Rim with rim bottom member, rim wall and rib member

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a rim (1) for a bicycle or an at least partially muscle-driven vehicle, having a rim base member (2) which is prepared for a radially outer contact of an inner tube or an inner tube tire, and having two rim walls (3), the two rim walls project radially inward from the rim base member (2) and are in contact with each other or are connected via an additional member offset radially inward from the rim base member (2). Rib members (4) are arranged in the interior space expanded by the two rim walls (3) and the rim base member (2). In this case, the rib element (4) divides the interior completely or at least 90% + / -5% of the partition. The invention further relates to a wheel (9) and to a method for producing a wheel (9).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rim for a bicycle or at least partially muscle-driven vehicle, the rim having a rim bottom component, the rim bottom component being prepared for radially external contact of an inner tube or inner tube tire or a tire system, in particular in the form of a tubeless tire system, and the rim having two rim walls, which protrude radially inwardly from the rim bottom component and are in contact with each other or connected via an additional component radially inwardly offset from the rim bottom component. In this case, the rib component is arranged in an inner space spanned by the two rim walls and the rim bottom component. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a wheel, in particular for a bicycle, having a rim according to the present disclosure, at least one spoke and at least one rib component, and a method for manufacturing a wheel. Background Art

[0002] Rims or wheels of this type available on the market are manufactured with a foam core in the interior of the rim. The foam core serves, on the one hand, as a process aid, on which, for example, fibers can be laid or by which pressure can be generated in the tool for hardening the material. The connection of the spokes or the compression of the laminate of spokes and rim is also achieved by the foam core. The spokes, which are made of fiber composite materials in particular, extend either between the outer laminate and the foam core or inside the foam core. On the other hand, the partially retained core is a reinforcement element, which reinforces the cross section of the rim and thus the cross section of the entire wheel. Modern rim profiles with aerodynamic cross sections lead to a larger volume inside the rim, so that the foam core makes the new generation of rims too heavy. Therefore, a solution has been sought to replace the foam core that remains in the rim. Another alternative of this type is to use a continuous hollow rim ring in combination with metal spokes or fiber composite spokes and to use screwed nipples or fiber composite spokes, which are guided along the side of the rim in combination with the hollow rim ring.

[0003] For example, separate components connected to fasten the spokes to the rim are known from EP 40 245 437 A1. DE 10 2017 221 539 A1 also describes a truss-like structure which is arranged inside the rim and to which the spokes are fastened. A disadvantage of such a supporting structure is that, in the inserted state of the supporting structure, no continuous wall is formed between the side faces of the rim, since the supporting structure consists of a plurality of struts. This has a negative effect on the stability and rigidity of the entire rim structure or wheel, which must withstand large forces and moments during use without allowing deformation of the wheel to occur. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present disclosure is therefore in particular to avoid or at least mitigate the above-mentioned disadvantages. In particular, a rigid rim or wheel, in particular for bicycles or at least partially muscle-driven vehicles, should be provided. In addition, the method for manufacturing such a wheel, in particular the connection of the spokes to the rim base component, should be designed to be simple and effective.

[0005] The problems with respect to a rim of this type, with respect to the wheel and with respect to the production method are solved by the features according to the invention.

[0006] The present disclosure therefore relates to a rim / rim for a bicycle or at least partially muscle-driven vehicle, having a rim base component / inner ring, which is prepared for radially outer contact of an inner tube or inner tube tire, and the rim / rim has two rim walls, which protrude radially inwardly from the rim base component and are in contact with each other or connected via an additional component that is radially offset inwardly from the rim base component. Rib components are arranged in the interior space that is expanded by the two rim walls and the rim base component. In this case, the rib components divide the interior space completely or at least 90%±5% in a partition-like manner.

[0007] In other words, the rim has a rim base component, which has a channel extending outward for radially accommodating a (bicycle) inner tube or inner tube tire, and a rim wall, which together with the rim base component forms / encloses the (mainly) hollow interior of the rim or rim ring. Here, the rim wall is constructed with two separate components connected to each other, or alternatively as a one-piece / integral / single-material component. In addition, the rim base component and the rim wall can be constructed as sections of an integral rim body. In the interior of the mostly or completely hollow rim, a plurality of rib components are arranged at regular intervals, which completely or at least almost completely (90%±5%) fill the cross section of the rim and thus divide / separate / separate the rim interior of the especially circular rim into (inner) sections. By arranging the rib components in the interior of the rim, hollow chambers are especially generated, which can alternatively also be filled or filled by a material with a lower density (e.g. foam). Preferably, the rib components are formed / manufactured from two preforms from dry carbon fiber fabrics.

[0008] By means of such additional rib elements arranged in the rim cavity, spokes, in particular made of fiber composite materials, can be fastened in / on the rim. Preferably, the rib elements are designed and arranged in such a way that the spokes can be introduced / introduced / fastened into / on the rim without a change of direction, i.e. without bending. Furthermore, the rib elements form such a connection between the rim wall / side walls of the rim that the rim cross section does not deform at the (circumferential) position of the rib elements or at the position of the corresponding spoke insertions. As a result, the rim or the entire wheel can be or is made more rigid. Furthermore, a plurality of rib elements assumes the force transmission from one spoke / spokes to the rim and distributes the loads here over almost the entire rim cross section, whereby fewer local / small reinforcement layers are required.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments are explained below.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment, the rib elements are arranged in the cross section of the rim and transversely to the circumferential direction of the rim. In other words, the rib elements are preferably designed to be flat and are preferably arranged in the cavity of the rim in such a way that the flattened surface of the rib elements is oriented perpendicular to the rim wall. Preferably, the rib elements are arranged radially with respect to the center point of the rim. Only in this way can the cross section of the rim be (almost) completely filled.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment, the rib member has a cavity / channel with a blind hole as an opening, which is configured to accommodate and fasten the spokes. Preferably, the rib member is arranged in a plane, which is preferably parallel to the center axis of the incoming spokes or surrounds the center axis of the incoming / guided spokes.

[0012] In other words, the rib member has a thickened area approximately in the center, on or in which the spokes are fastened. The thickened area is designed hollow here so as to accommodate the spokes therein. Alternatively, the cavity of the rib member has a through hole portion / through hole with at least two openings for accommodating the spokes. Preferably, the cavity and the spokes accommodated in the cavity extend at an angle relative to the hub of the wheel in a plane in the cross section of the rim. That is, the spokes extend axially bent toward the hub of the wheel (from the rib member) at an angle relative to the plane of the wheel. Preferably, the axial angle of the spokes is different for the rear wheel and the front wheel. In addition, the axial spoke angles on both sides of the corresponding wheel are also different, for example, the spokes for the front wheel extend at an axial angle between 4° and 10°. In an advantageous embodiment, the axial angles for the front wheel are 4.5° (left) and 8.8° (right) and the axial angles for the rear wheel are 7.3° (left) and 4.4° (right). Since the spokes 8 in the finished wheel 9 do not intersect the center point of the rim 1 and extend around the hub, the spokes 8 are also arranged at a radial angle relative to the imaginary diameter straight line of the wheel 9. Preferably, the value of this radial angle is between 4° and 8°. In an advantageous embodiment, the radial angles for the front wheel are 6.6° (left) and 4.8° (right) and the radial angles for the rear wheel are 6.6° (left) and 6.6° (right).

[0013] According to a further advantageous aspect of the present disclosure, the blind hole is arranged on one side of the rib member, which is arranged on the inner periphery of the rim in the inserted state of the rib member. In other words, the blind hole of this embodiment preferably has only one opening precisely on the inner periphery of the rim, or is arranged offset by up to 10 mm relative to a center plane passing through the rim. This arrangement ensures easy introduction of the spokes.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, the circumference of the rib element is designed in the form of a flange surface which increases the lateral contact surface between the rib element and the rim wall.

[0015] In other words, a flange surface is configured on the outer (circumferential) edge of the rib member, which increases the connection surface between the rib member and the rim, especially the rim wall. This leads to an increase in the connection strength between the component, namely the rib member and a rim wall or multiple rim walls.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, the rim has a through hole in the form of an elongated hole on at least one of the sections in which the rib elements are arranged, in particular at a transition corner between the rim base element and one of the rim walls, which is arranged and configured such that it extends partially into the rib element.

[0017] In other words, at least one through hole, in particular in the form of an elongated hole, is arranged on the outer ring of the rim, which extends into the rib component located thereunder. That is, the elongated hole extends in a channel-shaped manner through both components, namely the rim and the rib component. Preferably, the elongated hole is arranged at a position of the rim that is located as far as possible outside, in particular at the transition between the rim base component and one of the rim walls, or alternatively completely within the rim base component. This elongated hole or holes make it possible to remove the cores consisting of a soluble or meltable material, which are arranged between the rib components respectively. Preferably, the (liquid) material to be removed is thrown outwards through the passage of the at least one elongated hole by the rotational movement of the wheel via centrifugal force. In this case, the liquid dissolved material is discharged on the outer side of the rim through the rib component that is previously located on the core. Preferably, the elongated hole is produced by a milling process. In an alternative embodiment, the rib component has (one each) recess at its corners, whereby these recesses are arranged next to the rib component and the meltable cores can be connected or welded to each other.

[0018] In a further advantageous aspect of the disclosure, the rib member / rib members are made of a fiber composite material, which includes carbon fibers, aramid fibers, glass fibers and / or flax fibers, etc. For example, the fiber composite material has continuous fibers, long fibers or short fibers. As a result, an increased load capacity can be achieved with a low weight of the rim / wheel. Alternatively, the rib members are constructed from unreinforced plastic or from a metal material.

[0019] The present disclosure also relates to a wheel for a bicycle or at least partially muscle-driven vehicle, having a rim, in particular according to the present disclosure, at least one spoke and at least one rib member. Here, the rib member is arranged in a preferably hollow interior space of the rim, which is bounded by two rim walls and a rim bottom member, and fills the cross section of the rim completely or at least 90%±5%, the spoke is arranged / fastened in the cavity via a blind hole of the rib member, and the cavity surrounds the center axis of the accommodated spoke.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the spokes are glued or laminated in the cavities of the rib members. Alternatively, the connection / fastening is performed by casting, screwing, pressing, hanging, clamping or welding.

[0021] The present disclosure also relates to a manufacturing method, in particular according to the present disclosure, for a wheel for a bicycle or at least partially muscle-driven vehicle, comprising the steps of: arranging a plurality of (lost) cores consisting of a soluble or meltable material, such as wax, along a rim bottom member, arranging a rib member each between the cores, covering the rim bottom member, the cores and the rib members with fibers (of a fiber composite material), injecting resin into the components, namely the rim bottom member, the cores and the rib members, hardening the resin, removing the cores from the rim bottom member; and fastening / bonding the spokes to the rib members, in particular by introducing the spokes into blind holes in the cavities of the rib members.

[0022] In other words, the wheel according to the disclosure is manufactured in one piece or has an integral construction. That is, the rib components are reinforced / hardened together with the wheel rim in a single manufacturing step, whereby the manufacturing process can be carried out / designed quickly and efficiently. The fibers for the components are applied, for example, by a winding method or a weaving method or by means of prepreg or hand-laid dry fibers.

[0023] According to a further advantageous aspect of the disclosure, the manufacturing method according to the disclosure has, between the step of covering the fibers and the step of injecting the resin into the component, an additional step of placing a (lost) rib core consisting of a soluble or meltable material into the rib member to produce a cavity for accommodating the spokes. Alternatively, the production of the cavity in the rib member is achieved by placing a reusable core, which is pulled out / removed in a subsequent step. An additional subsequent work step for producing the cavity for accommodating the spokes is therefore not required, whereby the entire manufacturing remains simpler. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present disclosure is explained in more detail below with the aid of advantageous embodiments and with reference to the relevant drawings. The drawings are only schematic and are only used to understand the present disclosure. It should be noted that the features of the various embodiments can be interchanged with each other and can appear in specific combinations.

[0025] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view through a wheel rim having rib members according to an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective cross-sectional side view of a partial section of a rim and a rib member in a plane running perpendicular to the axis of the spokes according to an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective side view of a core arranged between two rib members when manufacturing a wheel rim according to an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 is a perspective side view of a partial section of a rim according to an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 is a perspective side view of a rib member with an inserted rib core according to an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6 is a perspective top view of the outer periphery of a wheel according to an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 7 is a perspective internal view of the inner periphery of a wheel according to an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 8 is a perspective cross-sectional side view of a partial section of a wheel along a plane running parallel to a circumferential direction of the wheel according to an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Fig. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view along a plane perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the wheel according to an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig.10 is a schematic flow chart of a method for manufacturing a wheel according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Wherein: 1-rim; 2-rim bottom member; 3-rim wall; 4-rib member; 5-cavity; 6-blind hole; 7-flange surface; 8-spoke; 9-wheel; 10-adhesive; 11-core; 12-contact surface; 13-groove; 14-rib core; 15-valve hole; 16-through hole; 17-closure; 18-hub; S1-step of arranging the core on the rim bottom member; S2-step of arranging the rib member; S3-step of covering the component with fiber; S4-step of injecting resin; S5-step of hardening resin; S6-step of removing the core; S7-step of fastening the spoke. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 10 The present disclosure has been described with the aid of advantageous embodiments.

[0037] Figure 1A cross-sectional side view through a rim 1 with a rib member 4 according to an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The rim 1 has a rim bottom member 2 and a rim wall 3 resting on the rim bottom member 2, the rim bottom member having a grooved surface for accommodating or guiding an inner tube. Preferably, the components of the rim 1, namely the rim bottom member 2 and the rim wall 3, are constructed in one piece or have been connected to each other in a previous step. The rim wall 3 and the rim bottom member 2 surround the hollow inner space of the rim 1, in which the rib member 4 is arranged. The rib member 4 is constructed to be flat and has a surrounding flange surface 7 on its circumference, which is formed to be wider than the rest of the rib member 4, thereby increasing the surrounding contact surface between the rib member 4 and the inner contour of the hollow rim 1. The rib member 4 is arranged transversely in the cavity of the rim 1 so that the rib member 4 completely fills the cross section of the rim 1. Furthermore, the rib member 4 has an elongated thickened area approximately centrally, which surrounds a cavity 5 for accommodating the spoke 8. Preferably, the cavity 5 or the thickened area of ​​the rib member and the spoke 8 accommodated therein extend at an axial angle in the plane of the wheel 9 relative to the hub of the wheel 9.

[0038] Figure 2 A perspective cross-sectional side view of a partial section of a rim 1 and a rib member 4 in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the spokes 8 according to an advantageous embodiment of the disclosure is shown. The rib member 4 is arranged between the rim walls 3, which are shown parallel to each other here. Here, the rib member 4 extends perpendicularly to the rim walls 3 and contacts the rim walls 3 via a flange surface 7. A cavity 5 is implemented in the middle of the rib member 4, in which the spokes 8 (also shown in section here) extend, which are fastened in the cavity 5 of the rib member by means of an adhesive 10.

[0039] Figure 3 A perspective side view of a core 11 arranged between two rib members 4 during the manufacture of the rim 1 is shown according to an advantageous embodiment of the disclosure. The core 11 has a shape corresponding to the inner contour of the rim 1 and is preferably produced from a soluble or meltable material. The side surfaces of the core 11 are configured as contact surfaces 12, which are respectively arranged next to the rib member 4. In addition, the contact surface 12 has a groove 13 approximately in the center, which is configured to complement the thickened area or the area surrounding the cavity 5 of the rib member 4.

[0040] Figure 4 A perspective side view of a partial section of a rim 1 according to an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure is shown at an intermediate step of the method for manufacturing a wheel 9. A plurality of cores 11 and rib elements 4 are each arranged or abutted alternately on the inner circumference of the rim base element. The cores 11 and rib elements 4 have approximately the same edge contour, i.e. the edge contour of the later inner contour of the rim 1. The abutment of the rim wall 3 against this Figure 4 In addition, the blind holes 9 of the corresponding rib members 4 can also be seen.

[0041] Figure 5 A perspective side view of a rib component 4 with an inserted rib core 14 according to an advantageous embodiment of the disclosure is shown. In this view, the rib component 4 with the surrounding widened flange surface 7 has a rib core 14, which fills the cavity 5 of the thickened area. This rib core 14, which is reusable or made of a meltable or dissolvable material, is inserted into the rib component 4 during the manufacture of the rib component 4 or the rim 1 to produce the cavity 5. In a later step, the rib core 14 is either melted or dissolved or alternatively pulled out of the cavity 5 of the rib component 4, which leaves the rib component 4 with the cavity 5 for accommodating the spokes 8. It can be seen that the cavity 5 and the rib core 14 do not extend exactly centrally through the rib component 4, but extend slightly curved from the side that is then in contact with the rim base component 2 in the plane of the rib component 4 surrounded by the surrounding flange surface 7.

[0042] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A three-dimensional top view of the outer circumference of a wheel 9 according to an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure is shown respectively. The rim base component 2 has a valve hole 15 for later accommodating a valve of a (wheel) inner tube. In addition, a further through hole 16 is shown, which is preferably embodied in the form of an elongated hole and is arranged at a position that acts as a transition between the rim base component 2 and the rim wall 3 resting thereon. By means of the through holes 16, which are aligned or arranged above the rib components 4 and extend partially into the respective rib components 4, during the manufacturing method, the melted or soluble material of the core 11 is conveyed out of the rim 1 or the wheel 9 by means of the centrifugal forces that occur during the rotation of the wheel 9. In particular, during the rotation of the wheel 9, the rim 1 is rotated in a manner that allows the rim 1 to be moved away from the rim 1 or the wheel 9. Figure 7 In the drawing, a closure 17 of the through-opening 16 can be seen, for example in the form of a plug or a conveyor belt, which closure is applied after the material of the core 11 has been completely removed from the interior of the rim 1 .

[0043] Figure 8 A perspective cross-sectional side view of a partial section of a wheel according to an advantageous embodiment of the disclosure is shown along a plane running parallel to the circumferential direction of the wheel 9. Here, a plurality of rib elements 4 are distributed preferably at regular intervals along the circumference inside the rim 1. In addition, a plurality of spokes 8 are connected to the respective rib element 4 and extend toward the (wheel) hub 18. The spokes 8 extend in an angled manner in the plane of the rib element 4, so that they extend through the center point of the wheel.

[0044] Fig. 9 1 shows a perspective cross-sectional view along a plane perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the wheel 9 according to an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 91 shows a cross-sectional profile of a rim 1, which is assembled from a rim base component 2 and a rim wall 3. Here, a hollow interior space of the rim 1 is enclosed, in which at least one rib component 4 is accommodated and presented. The spokes 8 are connected to the rim 1 via the rib components 4, respectively. Here, the spokes 8 are accommodated via the cavities 5 of the rib components, in which the spokes 8 are finally bonded or connected to the corresponding rib components.

[0045] Fig.10 A schematic flow chart of a particularly integrated manufacturing method of a wheel 9 according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The integrated manufacturing method has the steps of arranging S1 a plurality of cores 11 consisting of a soluble or meltable material along a rim bottom member 2, arranging S2 the rib members 4 between the cores 11 respectively and covering S3 the rim bottom member 2, the cores 11 and the rib members 4 with fibers. Next, the following steps are performed, namely, injecting S4 a resin into the components, namely the rim bottom member 2, the cores 11 and the rib members 4, hardening S5 the resin, removing S6 the cores 11 from the rim bottom member 2, for example by milling / drilling the rim bottom member at appropriate positions, and fastening S7 the spokes 8 to the rib members 4, in particular by bonding in the cavities 5 of the rib members 4. In addition, the step S7 of fastening the spokes 8 can be performed before the step S6 of removing the cores 11. Alternatively, according to the present disclosure, the wheel 9 can also be manufactured differentially. Here, these parts, namely the rim base member 2, the rib member 4 and the rim wall 3, are manufactured / cured separately from each other and then connected to each other by bonding. Then, the spoke 8 can be connected to the rim 1 via the rib member 4.

Claims

1. A rim (1) for a bicycle or at least partially muscle-driven vehicle, the rim having a rim base component (2) which is intended for radially outer contact of an inner tube or inner tube tire, and the rim having two rim walls (3) which protrude radially inwardly from the rim base component (2) and are in contact with each other or connected via an additional component which is radially offset inwardly from the rim base component (2), wherein: A rib component (4) is arranged in the inner space defined by the two rim walls (3) and the rim base component (2), characterized in that the rib component (4) completely or at least 90%±5% divides the inner space in a partition-like manner, wherein the rib component (4) has a cavity (5) having a blind hole (6) as an opening, and the cavity is constructed for accommodating and fastening a spoke (8).

2. The wheel rim (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The rib member (4) is arranged in a cross section of the rim (1) and transversely to a circumferential direction of the rim (1).

3. The wheel rim (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The blind hole (6) is arranged on one side of the rib member (4), and the blind hole is arranged on the inner periphery of the rim (1) when the rib member (4) is in an inserted state.

4. The wheel rim (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The circumference of the rib component (4) is configured in the form of a flange surface (7) which increases the lateral contact surface between the rib component (4) and the rim wall (3).

5. The wheel rim (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The wheel rim (1) has a through hole (16), in particular in the form of an elongated hole, at at least one of the sections in which the rib components (4) are arranged, in particular at a transition corner between the rim base component (2) and one of the rim walls (3), the elongated hole being arranged and configured such that the elongated hole partially extends into the rib component (4).

6. The wheel rim (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The rib member (4) is made of a fiber composite material.

7. A wheel (9) for a bicycle or at least partially muscle-driven vehicle, comprising a rim (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, at least two spokes (8) and at least one rib member (4), characterized in that The rib member (4) is arranged in the inner space of the rim (1) which is supported by two rim walls (3) and a rim bottom member (2), and fills the cross section of the rim (1) completely or at least 90%±5%, and the spoke (8) is arranged and fastened in the cavity (5) on the blind hole (6) of the rib member (4), and the cavity (5) surrounds the center axis of the accommodated spoke (8).

8. The wheel (9) according to claim 7, characterized in that The spokes (8) are bonded or laminated in the cavities (5) of the rib members (4).

9. A method for manufacturing a wheel (9) for a bicycle or at least partially muscle-driven vehicle according to claim 7, comprising the steps of: A plurality of cores (11) made of a soluble or meltable material are arranged (S1) along the rim bottom member (2); Arranging (S2) one rib member (4) each between the cores (11); covering (S3) the rim base member (2), the core (11) and the rib member (4) with fibers; injecting (S4) resin into the components, namely, the rim base member (2), the core (11) and the rib member (4); hardening (S5) the resin; removing (S6) the core (11) from the rim bottom member (2); and The spokes (8) are fastened (S7) into the rib member (4).

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