 1.5 mm, 1.25 mm, 1 mm, or other sizes. To adapt the mounting to all frames on the market, several types of cassette carrier sleeves must be manufactured with thread pitch dimensions for the threaded tenon corresponding to the pitch of the first tapped hole (120) of the frame. Another solution is to make a removable threaded tenon (201a) to have a single cassette carrier sleeve. This requires manufacturing several threaded tenons (201a) corresponding to all the dimensions of the first tapped hole (120) of the frames.

[0048] [Fig.6] shows an embodiment of the cassette carrier sleeve (20a) in which the threaded tenon (201a) is removably fixed on the cassette carrier sleeve (20a) according to a first construction of the preferred removable threaded tenon of the invention. The threaded tenon (201a) has a threaded tenon extension that extends into a housing in the cassette holder sleeve (20a) limited by a housing bottom stop (208). A first non-rotating connecting means prevents the threaded tenon extension of the threaded tenon (201a) from rotating within the housing of the cassette holder sleeve (20a) and allows it to move axially freely within the cassette holder sleeve (20a). Here, by way of non-limiting example, the first non-rotating connecting means consists of a groove (209) formed on the threaded tenon extension of the threaded tenon (201a) and which cooperates with a pin (210) of the cassette holder sleeve (20a). A first fixing means axially fixes the threaded tenon (201a) to the cassette holder sleeve (20a).Here, the first fastening means comprises, by way of non-limiting example, a second locking screw (212) inserted from the side of the second tapped bore (204) until it reaches a stop (211) formed at the end of the second tapped bore (204). This screw is then screwed into the threaded tenon extension of the threaded tenon (201a) and axially locks the threaded tenon (201a) onto the cassette-carrying sleeve (20a), with the fourth axial bearing surface (202) tightly pressed against the third axial bearing surface (121). In the construction described here, and by way of non-limiting example, the second locking screw (212) is screwed into the reverse thread (207), which can also be non-reverse, at least in the area of ​​the screw (212).This construction is given by way of non-limiting example, and any other construction using, for example, but not limited to, keys, pins, grooves, or other means, to lock the threaded tenon against rotation on the cassette holder sleeve and to axially fix the threaded tenon to the cassette holder sleeve, will remain consistent with the invention. This construction can be used with the safety device (22) shown in [Fig. 2] or [Fig. 3].

[0049] [Fig. 7] shows an embodiment of the cassette holder sleeve (20b) in which the threaded tenon (201a) is removably fixed to the cassette holder sleeve (20b) according to a second preferred construction of the removable threaded tenon of the invention. The threaded tenon (201a) always extends into the housing of the cassette holder sleeve (20b). The cylindrical support surface (330) of the cassette carrier sleeve (20b) extends in the shape of "U" to form a first U-shaped support surface (331) composed of a portion of the cylindrical support surface (330) connecting a first and a second U-shaped flat support surfaces with an opening angle corresponding to the opening angle between the first and second U-shaped flat surfaces of the recess (10) of the second arm (12) of the frame so that the first U-shaped support surface (331) fits perfectly into the recess (10) of the second arm.With the first non-rotating means of connection the cassette carrier sleeve (20b) is mounted non-rotatingly on the threaded tenon extension of the threaded tenon (201a) previously screwed into the second arm. (12) of the frame such that the threaded tenon extension of the threaded tenon (201a) protrudes from the third axial bearing surface (121) by a length less than the depth of the cassette sleeve housing into which the threaded tenon (201a) extends, so that the threaded tenon extension of the threaded tenon (201a) is not in contact with the housing bottom stop (208), until the fourth axial bearing surface (202) contacts the third axial bearing surface (121). The first U-shaped bearing surface (331) in contact with the recess (10) prevents the rotation of the cassette sleeve (20b) on the second arm (12), and the threaded tenon (201a) can no longer unscrew during tightening or loosening of the fixing pin (34). The first fixing means secures the threaded tenon (201a) onto the cassette carrier sleeve (20b) and clamps the assembly onto the second arm (12) of the frame.

[0050] The safety device (22) is achieved because the cassette holder sleeve (20b) is fixed and locked against rotation on the second arm (12) of the frame and cannot unscrew during tightening or loosening of the fixing pin (34). Here, and by way of non-limiting example, the first non-rotating connection means is achieved by the pin (210) of the cassette holder sleeve, which runs in the groove (209) of the threaded tenon (201a). The threaded tenon (201a) is mounted to slide, not rotate, and coaxially within the cassette holder sleeve until it is close to the bottom stop of the housing (208). The second locking screw (212) is inserted through the side of the first threaded part (204) until it reaches the stop (211) made at the end of the first threaded part (204), is screwed into the threaded tenon extension of the threaded tenon (201a) and axially locks the threaded tenon (201a) on the cassette holder sleeve (20b).

[0051] The mounting of this second construction of the removable threaded tenon on the frame is carried out as follows. The threaded tenon (201a) is screwed into the first tapped bore (120) of the second arm of the frame (12) with the threaded tenon extension having the groove (209) protruding from the third axial bearing surface (121) by a length less than the depth of the cassette holder sleeve housing limited by the housing bottom stop (208). The cassette holder sleeve (20b) is threaded onto the threaded tenon extension having the groove (209) with the pin (210) engaged in the groove (209) until the fourth axial bearing surface (202) is in contact with the third axial bearing surface (121) with the first U-shaped bearing surface (331) which fits into the recess (10). The second locking screw (212) is screwed into the threaded tenon (201a) and tightens the assembly for a rigid and non-rotating mounting.

[0052] [Fig. 8] shows an embodiment of the cassette holder sleeve (20c) in which the threaded tenon (201a) is removably fixed to the cassette holder sleeve (20c) according to a preferred third construction of the removable threaded tenon of the invention. The threaded tenon (201a) always extends into the housing of the holder sleeve. cassette. The cylindrical bearing surface (330) extends in a "U" shape to form the first U-shaped bearing surface (331) corresponding to the "U" shape of the recess (10) of the second arm (12). The first U-shaped bearing surface (331) and the fourth axial bearing surface (202) are part of a connecting piece (213) removable from the cassette-carrying sleeve (20c).A second non-rotating connecting means prevents the connecting piece (213) from rotating with the cassette holder sleeve (20c) and / or with the threaded tenon (201a) if the first non-rotating connecting means prevents the threaded tenon (201a) from rotating with the cassette holder sleeve (20c) shortened from the connecting piece (213) or prevents the cassette holder sleeve (20c) from rotating with the threaded tenon (201a) and / or with the connecting piece (213) if the first non-rotating connecting means prevents the threaded tenon (201a) from rotating with the connecting piece (213) which represents the removable end of the cassette holder sleeve (20c).

[0053] Here, and by way of non-limiting example, the first connecting means prevents rotation of the threaded tenon (201a) and the connecting piece (213) according to the technique employed in [Fig. 7], and the second connecting means prevents rotation of the cassette-carrying sleeve (20c) and the connecting piece (213). It comprises, again by way of non-limiting example, a groove (215) on the cassette-carrying sleeve (20c) which cooperates with a rib (214) of the connecting piece (213) to prevent rotation of the connecting piece (213) with the cassette-carrying sleeve (20c). The threaded tenon (201a) is mounted to slide, not rotate, and coaxially within the cassette-carrying sleeve (20c) and connecting piece (213) assembly up to the vicinity of the housing bottom stop (208). The first and second non-rotating connecting means keep the threaded tenon (201a) axially free with the cassette carrier sleeve assembly (20c) and connecting piece (213).Here, and by way of non-limiting example, the threaded tenon extension of the threaded tenon (201a) has a groove (209) in which the pin (210) of the connecting piece (213) can pass to prevent the threaded tenon (201a) from rotating. The first fastening means is always achieved with the second locking screw (212) screwed into the threaded tenon, which tightens the assembly for a rigid, non-rotating mount. Another configuration, given again by way of non-limiting example, can be made with a first non-rotating connecting means that prevents the threaded tenon (201a) from rotating with the shortened cassette-carrying sleeve (20c) of the connecting piece, and a second non-rotating connecting means that prevents the connecting piece (213) from rotating with the threaded tenon (201a), as can be seen in the cassette-carrying sleeve assembly of [Fig. 10].

[0054] The safety device (22) to ensure that the cassette-carrying sleeve (20c) does not unscrew during the loosening of the fixing pin (34) is provided by the first U-shaped bearing surface (331) corresponding to the "U" shape of the recess (10) and which fits perfectly in a non-rotational manner into the recess (10). The The "U" shapes of the recesses are not all identical on all commercially available bicycles, with different opening angles of the first and second flat surfaces of the recess, and the solution of the removable connecting piece (213) makes it possible to make only one cassette carrier sleeve (20c) for all assemblies and to adapt the connecting piece (213) and the threaded tenon (201a) corresponding to the frame of the bicycle to be equipped.

[0055] [Fig.9] shows an embodiment of the cassette carrier sleeve (20d) in which the The threaded tenon (201a) is removably fixed to the cassette holder sleeve (20d) according to a fourth preferred construction of the removable threaded tenon of the invention. This construction is similar to the second construction of the removable threaded tenon on the cassette holder sleeve described in [Fig. 7]. Here, the cylindrical bearing surface (330) of the cassette holder sleeve (20d) extends in a "U" shape to form a second U-shaped bearing surface (33d) composed of the portion of the cylindrical surface (330) that connects the first and second flat U-shaped bearing surfaces with a maximum opening corresponding to the opening of the recess (10) of the frame having the most closed opening, which is at a minimum with the first and second flat recess surfaces parallel. Once the cassette holder sleeve (20d) is positioned on the threaded tenon extension of the removable threaded tenon (201a), previously screwed into the second arm (12) of the frame protruding from theA third axial bearing surface (121) of a length less than the depth of the cassette sleeve housing (20d), into which the threaded tenon (201a) extends, such that the threaded tenon extension of the threaded tenon (201a) is not in contact with the housing bottom stop (208), up to the point where the fourth axial bearing surface (202) contacts the third axial bearing surface (121) and the first U-shaped flat bearing surface of the second U-shaped bearing surface (33Id), which is in contact with the first flat mortise surface of the mortise (10) of the second arm (12) of the frame, an adjustment means allows a stop of the second U-shaped bearing surface (33Id) to be positioned against the second flat mortise surface of the mortise (10) of the second arm (12) of the frame to prevent the cassette sleeve from rotating (20d) in the recess (10) of the second branch (12) of the frame.

[0056] In the construction of [Fig. 9], and by way of non-limiting example, the adjustment means consists of a third screw (216) screwed into the width of the second U-shaped bearing surface (33Id), with its end extending from the second flat U-shaped bearing surface until it contacts the second flat recess (10) of the second arm (12). This construction is used on the cassette-carrying sleeve assembly of [Fig. 11]. Other solutions for implementing the adjustment means exist, such as using a A removable stop is positioned on the second flat U-shaped support surface, such as, for example (but not limited to), a pin fitted to the required length to fit the slot (10) of the frame to be equipped. This design allows for the use of only one cassette holder sleeve (20d) that can be used on all frames regardless of the angle of their slot.

[0057] [Fig. 10], [Fig. 11], and [Fig. 12] show a second construction of a rear wheel assembly (3c) according to the invention, leaving the cassette assembly fixed to the bicycle frame using thru-axle wheel mounting technology and also leaving the brake disc on the bicycle frame during wheel changes. [Fig. 10] has the wheel mounted on the frame and uses a first solution for mounting on the first spoke, while [Fig. 11] has the wheel removed. [Fig. 12] shows the detail of a second solution for mounting on the first spoke (11) of the frame.

[0058] The brake disc (5) is rotatably mounted on the first arm (11) of the frame (1) on a disc carrier sleeve (51). The rear wheel (3c) consists of the wheel hub (31c) which is not equipped with a means for attaching a disc. The wheel hub (31c) of the rear wheel (3c) and the disc carrier sleeve (51) are each equipped with an interlocking surface forming a second pair of interlocking surfaces (7) providing a rotational and coaxial engagement position for the wheel hub (31c) and the disc carrier sleeve (51) in the wheel-mounted position on the frame (1) and a disengagement position for the wheel hub (31c) to remove it while the disc carrier sleeve (51) remains on the frame (1) of the bicycle.

[0059] The disc carrier sleeve (51) rotatably supports by at least one bearing a second hollow shaft (52, 52a) of a length which allows it not to protrude from the disc carrier sleeve (51) at the level of the second pair of interlocking surfaces (7) and going up to the second axial bearing surface (112) of the recess (10) of the first arm (11) of the frame.The end of the second hollow axis (52, 52a) on the side of the recess (10) of the first branch (11) has at least a portion of the cylindrical bearing surface (330) coaxial with the second hollow axis (52, 52a) with a radius at most equal to the radius "R" of the recess (10) and a third bore (53, 53a) coaxial with the hollow axis (52, 52a), a thin cylindrical spacer (54, 54a) runs without excessive play in the first bore (110) of the first branch (11) and extends into the third bore (53, 53a), the thin cylindrical spacer (54, 54a) has a collar which bears on the first axial bearing surface (111) of the first branch (11) of the frame. The first hollow shaft (32c) is shortened by the length of the second hollow shaft (52, 52a). A second fastening means fixes the thin cylindrical spacer (54, 54a) in the third bore (53, 53a) with the second hollow shaft (52, 52a) against the . second axial bearing surface (112) of the recess (10) of the first branch (11) and coaxial to the first bore (110), the fixing axis (34c) has a diameter reduced by the thickness of the thin spacer.

[0060] [Fig. 10] and [Fig. 11] show, by way of non-limiting example, a first solution for implementing the second means of fixing the thin cylindrical spacer (54, 54a) in the third bore (53, 53a). In this first solution, the second fixing means is implemented with the third bore (53) which has a tolerance allowing the thin cylindrical spacer (54) to be press-fitted into the third bore (53) with strong adhesion, while the thin cylindrical spacer (54) moves freely in the first bore (110).The strong adhesion is not sufficient to counteract the significant force created during tightening of the fixing axle, allowing the thin cylindrical spacer (54) to "slide" in the third bore (53) to achieve a tight fit of the first arm (11) of the frame between the flange of the thin cylindrical spacer (54) and the second hollow axle (52). Once the fixing axle (34c) is tightened in the cassette sleeve with the support head (341) bearing directly or indirectly through the first possible support washer (not shown) on the flange of the thin spacer (54) and the wheel (3c) mounted, the strong adhesion of the tight fit of the thin cylindrical spacer (54) allows the second hollow axle (52) to remain firmly pressed against the second axial bearing surface (112) of the first arm (11) of the frame once the fixing axle (34c) is unscrewed and the wheel (3c) removed.

[0061] [Fig. 12] shows, by way of non-limiting example, a second solution where the second fastening means is made with the thin cylindrical spacer (54a) which has a threaded part at the end which extends into the second hollow axis (52a) and which collaborates perfectly with a tapped hole in the third bore (53a), the thin cylindrical spacer (54a) is screwed into the tapped hole in the third bore (53a) and moderately clamps the first arm (11) between the support collar of the thin cylindrical spacer (54a) and the second hollow axis (52a) but sufficiently to keep the second hollow axis (52a) firmly supported on the second axial bearing surface (112) of the first arm (11) of the frame once the fastening axis (34c) has been unscrewed and the wheel (3c) removed,The support head (341c) of the fixing axle (34c) or the first possible support washer (not shown) has a recess (343c) allowing the support head (341c) to clamp onto the first axial bearing surface (111) without pressing on the flange of the thin cylindrical spacer (54a), allowing the significant clamping force of the fixing axle (34c) to tightly clamp the first arm (11) of the frame against the second hollow axle (52a) to ensure significant rigidity in the wheel (3c) mounted position.

[0062] On [Fig. 10] the cassette-carrying sleeve shown corresponds to the third construction of the removable tenon of [Fig.8] with the pin (210) in the cassette-carrying sleeve (without groove (215)) to make the first non-rotating connecting means and a second pin in the connecting piece to make the second non-rotating connecting means.

[0063] On [Fig.1 1] the cassette carrier sleeve shown corresponds to the fourth construction of the removable tenon with the first adjustment means consisting of the third screw (216) screwed into the width of the second U-shaped bearing surface (331d).

[0064] [Fig. 13] shows a third construction of a rear wheel assembly (3d) according to the invention, leaving the mounting axle (34d) always in place in the wheel. The first bore (110) of the first arm (11) has an opening facing downwards in the direction of the "U" shape of the recess (10) and a width "1" less than or equal to the diameter of the first bore and centered with respect to the first bore (110) to form an arm open along the entire length of the first bore (110). A first retaining means limits the extension of the mounting axle (34d) such that its threaded end (342) remains inside the first hollow axle (32d) and is at most flush with the end of the hollow axle (32d) on the side of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6).The fixing axle has a second cylindrical portion (344) coaxial with the fixing axle, with a diameter not exceeding 1 and a length at least equal to the distance between the first axial bearing surface (111) and the second axial bearing surface (112) of the first arm (11). The second cylindrical portion (344) is positioned on the side of the support head (341) so that it is centered on the first arm (11) to allow the wheel (3b) to extend downwards with the fixing axle (34d) in the extended position limited by the first retaining means.An elastic spring can be arranged to hold the fixing axle (34d) in the limited extension position by the first retaining means; the elastic spring is compressed when the fixing axle is screwed into the cassette carrier sleeve and is released when the fixing axle is fully unscrewed, pushing the axle into the limited position by the first retaining means so that the rear wheel (3d) fitted with its fixing axle (34d) can be extracted.

[0065] In the construction of [Fig. 13], the first retaining means is implemented, by way of non-limiting example, with a retaining ring (345) positioned in a groove formed on the fixing shaft (34d) and which abuts against the bottom of a housing (320) formed in the first hollow shaft (32d). The first hollow shaft (32d) is here made in two parts to allow mounting of the fixing shaft (34d) fitted with the retaining ring (345). A helical spring is placed around the fixing shaft, in the housing (320) of the first hollow shaft and bearing against the retaining ring (345) so that it compresses when the shaft The fixing is screwed into the cassette holder sleeve and relaxes to press the stop bead against the bottom of the housing (320) when the axle is fully unscrewed.

[0066] The construction of [Fig. 13] saves a few seconds during the rear wheel change but requires a frame with the first spoke open, which is not the case for all frames using thru-axle wheel fixing technology.

[0067] [Fig. 14] shows the detail of the fabrication of the interlocking surfaces with a partial perspective view of the end of the wheel hub and a partial perspective view of the end of the sprocket cassette assembly. The interlocking surfaces of the wheel hub and the sprocket cassette assembly of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6) are identical; they consist of a plurality of "n" axial teeth regularly distributed in projection on an annular surface perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel, with an outer diameter "D" and an inner diameter "d" coaxial with the axis of rotation of the wheel.Each tooth, a few millimeters high, consists of a straight flat surface (60) passing through a radius of the annular surface with outer diameter "D" and roughly perpendicular to the annular surface, and an inclined flat surface (61) extending from the line of junction of the straight flat surface of one tooth with the annular surface to the crest of the next tooth. The inclined flat surfaces (61) are arranged such that power transmission from the engagement surface of the cassette assembly to the engagement surface of the wheel hub, in the direction of bicycle travel, is achieved through contact between the straight flat surfaces (60) of the teeth. The two engagement surfaces mesh coaxially; the inclined flat surfaces (61) cause self-alignment of the teeth during the engagement phase.To aid coaxial centering during the engagement phase, an open conical surface (62) is positioned on the periphery of the teeth on the wheel hub, starting from a diameter "DI" with D1>D at the level of the annular surface and enlarging to a diameter "D2" with D2>D1 at the level of a plane parallel to the annular surface at a distance at least equal to the height of the teeth and which collaborates with a complementary closed conical surface (63) positioned on the periphery of the teeth on the cassette of sprockets assembly, starting from a plane passing through the top of the teeth of the engagement surface of the cassette of sprockets assembly.

[0068] Disengaging the interlocking surfaces requires a separation of the interlocking surfaces of at least the height of the teeth, which the cyclist creates by manually separating the frame arms that have the necessary flexibility. The necessary separation during wheel insertion is caused by the sliding of the surface closed conical (63) of the cassette assembly of sprockets on the diameter apex "D2" of the open conical surface (62) of the wheel hub.

[0069] The invention finds its application among bicycle manufacturers and among manufacturers of wheels and their equipment.

[0070] The object of the invention finds a particularly advantageous but not exclusive application for equipping a road or all-terrain racing bicycle.

Claims

1. Demands Mounting a rear wheel (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) on the frame (1) of a bicycle, the frame consists of a first arm (11) and a second arm (12), the first arm (11) has a first bore (110) and a first axial bearing surface (111) on the outside of the first arm and a second axial bearing surface (112) on the inside of the first arm, the second arm (12) has a first threaded bore (120) coaxial with the first bore (110) of the first arm (11) and a third axial bearing surface (121) on the inside of the second arm (12), the first arm (11) and the second arm (12) are separated by a length "L" from the existing recesses (10) on the inside of each first and second arm of the frame, with a depth of a few millimeters,of a radius “R” centered on the first bore (110) and the first tapped bore (120) and are open downwards in an inverted “U” shape to allow the wheel to exit, the “U” shape of the recesses (10) consists of a first flat recess surface linked by a portion of a cylinder of radius “R” to a second flat recess surface and forms an open angle to facilitate the introduction of the wheel, the second axial bearing surface (112) is in the recess (10) of the first branch (11) and the third axial bearing surface (121) is in the recess (10) of the second branch (12),the first bore (110) may optionally have a downward opening in the direction of the "U" shape of the recess (10) of the first arm with a width "1" less than or equal to the diameter of the first bore (110) and centered with respect to the first bore (110) to form an open arm along the entire length of the first bore (110), the rear wheel (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is composed of a wheel hub (31, 31a, 31b, 31c) and a cassette assembly of sprockets (2) each equipped with a meshing surface forming a first pair of meshing surfaces (6) giving a rotational and coaxial engagement position of the wheel hub (31, 31a, 31b, 31c) with the cassette assembly of sprockets (2) in wheel position (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) mounted on the frame (1) and a wheel hub disengagement position (31, 31a, 31b, 31c) for removal, While the cassette assembly of sprockets (2) remains on the second arm (12), the wheel hub (31, 31a, 31b, 31c) rotatably supports a first hollow axle (32, 32b, 32c, 32d) bearing against the second axial support surface (112) and of a length that allows it not to protrude from the wheel hub (31, 31a, 31b, 31c) at the level of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6), the cassette assembly of sprockets (2) rotatably supports a cassette carrier sleeve (20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) of a length corresponding to the remaining length between the first hollow axle (32, 32b, 32c, 32d) and the third axial support surface (121), a freewheel (4, 4a, 4b) is installed so that the cassette assembly of sprockets (2) drives the wheel hub (31, 31a, 31b, 31c) in the direction of travel of the bicycle and allows the wheel hub (31, 31a, 31b, 31c) to rotate in the direction of travel of the bicycle while the cassette assembly of sprockets does not rotate, the rear wheel (3, 3a, 3b, 3c,3d) is optionally equipped with a brake disc (5), characterized in that the cassette carrier sleeve (20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) has a threaded tenon (201, 201a) having a thread the size of the tapped hole of the first tapped bore (120) and a fourth axial bearing surface (202) which abuts the third axial bearing surface (121), the threaded tenon (201, 201a) is screwed into the first tapped bore (120) and the fourth axial bearing surface (202) is clamped against the third axial bearing surface (121), the end of the cassette carrier sleeve (20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) on the side of the fourth axial bearing surface (202) has at least a portion of a cylindrical bearing surface (330) with a radius at most equal to the radius "R" of the mortise (10) of the second arm (12) and coaxial with the threaded tenon (201, 201a), the cassette-carrying sleeve (20, 20a, 20b, 20c,20d) has on the end located at the level of the first pair of the interlocking surfaces (6) a second threaded bore (204) coaxial with the threaded tenon (201, 201a) into which a threaded end (342) of a fixing pin (34, 34c, 34d) is screwed, the fixing pin (34, 34c, 34d) has a length less than "L" allowing it to be inserted through the first bore (110) of the first arm (11), to pass through the first hollow pin (32, 32b, 32c, 32d) and to screw into the second threaded bore (204) to tighten the wheel (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) once a support head (341, 341c) of the fixing pin (34, 34c, 34d) directly supported or, indirectly through a first possible support washer on the first axial support surface (111).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a safety device (22) ensures that the threaded tenon (201, 201a) does not unscrew from the second arm (12) of the frame during tightening or loosening of the fixing pin (34, 34c, 34d).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the safety device (22) consists of a thread adhesive disposed between the threaded tenon (201, 201a) and the first tapped bore (120).

4. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the safety device (22) is composed of a first locking screw (222) of a diameter much smaller than that of the threaded tenon (201, 201a) and having a thread with a reverse pitch relative to that of the threaded tenon (201, 201a), of a reverse tapping (207) in the cassette carrier sleeve (20, 20a) at the level of the threaded tenon (201, 201a) and corresponding to the reverse thread of the first locking screw (222), the first locking screw is screwed into the reverse tapping (207) until the head of the first locking screw (222) bears directly or indirectly through a possible second support washer (221) against the outside of the second arm (12) of the frame (1).

5. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the safety device (22) is composed of an additional threaded tenon (223) arranged in extension of the threaded tenon (201, 201a) with a smaller diameter and a reverse thread relative to that of the threaded tenon (201, 201a), of a nut (224) with a reverse thread corresponding to that of the additional threaded tenon (223), the nut (224) is screwed onto the additional tenon (223) and tightened directly or indirectly through an optional third thrust washer against the outer face of the second arm (12) of the frame (1).

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the threaded tenon (201a) is removably fixed on the cassette carrier sleeve (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d).

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the threaded tenon (201a) has a threaded tenon extension that extends into a housing of the cassette-carrying sleeve (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) limited by a housing bottom stop (208), a first means of non-rotating link locks in rotation the threaded tenon extension of the threaded tenon (201a) in the housing of the cassette carrier sleeve (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) and leaves it free axially in the cassette carrier sleeve (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), a first fixing means axially fixes the threaded tenon (201a) on the cassette carrier sleeve (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the cylindrical support surface (330) of the cassette-carrying sleeve (20b, 20c) extends in the shape of a "U" to form a first U-shaped support surface (331) composed of a portion of the cylindrical support surface (330) connecting a first and a second U-shaped flat support surfaces with an opening angle corresponding to the opening angle between the first and second U-shaped flat surfaces of the recess (10) of the second arm (12) such that the first U-shaped support surface (331) fits perfectly into the recess (10) of the second arm, with the first non-rotating connecting means the cassette-carrying sleeve (20b, 20c)20c) is mounted non-rotatingly on the threaded tenon extension of the threaded tenon (201a) previously screwed into the second arm (12) such that the threaded tenon extension of the threaded tenon (201a) protrudes from the third axial bearing surface (121) by a length less than the depth of the cassette sleeve housing into which the threaded tenon (201a) extends, causing the threaded tenon extension of the threaded tenon (201a) to not be in contact with the housing bottom stop (208), until the fourth axial bearing surface (202) contacts the third axial bearing surface (121). The first U-shaped bearing surface (331) in contact with the recess (10) blocks the rotation of the cassette sleeve (20b, 20c) on the second arm, and the threaded tenon (201a) can no longer be unscrewed during the tightening or loosening the fixing pin (34, 34c, 34d), the first fixing means fixes the threaded tenon (201a) onto the cassette carrier sleeve (20b,20c) and tighten the assembly onto the second arm (12) of the frame.

9. A device according to claim 8, characterized in that the first U-shaped bearing surface (331) and the fourth axial bearing surface (202) are part of a connecting piece (213) removable from the cassette-carrying sleeve (20c), a second connecting means not rotary locks in rotation the connecting piece (213) with the cassette carrier sleeve (20c) and / or with the threaded tenon (201a) if the first non-rotating connecting means locks in rotation the threaded tenon (201a) with the cassette carrier sleeve (20c) shortened from the connecting piece (213) or locks in rotation the cassette carrier sleeve (20c) with the threaded tenon (201a) and / or with the connecting piece (213) if the first non-rotating connecting means locks in rotation the threaded tenon (201a) with the connecting piece (213) which represents the removable end of the cassette carrier sleeve.

10. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the cylindrical support surface (330) of the cassette-carrying sleeve (20d) extends in the shape of a "U" to form a second U-shaped support surface (33Id) composed of the portion of the cylindrical surface (330) which connects the first and second flat U-shaped support surfaces with a maximum opening corresponding to the opening of the recess (10) of the frame having the most closed opening which is at a minimum with the first and second flat recess surfaces parallel,once the cassette holder sleeve (20d) is positioned on the threaded tenon extension of the removable threaded tenon (201a) previously screwed into the second arm (12) of the frame and protruding from the third axial bearing surface (121) by a length less than the depth of the housing of the cassette holder sleeve into which the threaded tenon (201a) extends, so that the threaded tenon extension of the threaded tenon (201a) is not in contact with the bottom stop of the housing (208), until the fourth axial bearing surface (202) comes into contact with the third axial bearing surface (121) and with the first U-shaped flat bearing surface of the second U-shaped bearing surface (33Id) in contact with the first flat mortise surface of the mortise (10) of the second arm (12),An adjustment means allows a stop on the second U-shaped support surface (33Id) to be positioned against the second flat surface of the recess (10) of the second arm (12) to prevent rotation of the cassette-carrying sleeve (20d) in the recess (10) of the second arm (12).

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the adjustment means consists of a third screw (216) screwed into the width of the second U-shaped support surface (33Id) with its end protruding from the second flat U-shaped support surface until contact with the second flat surface of the indentation of the indentation (10) of the second branch (12).

12. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the first fastening means comprises a second locking screw (212) inserted through the side of the second tapped bore (204) until it reaches a stop (211) made at the end of the second tapped bore (204), is screwed into the threaded tenon extension of the threaded tenon (201a) and axially locks the threaded tenon (201a) on the cassette carrier sleeve (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) with the fourth axial bearing surface (202) tightly pressed against the third axial bearing surface (121).

13. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cassette-carrying sleeve (20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) has a first cylindrical portion (205) coaxial with the threaded tenon (201, 201a) and terminated by a fifth axial bearing surface (206), allowing the backlash-free insertion of the cassette assembly of gears (2), the length of the first cylindrical portion (205) being such that the cassette assembly of gears (2) is flush with the end of the cassette-carrying sleeve (20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), i.e., at the level of the interlocking surfaces of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6) once it abuts the fifth axial bearing surface (206), and allowing the interlocking surfaces to be engaged when the first hollow shaft (32, 32b, 32c, 32d) is tightened against the cassette carrier sleeve (20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) once the fixing axle (34, 34c, 34d) is tightened.

14. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first bore (110) of the first arm (11) has the opening facing downwards in the direction of the "U" shape of the recess (10) and of a width "1" less than or equal to the diameter of the first bore (110) and centered with respect to the first bore (110) to form an open arm along the entire length of the first bore (110), a first retaining means limits the exit of the fixing pin (34d) such that its threaded end (342) remains inside the first hollow pin (32d) and is at most flush with the end of the hollow pin (32d) on the side of the first pair of the interlocking surfaces (6), the fixing pin has a second cylindrical portion (344) coaxial with the fixing pin, of a diameter at most equal to "1" and of a length

15. at least equal to the existing distance between the first axial support surface (111) and the second axial support surface (112) of the first arm (11), the second cylindrical part (344) is disposed on the side of the support head (341) so that it is centered on the first arm (11) to allow the downward exit of the wheel (3b) with the fixing axle (34d) in the exit position limited by the first retaining means, an elastic spring may be disposed to hold the fixing axle (34d) in the exit position limited by the first retaining means, the elastic spring is compressed when the fixing axle is screwed into the cassette carrier sleeve and is relaxed when the fixing axle is fully unscrewed and pushes the fixing axle into the position limited by the first retaining means in order to be able to extract the rear wheel (3d) equipped with its fixing axle (34d). A device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the brake disc (5) is rotatably mounted on the first arm (11) of the frame on a disc carrier sleeve (51), the rear wheel (3c) is composed of the wheel hub (31c) not equipped with a means for fixing a disc, the wheel hub (31c) and the disc carrier sleeve (51) are each equipped with an interlocking surface forming a second pair of interlocking surfaces (7) giving a rotational and coaxial engagement position of the wheel hub (31c) and the disc carrier sleeve (51) in the wheel-mounted position on the frame (1) and a disengagement position of the wheel hub (31c) for removal while the disc carrier sleeve (51) remains on the frame (1) of the bicycle, the disc carrier sleeve (51) rotatably supports a second hollow axle (52,52a) of a length enabling it not to protrude from the disc-carrying sleeve (51) at the level of the second pair of interlocking surfaces (7) and extending to the second axial bearing surface (112) of the recess (10) of the first arm (11), the end of the second hollow shaft (52, 52a) on the side of the recess (10) of the first arm (11) has a third bore (53, 53a) coaxial with the second hollow shaft (52, 52a), a thin cylindrical spacer (54, 54a) runs without excessive play in the first bore (110) of the first arm (11) and extends into the third bore (53, 53a), the thin cylindrical spacer (54, 54a) has a collar which bears against the,

16.

17. first axial bearing surface (111) of the first arm (11), the first hollow shaft (32c) is shortened by the length of the second hollow shaft (52, 52a), a second fastening means fixes the thin cylindrical spacer (54, 54a) in the third bore (53, 53a) with the second hollow shaft (52, 52a) against the second axial bearing surface (112) of the recess (10) of the first arm (11). Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the second fastening means is made with the third bore (53) which has a tolerance allowing the thin cylindrical spacer (54) to be pressed tightly into the third bore (53) with strong adhesion while the thin cylindrical spacer (54) moves freely in the first bore (110),The strong adhesion is insufficient to counteract the significant force created during the tightening of the fixing shaft (34c), allowing the thin cylindrical spacer (54) to "slide" in the third bore (53) to achieve a tight fit of the first arm (11) between the flange of the thin cylindrical spacer (54) and the second hollow shaft (52). Once the fixing shaft (34c) is tightened into the cassette carrier sleeve (20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) with the support head (341) bearing directly or indirectly through the first possible support washer on the flange of the thin cylindrical spacer (54) and the wheel (3c) mounted, the strong adhesion of the tight fit of the thin cylindrical spacer (54) allows the second hollow shaft (52) to remain firmly pressed against the second axial bearing surface (112) of the first branch (11) once the fixing axle has been unscrewed and the wheel (3c) removed. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the second fastening means is made with the thin cylindrical spacer (54a) which has a threaded portion at the end which extends into the second hollow axis (52a) and which cooperates perfectly with a thread in the third bore (53a), the thin cylindrical spacer (54a) is screwed into the thread in the third bore (53a) and moderately clamps the first arm (11) between the support collar of the thin cylindrical spacer (54a) and the second hollow axis (52a) but sufficiently to keep the second hollow axis (52a) firmly supported on the second axial support surface (112) of the first arm (11) once the fastening axis (34c) is unscrewed and the wheel (3c) removed, the support head (341c) of the fastening axis (34c) or the first possible support washer has a recess (343c) allowing the support head to clamp on the first axial support surface (111) without pressing on the collar of the thin cylindrical spacer (54a) allowing the significant clamping force of the fixing shaft (34c) to strongly clamp the first arm (11) against the second hollow shaft (52a) to ensure significant rigidity in the wheel (3c) mounted position.

18. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the freewheel (4) is installed entirely in the cassette sprocket assembly (2) and allows the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6) with the cassette sprocket assembly (2) to be driven or not in rotation.

19. A device according to claim 18, characterized in that the freewheel (4) uses the known "ratchet" technology; it comprises a first fixed ratchet (41) fitted onto a first bearing fixed to the end of the cassette carrier sleeve (20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) on the side of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6) so as to be free to rotate and axially fixed relative to the cassette of sprockets (2); the first fixed ratchet (41) has on its inner side, i.e., towards the interior of the cassette of sprockets (2), the ratchet teeth which engage with the ratchet teeth of a first movable ratchet (42) fixed for rotation within the cassette of sprockets (2) but axially free and pushed by a spring; the first fixed ratchet (41) has on its outer side the interlocking surface of the cassette of sprockets (2). first pair of interlocking surfaces (6),The ratchet teeth on the inner side of the first fixed ratchet (41) are connected to the outer mounting surface by a cylindrical part inside which the first bearing is fitted. The first movable ratchet (42), driven by the cassette assembly of sprockets (2), engages with the first fixed ratchet (41) and drives it in rotation in the direction of travel of the bicycle and does not engage in the other direction. The first fixed ratchet (41) drives the wheel hub (31, 31c) with the first pair of mounting surfaces (6).

20. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the freewheel (4a, 4b) is installed entirely

21.

22. in the wheel hub (31a, 31b) and allows the wheel hub (31a, 31b) to be driven or not in rotation by the first pair of wheel hub (6) with the wheel hub (31a, 31b). Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the free wheel (4a) uses the known technology of "ratchets", it is composed of a second fixed ratchet (41a) fitted onto a second bearing fixed on the end of the first hollow shaft (32) on the side of the interlocking surfaces of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6) so as to be free in rotation and fixed axially with respect to the first hollow shaft (32), the second fixed ratchet (41a) has on its inner side i.e. towards the inside of the wheel hub (31a) the ratchet teeth which collaborate with the ratchet teeth of a second movable ratchet (42a) fixed in rotation in the wheel hub (31a) but free axially and pushed by a spring, the second fixed ratchet (41a) has on its outer side the interlocking surface of the wheel hub (31a) of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6),The ratchet teeth on the inner side of the second fixed ratchet (41a) are connected to the outer mounting surface by a cylindrical portion inside which the second bearing is fitted and outside of which is fitted the inner ring of a third bearing having its outer ring fitted into a housing in the wheel hub (31a). The second and third bearings are roughly axially aligned and participate in the rotational fixation of the first hollow axle (32) in the wheel hub (31a). The second fixed ratchet (41a), driven by the cassette assembly (2) with the first pair of mounting surfaces (6), engages with the second movable ratchet (42a) and drives it in rotation in the direction of travel of the bicycle and does not engage in the opposite direction, thus allowing the wheel hub (31a) to rotate in the direction of travel of the bicycle while the cassette assembly (2) does not rotate. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that the freewheel (4b) uses the known "ratchet" technology, it comprises a ratchet support ring (43) fitted onto a fourth bearing fixed to the end of the first hollow shaft (32b) on the side of the interlocking surfaces of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6) so as to be free to rotate and fixed

23. axially with respect to the first hollow shaft (32), the fourth bearing is fixed next to one of the bearings which ensure the rotational fixing of the first hollow shaft in the wheel hub (31b), the ratchet support ring (43) has the ratchets regularly distributed on its periphery which collaborate or not with the internal teeth of a toothed ring (44) fixed around the ratchet support ring and coaxially in the wheel hub (31b), the ratchet support ring (43) has on its outer side the interlocking surface of the wheel hub (31b) of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6),with the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6) the cassette assembly (2) drives the ratchet support ring (43) in rotation, which collaborates with the toothed ring (44) in the direction of travel of the bicycle to drive the wheel hub (31b) and does not collaborate in the other direction to allow the wheel hub (31b) to rotate in the direction of travel of the bicycle while the cassette assembly (2) does not rotate. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interlocking surfaces of the wheel hub and the cassette assembly of sprockets of the first pair of interlocking surfaces (6) are identical, they consist of a plurality of "n" axial teeth regularly distributed projecting on an annular surface perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel of outer diameter "D" and inner diameter "d" coaxial with the axis of rotation of the wheel, each tooth of a height of a few millimeters is composed of a straight flat surface (60) passing through a radius of the annular surface of outer diameter "D" and roughly perpendicular to the annular surface and an inclined flat surface (61) starting from the line of junction of the straight flat surface (60) of a tooth with the annular surface and going to the top of the next tooth,The inclined flat surfaces (61) are arranged such that the power transmission from the interlocking surface of the cassette assembly to the interlocking surface of the wheel hub in the direction of travel of the bicycle is achieved by the contact of the straight flat surfaces (60) of the teeth; the interlocking of the two interlocking surfaces is coaxial; the inclined flat surfaces (61) cause self-alignment of the teeth during the interlocking phase; To aid coaxial centering during the engagement phase, an open conical surface (62) is positioned on the periphery of the teeth on the wheel hub, starting from a diameter "DI" with D1>D at the level of the annular surface and enlarging to a diameter "D2" with D2>D1 at the level of a plane parallel to the annular surface at a distance at least equal to the height of the teeth, and which collaborates with a complementary closed conical surface (63) positioned on the periphery of the teeth on the cassette assembly, starting from a plane passing through the top of the teeth of the engagement surface of the cassette assembly. The disengagement of the engagement surfaces requires a separation of the engagement surfaces of at least the height of the teeth, which the cyclist causes by manually separating the arms of the frame.The necessary gap during wheel insertion is caused by the sliding of the closed conical surface (63) of the cassette assembly of sprockets on the diameter apex "D2" of the open conical surface (62) of the wheel hub.

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