QUICK RELEASE THROUGH AXLE WITH LOCKING ELEMENTS FOR BIKES

Abstract

A quick-clamping system for fixing the hub of a wheel between dropouts of a fork or chainstays of a bicycle having a tension axle (1) with a means for exerting axial compressive forces (3) and a first clamping surface (4), both being arranged at a first end (2); a locking mechanism (6) having a second clamping surface (7) and blocking a second end (5) against axial motion; a counter piece (8), wherein counter piece (8) and second end (5) can be detachably connected by means of axial plugging, and wherein the counter piece (8) has an axially moveable, operable unlocking mechanism (9) by means of which the locking mechanism (6) can be unlocked, so that counter piece (8) and second end (5) can be detached from each other.

Claims

1. A quick-clamping system for fixing a hub of a wheel between dropouts of a fork or the chainstays of a bicycle, comprising: a tension axle (1) with a means for exerting axial compressive forces and a first clamping surface (4), both being arranged at a first end (2); a locking mechanism (6) having a second clamping surface (7) and blocking a second end (5) against axial motion; and a counter piece (8), wherein counter piece (8) and second end (5) can be detachably connected by means of axial plugging, and wherein the counter piece (8) has an axially moveable, operable unlocking mechanism (9) by means of which the locking mechanism (6) can be unlocked, so that counter piece (8) and second end (5) can be detached from each other.

2. The quick-clamping system according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism (6) comprises locking pawls (6A, 6B).

3. The quick-clamping system according to claim 2, wherein the locking pawls (6A, 6B) laterally spring out of the second end (5) and act in direction of the first clamping surface (4).

4. The quick-clamping system according to claim 3, wherein the locking pawls (6A, 6B) are fabricated integrally with the second end (5), or present in several parts and swivel-mounted in the second end (5), or fabricated as a continuous component.

5. The quick-clamping system according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism (6) comprises locking sliders (6A, 6B, 6C).

6. The quick-clamping system according to claim 5, wherein the locking sliders (6A, 6B, 6C) laterally move out of the second end (5) and act in direction of the first clamping surface (4).

7. The quick-clamping system according to claim 6, having only two locking sliders (6A, 6B).

8. The quick-clamping system according to claim 6, having only three locking sliders (6A, 6B, 6C).

9. The quick-clamping system according to claim 7, wherein the locking sliders (6A, 6B, 6C) have a pot-shaped basic shape and adjacent back sides that can be partially inserted into one another.

10. The quick-clamping system according to claim 1, wherein the counter piece (8) has a cavity (8A) in which the second end (5), together with the extended locking pawls (6A, 6B) or extended locking sliders (6A, 6B), can be accommodated, and wherein the cavity (8A) has a taper providing a shoulder (8B) for blocking interaction with the extended locking pawls (6A, 6B) or extended locking sliders (6A, 6B).

11. The quick-clamping system according to claim 2, wherein the locking pawls (6A, 6B) or locking sliders (6A, 6B) are arranged inside a dropout.

12. The quick-clamping system according to claim 1, wherein the unlocking mechanism (9) has a front or inner surface pointing towards the first clamping surface (4), the front or inner surface being moveable in axial direction contrary to the first clamping surface (4) and cooperating with bevels of the locking mechanism (6), so that, upon axial motion of the front or inner surface, the locking mechanism (6) increasingly deflects, such that it can eventually be unlocked.

13. The quick-clamping system according to claim 12, wherein the unlocking mechanism (9) is provided as a sleeve-shaped push button.

14. The quick-clamping system according to claim 1, wherein the unlocking mechanism (9) is accommodated in a separate housing.

15. The quick-clamping system according to claim 1, wherein the unlocking mechanism (9) is accommodated in the dropout.

16. The quick-clamping system according to claim 8, wherein the locking sliders (6A, 6B, 6C) have a pot-shaped basic shape and adjacent back sides that can be partially inserted one into the other.

17. The quick-clamping system according to claim 5, wherein the locking pawls (6A, 6B) or locking sliders (6A, 6B) are arranged inside a dropout.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0027] In the following, the invention is disclosed in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments with the aid of the figures.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of the quick release system according to the invention;

[0029] FIG. 2 shows an assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 1 as longitudinal cut view;

[0030] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of a further embodiment of the quick release system according to the invention;

[0031] FIG. 4 shows a part of the assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 3 as longitudinal cut view;

[0032] FIG. 5 shows parts of the counter piece of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3;

[0033] FIG. 6 shows a cut view of the counter piece;

[0034] FIG. 7 shows a detail view of a cut through an embodiment of the second end;

[0035] FIG. 8 shows a detail view of a cut through a further embodiment of the second end with counter piece;

[0036] FIG. 9 shows a detail view of a cut through a further embodiment of the second end;

[0037] FIG. 10 shows a view of a locking mechanism with exactly three symmetrically arranged locking sliders;

[0038] FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of a locking mechanism with exactly three asymmetrically arranged locking sliders;

[0039] FIG. 12 shows a detail view of a cut through an embodiment of the housing with locking sliders;

[0040] FIG. 13 shows a detail view of two locking sliders inserted one into the other;

[0041] FIG. 14 shows a detail view of one individual locking slider;

[0042] FIG. 15 shows a detail view of a cut through a further embodiment of a second end with counter piece.

[0043] In FIG. 1, an exploded view of a first embodiment of the quick release system according to the invention is shown. At the left, first end 2, at the right, second end 5 is visible. At first end 2, the means for exerting axial compressive forces 3 is arranged, presently being designed as clamping lever with eccentric cam and separate pressure disc. Means 3 is connected via a tension rod 10 to the middle section 11 of the tension axle 1. Of course, means 3 can also be directly attached to the middle section 11. At the second end 5, at the right, the locking mechanism 6 is arranged.

[0044] Particularly preferred, the locking mechanism comprises locking pawls. Presently, these are locking pawls 6A, 6B. The edges which point towards the first clamping surface 4 form the (here two-part) second clamping surface 7. In the operational state (axle locked), these edges laterally project above diameter D of second end 5 (see also next figure). They rest on a shoulder 8B which is present in counter piece 8.

[0045] In FIG. 2, an assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 1 is shown as longitudinal cut view, with a differently formed, but identically functioning clamping lever. Well visible is the hollow middle section 11 of tension axle 1. Also visible are the swung out locking pawls 6A, 6B, which rest against shoulder 8B of counter piece 8.

[0046] In FIG. 3, an exploded view of a further embodiment of the quick release system according to the invention is shown.

[0047] According to this embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises locking sliders. Presently, these are locking sliders 6A, 6B. The surfaces which point towards the fort clamping surface 4 form the (here two-part) second clamping surface 7. In the operational state (axle locked), these edges laterally project above diameter D of second end 5 (see also next figure). They rest on a shoulder 8B which is present in counter piece 8.

[0048] In FIG. 4, a detail of the assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 3 is shown as longitudinal cut view. Well visible is the end of the hollow middle section 11 of tension axle 1. Also visible are the swung out locking sliders 6A, 6B, which rest against shoulder 8B of counter piece 8.

[0049] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show parts of counter piece 8 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. The depicted optional screw serves as safeguard for the counter piece 8 in the dropout (not shown).

[0050] In FIG. 7, a detail view of a cut through a further embodiment of the second end 5 with locking pawls 6A, 6B is shown. For reasons of clarity, hatching is omitted. This embodiment of locking mechanism 6 is characterized by a particularly simple construction. Both locking pawls 6A, 6B are connected with each other by means of common fillets (only fillet 6 visible, the other one lies in above the sheet level), and they are preferably fabricated in one piece. Thus, installation of the locking pawls 6A, 6B is particularly simple. They are plugged onto a bolt 6D having an internal hex, which is then screwed into the second end 5 of the middle section 11 until a shoulder 6E. Locking pawls 6A, 6B are fabricated such that they are swung out in the unloaded state. Recess 5A at the second end 5 is dimensioned such that the outsides of the locking pawls 6A, 6B are completely flush with the shell surface of the second end 5 when in the swung in position. They do no project above diameter D.

[0051] As shown in the according previous embodiments, it is preferred that locking pawls 6A, 6B laterally spring out of the second end 5 and act in direction of the first clamping surface 4.

[0052] Such an embodiment is e.g. shown in FIG. 8. According to this embodiment, locking pawls 6A, 6B (only one shown) are fabricated integrally with the second end 5. In order to achieve a sufficient flexibility, an additional radial slit (cut-in, no reference numeral) can be provided, as shown. Recess 5A at second end 5 is also directly formed therein.

[0053] The advantage of this embodiment is in the lowest possible number of individual parts for locking mechanism 6.

[0054] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the locking pawls 6A, 6B can also be present in several parts and swivel-mounted in the second end 5.

[0055] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, they are fabricated as a continuous component.

[0056] The locking pawls 6A, 6B can be kept in the swung out position by means of integrated springs (FIG. 7, FIG. 8), by means of elastomers (FIG. 1, FIG. 2), or by means of inserted spring leafs 6G (FIG. 9).

[0057] Referencing again to FIG. 3 which shows an embodiment with locking sliders 6A, 6B, it is preferred for such embodiments that locking sliders 6A, 6B can laterally move out of the second end 5 and act (with their second clamping surfaces 7) in direction of the first clamping surface 4. In this context, moving out means any kind of pushing out, swinging out, or springing out; it is essential that a section of the locking sliders 6A, 6B can be arranged both inside the envelope of the second end 5 or the middle section 11 of the tension axle 1, as well as outside of this envelope.

[0058] Particularly preferred, the locking mechanism comprises exactly two locking sliders 6A, 6B, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The advantage of such a construction can be seen the low number of parts and the comparatively large second clamping surface.

[0059] According to another embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises three, four or more locking sliders. Also, the construction with a single locking slider is possible. It is further preferred that the angle between the locking sliders, measured in direction of the longitudinal axis of tension axle 1, is always the same (e.g. 180 degrees for two locking sliders, 120 degrees for three locking sliders, and so on).

[0060] In FIG. 10, an axially oriented view of a locking mechanism with exactly three symmetrically arranged locking sliders 6A, 6B, 6C is depicted. Here, three locking sliders 6A, 6B, 6C are evenly distributed around the circumference; thus, the angle between the motion axis of the locking sliders 6A, 6B, 6C amounts to 120 degrees.

[0061] In FIG. 11, an asymmetric embodiment with three locking sliders 6A, 6B, 6C is depicted. It may be a constructional advantage to have a region of more than 120 degrees with no locking slider; in the depicted case, the large angle amounts to approx. 160 degrees, and the two smaller angles amount to approx. 100 degrees.

[0062] In FIG. 12, the detail of a preferred embodiment of the second end 5 with locking sliders is shown as a cut view. Presently, both locking sliders 6A, 6B are pushed radially outwards by a pressure spring (spring 6G), and they are secured by threaded bolts (head-less screw 61) against falling out or rotating, respectively. Thus, locking sliders 6A, 6B move along a common linear axis. According to the depicted embodiment, they have a pot-shaped basic shape. Both openings of this basic shape point towards each other. Spring 6G plunges with its both ends in these two openings, thus pushing both locking sliders 6A, 6B away from each other. Locking sliders 6A, 6B are guided by according boreholes of the housing 6H which holds them. Presently, they are secured there against falling out by means of headless screws 61. The latter engage in an according recess of locking sliders 6A, 6B.

[0063] In order to achieve a sufficient overall length and thus, stability as well as the possibility of guiding locking sliders 6A, 6B in the housing 6H on one hand, but to keep the diameter of housing 6H and thus, of tensile axle 1, as low as possible on the other hand, both (preferably identically designed) locking sliders 6A, 6B can be partially inserted one into the other with their back sides which face one another. For this, each locking slider 6A, 6B can provide in its region which points towards spring 6G (and therefore, towards the adjacent locking slider 6A, 6B) an opening 6K into which the according region of the corresponding locking slider 6B, 6A (this slider providing a corresponding opening for its counterpart) can plunge. For this, opening 6K can be designed such that it houses at least, and preferably, exactly, half of the pot-shaped region which is provided for reception of spring 6G. Preferably, the sectional plane runs along the longitudinal axis of tension axle 1, since in this case, the forces are distributed more evenly than for a sectional plane which stands perpendicular on the longitudinal axis. So, metaphorically speaking, each locking slider 6B, 6A has a leg 6J and an accordingly shaped opening 6K.

[0064] According to a not shown embodiment, each locking slider can have another number of legs 6J and corresponding openings 6K, e.g. two, three or four legs 6J and an according number of openings 6K. Is is only essential that both locking sliders can be partially be inserted one into the other, wherein the legs 6J of one locking slider just move into the openings 6K of the other locking slider.

[0065] Details of two locking sliders 6A, 6B inserted one into the other, each with one leg 6J and one opening 6K, can be seen in FIG. 13.

[0066] An individual locking slider 6A/6B is depicted in FIG. 14.

[0067] According to the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 12, locking sliders 6A, 6B can be designed multi- such as in particular two-part, and they can be moveably supported in second end 5.

[0068] Locking sliders 6A, 6B can be kept in the extended position by means of integrated springs, elastomers, or by means of inserted springs.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the counter piece 8 has a cavity 8A in which the second end 5, together with the extended locking pawls 6A, 6B or extended locking sliders 6A, 6B, can be accommodated, and wherein the cavity 8A has a taper, the latter providing a shoulder 8B for blocking interaction with the extended locking pawls 6A, 6B or extended locking sliders 6A, 6B, respectively. Such a counter piece 8 is shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. It grips over second end 5, and is therefore axially plugged onto the same.

[0070] Such a counter piece 5 can also be used with second ends 5 or locking mechanisms 6, respectively, shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, as well as 10, 11 and 12.

[0071] According to another embodiment, locking pawls 6A, 6B or locking sliders 6A, 6B are arranged inside a dropout, and particularly preferred, they are moveable in radial direction. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 15.

[0072] According to this embodiment, counter piece 8 is no individual body, but (at least partially) integrated into the dropout. The unlocking mechanism 9 shown here has one end which points to the left in the picture; this end cooperates with bevels of locking pawls 6A, 6B or locking sliders 6A, 6B, so that these can be brought in an unlocking position upon axial movement of the un-locking mechanism 9 (shown is the locking position of locking pawls 6A, 6B). Second clamping surface 7 is located at the second end 5 of tension axle 1, this end thus being part of the locking mechanism 6, and cooperating with locking pawls 6A, 6B or locking sliders 6A, 6B, respectively.

[0073] According to this embodiment, counter piece 8 is not plugged on; second end 5 is merely axially inserted into counter piece 8. Also axially inserted is second end 5 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

[0074] Also according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the unlocking mechanism 9 has an end which points to the left in the picture; it cooperates with bevels of locking pawls 6A, 6B such that these can be brought in an unlocking position upon axial movement of the unlocking mechanism 9.

[0075] Preferably, unlocking mechanism 9 has a front or inner surface pointing towards the first clamping surface 4, said front or inner surface being moveable in axial direction contrary to the first clamping surface 4 and cooperating with bevels of the locking mechanism 6 (such as in particular with locking pawls 6A, 6B or locking sliders 6A, 6B), so that, upon axial motion of the front or inner surface, the locking mechanism 6 increasingly deflects, such that it can eventually be unlocked. Such an unblocking mechanism is, inter alia, shown in FIG. 6 in the form of counter piece 8. In FIG. 1 to FIG. 4., the counter piece 8 can be seen together with tension axle 1.

[0076] Preferably, unlocking mechanism 9 is designed as a sleeve-shaped push button. Such a push-button is shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 8 and 15. It is axially moveable, so that in can cooperate with the locking mechanism 6. Particularly preferred, unblocking mechanism 9 automatically returns in a resting position (shown in FIGS. 2, 6, 8 and 15), in which it does not operate the locking mechanism 6 (i.e. does not unlock it). For this, a spring 9B can be used for instance, which acts contrary to the unblocking direction (to the left in the picture).

[0077] Unlocking mechanism 9 can thus be accommodated in a separate housing 13. The advantage of this embodiment is that counter piece 8 and dropout are independent of each other. Further, counter piece 8 can be easily exchanged when damaged.

[0078] According to another embodiment, exemplarily shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 15, the unlocking mechanism 9 can also be integrated in a dropout. Accordingly, the dropout can fulfill the function of counter piece 8. The shoulder 8B which is integrated in the dropout serves as abutment for locking pawls 6A, 6B or locking sliders 6A, 6B, respectively. The advantage of this embodiment is that it has a lower weight and a less obtrusive design of the construction. Also, the risk of injury as well as the air resistance are reduced because of the extensive incorporation of the unlocking mechanism 9 into the dropout.

[0079] As shown, a quick clamping system according to the invention solves the problems known from the art. The quick clamping system can be operated in an easy and secure way; further, it is insusceptible to soiling, and it also reduces fabrication and assembling costs one one hand, and provides lower weight on the other.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0080] 1 tension axle [0081] 2 first end [0082] 3 means for exerting axial compressive forces [0083] 4 first clamping surface [0084] 5 second end [0085] 5A recess [0086] 6 locking mechanism [0087] 6A,6B locking pawl [0088] 6A,6B,6C locking slider [0089] 6C fillet [0090] 6D bolt [0091] 6E shoulder [0092] 6F elastomer [0093] 6G spring [0094] 6G spring leaf [0095] 6H housing [0096] 6I headless screws [0097] 6J leg [0098] 6K opening [0099] 7 second clamping surface [0100] 8 counter piece [0101] 8A cavity [0102] 8B shoulder [0103] 9 unlocking mechanism [0104] 9B spring [0105] 10 tension rod [0106] 11 middle section [0107] 12 slot [0108] 13 housing [0109] D diameter