Bicycle wheel and drive shaft

Abstract

The invention relates to a wheel (1) for a bicycle, comprising a rim element (2) made of thermoplastic, a plurality of pressure spoke elements (3) and a hub element (4), characterized in that the rim element (2) is formed together with the pressure spoke elements (3) and together with the hub element (4), a wheel hollow body (5) having a closed wheel wall (6) being formed, at least the rim element (2) and the pressure spoke element (3) are hollow, and wherein the integrity of the wheel (1) is produced by means of rotary forming in a rotary forming tool that can be heated from the outside; and the wheel comprises a drive shaft for the wheel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a wheel for a bicycle, comprising a rim element made of thermoplastic material, a plurality of pressure spoke elements and a hub element, the wheel having the following features: the rim element is constructed integrally with the pressure spoke elements and with the hub element. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally known bicycle wheels are constructed as multiple parts with standard rim elements and standard spokes, the strength of which is obtained by the high tensile strength of the standard spokes. The standard spokes are mounted with prestressing and are usually made of steel. However, they can bend even under small pressures.

[0003] This is to be distinguished from wheels with pressure spoke elements of thicker cross-section, such as those on early vehicles with wooden wheels. In principle, the pressure introduced by the rim element can be absorbed by means of the pressure spoke elements and conducted to the hub element. Current one-piece wheels are provided with pressure spoke elements, which are subjected to pressure during operation.

[0004] Compared to steel and aluminum, thermoplastics have lower strength as a wheel material. The modulus of elasticity is lower than that of steel and aluminum. Thermoplastics also have lower dimensional stability.

[0005] Known wheels made of plastic with press spoke elements are so-called composite wheels. These are usually made of fiber-reinforced plastic, which is reinforced, for example, with loose fiber components or fiber fabrics, such as in carbon wheels. When producing such wheels, stresses and deformations may occur during the production process. Composite wheels are complex and expensive to produce. Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing a wheel made of thermoplastic material which has a simpler construction and can be produced cost-effectively.

[0007] According to the invention, this object is achieved by forming a hollow wheel body with a closed wheel wall, wherein at least the rim element and the pressure spoke element are hollow and the wheel is produced in one piece by rotational molding in a rotational molding mold that can be heated from the outside.

[0008] The rim element of the hollow wheel body is arranged so that a bicycle tire of a conventional type can be mounted. In the sense of the invention, conventional types of construction include tube tires or tubeless tires, which are each driven with air pressure. Furthermore, this also refers to tire types of construction that are driven with a filling material other than air, such as foam with suitable return properties when deformed. The rim element has two rim sides and a rim bottom. A rim bead is practically arranged on the rim sides, which rim bead provides support for the bicycle tire.

[0009] For rotational molding, a thermoplastic material in powder form is filled into a rotational molding die, which is completely closed during the molding process. The rotational molding die has an inner wall that forms the negative shape of the configuration to be molded. The rotational molding die is practically configured as a permanent mold, which is usually made of metal, preferably aluminum. For the molding process, the rotational molding die can rotate around at least one axis and is heated from the outside. The plastic powder melts therein and can be distributed on the inner wall as a melt in a viscous state. Finally, the melt solidifies on the inner wall of the rotational molding die and can then be removed as a finished hollow body after opening the rotational molding die.

[0010] The hollow wheel body for a bicycle wheel requires a precisely formed configuration. The inventors have found that it is advantageous for the wheel if the plastic material, which has expanded in the mold during solidification, can expand freely inwardly into the hollow rotational mold. In this way, a low-stress molded wheel can be provided, which has the dimensional accuracy and stability required for bicycles and has little deformation during and after the manufacturing process. In addition, the rotationally molded wheel is seamless due to its one-piece nature, which increases its strength.

[0011] The hollow wheel body advantageously has regions with different wall thicknesses of the wheel wall. In this way, the hollow wheel body can be arranged so that in driving operation, particularly stressed areas of the wheel wall are reinforced with more material to resist cracks and fractures at these areas.

[0012] The regions of the wheel wall with different wall thicknesses are produced by a regionally different heat input from the outside into the rotational forming mold. In the more strongly heated regions, the powder melts faster and in the process a greater wall thickness can be built up to provide the required strength. Surprisingly, it has been found that even for hollow wheel bodies with different wall thicknesses of the wheel wall, low stresses can be achieved which provide the required dimensional accuracy.

[0013] Advantageously, the thermoplastic of the wheel wall is selected from one of the following plastics: polypropylene (PP), preferably polyethylene (PE), particularly preferably high-density polyethylene (HDPE). For the above-mentioned species, there are already economic cycles that can recycle these plastics and make them available in a prepared form for reuse. For this purpose, they are collected, for example, at sea and in agriculture. They are found in fishing nets, trawl nets, aquaculture nets or nets for tying straw bales, and also as scaffolding protection nets for protecting traffic participants. With the proposed wheel, these species can be recovered very advantageously directly from everyday products, which are returned to the cycle before they pollute the environment.

[0014] If the thermoplastic is fiber-free, it is very advantageous for recycling. In the sense of the present invention, fiber-free also includes a thermoplastic whose fiber content is low enough to make it suitable for processing by rotational molding.

[0015] Furthermore, the wheel also solves the basic task in that each pressure spoke element is rooted in the hub element and forms a trunk-shaped base, wherein the trunk-shaped base of at least one pressure spoke element extends away from the hub element in the direction of the rim element and divides into at least two branch elements, wherein at least one branch element is connected to the rim element.

[0016] During operation, a vertical load is applied to the bicycle and therefore the wheel tends to flatten slightly when it comes into contact with the road surface. Pressure is applied from the rim element at the bottom from the direction of the road surface into the pressure spoke element. The pressure spoke element transmits this pressure into the hub element. When the wheel rotates during driving operation, it is advantageous if one of the branch elements first reaches and passes the lowest rotation point before the trunk-shaped base or its center line passes the lowest rotation point. Once the center line is at the lowest rotation point, the branch elements are in a symmetrical arrangement so that both receive part of the pressure acting from below and merge into the trunk-shaped base.

[0017] The configuration is calculated with the aid of software specially programmed for this purpose, which takes into account the natural growth process. The inventors have therefore found that it is advantageous for the wheel to provide a structure that follows a natural model and is stable, just like the trunk and branches of a tree. For this purpose, the trunk-shaped base can be arranged radially relative to the hub element. The branch elements simply diverge from the trunk-shaped base, so that a V-shaped arrangement of the branch elements towards the rim element is formed. Furthermore, it is practically advantageous if the V-shaped arrangement of the branch elements is configured symmetrically.

[0018] The rim element advantageously has a nominal rim diameter in the range of 150 mm to 650 mm. The nominal rim diameter is defined as the diameter measured at the lower corner of the rim bottom. For example, according to ERTTO (European Tyre and Rim Experts Organisation), the nominal rim diameter of a 10-inch wheel is 152 mm, and according to ERTTO, the nominal rim diameter of a 28-inch wheel is typically 622 mm.

[0019] The two branch elements and the trunk-shaped base of the pressure spoke element practically meet at a node, wherein the node is located on a circular diameter arranged coaxially with the hub element, wherein the size of the circular diameter lies in the range of 0.4 to 0.6 times the outer diameter of the rim element.

[0020] The hub element preferably has a hollow cylindrical hub sleeve.

[0021] Furthermore, the wheel also solves the basic task if the hub element has a hollow cylindrical hub sleeve whose inner diameter is at least as large as the length of the hub sleeve in its axial direction.

[0022] This measure is based on the inventor's knowledge that a relatively large diameter of the hub sleeve relative to the diameter of the wheel serves to increase the strength of the wheel. The length of the pressure spoke element is shortened in proportion to the increase in the radius of the hub sleeve. As a starting point for the diameter of the hub sleeve, the diameter of the drive shaft of the wheel can be taken as a starting point if the drive shaft is also made of plastic.

[0023] After consideration, it is assumed that a practical dimensioning of the hollow cylindrical diameter of the hub sleeve lies in the range of a factor of 1.0 to 2.0 relative to the length of the hub sleeve.

[0024] In addition to the length of the hub sleeve, the inventors assume that for an exemplary 28-inch wheel (whose outer diameter is 622 mm), the hollow cylinder diameter of the hub sleeve is in the range of 90 mm to 140 mm.

[0025] Furthermore, the hollow cylindrical hub sleeve of the hub element is practically arranged to interact selectively with a drive shaft or with a fixed axle.

[0026] It is advantageous if at least one component which is capable of transmitting torque is arranged on the hub element.

[0027] In simple terms, the means for transmitting torque comprises a plurality of threaded holes which are arranged on the edge of the hub element in a circumferentially distributed manner around the hub sleeve.

[0028] The component for absorbing torque is advantageously arranged for fastening the drive shaft to the hub element and / or the brake disc to the hub element. The proposed internal thread on the edge of the hub element can be arranged in a metal element, wherein the metal element is advantageously integrated in the thermoplastic of the hollow wheel body.

[0029] Advantageously, the wheel is provided with a data storage element, preferably an RFID storage element. Material information and / or data relevant to the production of the wheel, in particular material information and / or data about the plastic material used, can preferably be stored therein. When the bicycle wheel is returned to the economic cycle at the end of its service life, the stored information can help to process and reuse the plastic as correctly sorted raw material.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, six pressure spoke elements are provided for the proposed wheel.

[0031] The wheel advantageously has an envelope volume in the range of 3.5 liters to 5 liters, preferably in the range of 3.8 liters to 4.4 liters and particularly preferably in the range of 4 liters to 4.2 liters.

[0032] In the sense of the present invention, the envelope volume of the wheel is understood to be the volume of the outer surface of the wheel (excluding the bicycle tire), with the following feature that all existing openings are interpreted as closed surface areas and attributed to the outer surface, for example, the corresponding opening of the inner tube valve is interpreted as a closed surface area.

[0033] Furthermore, considered alone or in combination with the described envelope volume, it is advantageous if the weight of the wheel is in the range of 1.3 kg to 2.2 kg, preferably in the range of 1.6 kg to 1.9 kg and particularly preferably in the range of 1.7 kg to 1.8 kg.

[0034] The wheel has a practical specific gravity in the range of 0.26 kg / liter to 0.63 kg / liter based on its envelope volume.

[0035] The invention also includes a drive shaft for the above-mentioned wheel. The drive shaft is practically arranged for single-sided support on a bicycle frame, preferably on a single-sided rear wheel carrier of the bicycle frame.

[0036] The gear element is practically arranged on the drive shaft and can interact with a drive component of the bicycle.

[0037] The gear element advantageously comprises a pinion for a bicycle chain or a toothed disc for a toothed belt or a gear for a drive shaft.

[0038] The drive shaft advantageously comprises two shaft elements which are arranged flush and can be connected.

[0039] Advantageously, one axle element is designed as a wheel carrier axle element and the other axle element is designed as a supporting axle element.

[0040] The two shaft elements practically comprise complementary connection parts arranged for transmitting rotational movement between the two shaft elements in at least one rotational direction. The connection parts may be complementary threads or complementary profiles, such as a splined shaft profile and a splined hub profile.

[0041] The gear element is preferably arranged on the wheel support axle element. The wheel support axle element can be provided with a carrier element on which the gear element can be mounted in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0042] Furthermore, the gear element can be integrated integrally into the drive shaft or into one of the shaft elements, preferably into the wheel carrier shaft element.

[0043] A bicycle component consists of the following group: a wheel and a drive shaft, including an integral hollow body, which has a component wall surrounding its cavity, wherein the component wall of the hollow body is produced from a thermoplastic in a closed molding tool, wherein the component wall has an integral nature, which is produced by means of rotational molding in a molding tool that can be heated from the outside and is designed for rotational molding, and has the following additional feature: a foam material is arranged in the cavity and the foam material extends as a foam material layer on the inner side of the component wall or completely fills the cavity.

[0044] Finally, a bicycle component formed by a wheel and a drive shaft combination is proposed. The bicycle component comprises a one-piece hollow body having a component wall surrounding its cavity, wherein the component wall of the hollow body is produced in a closed molding tool from a thermoplastic and has a one-piece structure, which is produced by rotational molding in an externally heatable molding tool provided for rotational molding, and has the additional feature that a foam material is arranged in the cavity and extends as a foam material layer on the inner side of the component wall or completely fills the cavity.

[0045] The foaming process is advantageously carried out in the cavity. Preferably, the foaming process is carried out using the molten thermoplastic used for the rotational molding of the component wall while the rotational molding of the component wall is still in progress. The initial material of the foam material is filled into the generated cavity by at least one suitable filler arranged at the molding die so as to foam therein. The initial material is simply filled into the opening of the molding die that is the same as the thermoplastic of the previous component wall. A feed tube that can be inserted into the molding die can be used. The feed tube can be inserted deep enough to penetrate the layer of molten thermoplastic that has been formed at the inner side of the mold. When the rotational movement of the molding die stops, the filling of the foam material initial material can be easily carried out. The rotational movement of the molding die is not only a circular movement, but also advantageously a complex three-dimensional movement in space. In order to fill the foam material initial material, it is possible, for example, to stop the component of the complex movement so that the feed tube is then inserted into the filling part of the molding die and the foam material initial material is filled into the remaining cavity.

[0046] In principle, the foaming process can be a physical process or a foaming process based on a chemical reaction. The starting material of the foam material is practically filled into the generated cavity in the form of particles through the filling part of the forming mold. For chemical foaming, the particles of the starting material can simply be provided with a foaming agent. The foaming agent is preferably designed to be volatilized by inputting heat. When the starting material also melts due to the input of heat, the volatilized foaming agent causes the molten starting material to foam. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The invention is illustrated in the following by way of example in the drawings and described in detail with reference to a number of drawings. It is shown:

[0048] Figure 1 A perspective view of a wheel according to the invention,

[0049] Figure 2 according to Figure 1 Side view of the wheel,

[0050] Figure 3 according to Figure 2 The cross section marked with section direction III-III,

[0051] Figure 4 like Figure 3 The enlarged view of the local IV marked in the figure,

[0052] Figure 5 according to Figure 2 The partial cross-sectional view with the section direction VV marked in the figure,

[0053] Figure 6 The cross section of the drive shaft according to the invention,

[0054] Figure 7 according to Figure 5 The wheels are based on Figure 6 The illustration of the assembled state on the drive shaft,

[0055] Figure 8 according to Figure 7 An enlarged partial side view of a wheel equipped with a drive shaft,

[0056] Fig. 9 As in Figure 2 The partial section diagram marked in the figure follows the section direction IX-IX.

[0057] Fig.10 Based on Figure 4 An alternative embodiment of the wheel of the enlarged view of the part in FIG. Figure 4 The part in the figure is a bicycle component with a rotationally molded hollow body and a foam material filling,

[0058] Fig.11 Based on Figure 5 Another alternative embodiment of the wheel of the partial cross-sectional view in FIG. Figure 5 The section in the embodiment is a bicycle component having a rotationally molded hollow body which has a layer of foam material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Figure 1 A wheel 1 according to the invention is shown in a perspective view. The wheel 1 comprises as components a rim element 2, a plurality of pressure spoke elements 3 and a hub element 4. The wheel 1 as a whole, that is to say including all components, is of one-piece construction and is more particularly made of a thermoplastic material. The wheel is constructed as a hollow wheel body 5 with a closed wheel wall 6. In this embodiment, the rim element 2, the pressure spoke elements 3 and the hub element 4 are hollow in such a way that a common cavity 7 is formed. The wheel wall 6 is seamless. The integrity of the wheel 1 is established by means of rotational molding in a rotational molding mold that can be heated from the outside.

[0060] The pressure spoke elements 3 in particular have a special structure. Each pressure spoke element 3 is rooted in the hub element 4 with a trunk-shaped base 3a, more precisely there are six pressure spoke elements 3 in total. They extend from the hub element 4 in the direction of the rim element 2 in the radial direction. Here, each pressure spoke element 3 is symmetrically divided into two branch elements 3b and 3c, so that a total of twelve branch elements are connected to the rim element 2. The proposed structure follows the natural example of a tree with a trunk and branches to provide improved stability. The symmetrically arranged branch elements 3b / 3c are arranged in a V-shape relative to each other and are connected to the rim element 2 with the two ends of the V-shaped configuration.

[0061] The wheel shown here has an envelope volume of 4.1 litres with a tolerance of ±0.1 litre. Its weight is in the range of 1.6kg to 1.9kg.

[0062] The rim element 2 is arranged to receive a bicycle tire of a common construction type, for example a pneumatic tire in the form of a tube tire or a tubeless pneumatic tire. Bicycle tires with a filler other than air, for example a foam material, can also be used. It is a hollow rim element with a deep rim bottom 8 and with rim sides 9 and 10, each with a rim bead (not shown) in order to fix the bicycle tire at the rim cross section.

[0063] The hub element 4 also represents a special design of the wheel 1, since the hub element 4 is designed as a large hollow cylindrical hub sleeve 11, whose inner diameter D is at least as large as the length L of the hub sleeve 11 in its axial direction. In the present embodiment, the inner diameter D of the hub sleeve is 120 mm, while the length L is 77 mm. In this way, the hub sleeve 11 is arranged to selectively receive either a drive shaft, preferably made of plastic, or a bearing element for supporting the wheel 1 on a fixed axle, which is preferably made of plastic. Both the axle and the drive shaft require a larger cross-section than conventional axles or drive shafts made of steel or aluminum. Therefore, the inner diameter D of the hub sleeve 11 corresponds in particular to the diameter required when the drive shaft is made of plastic. In addition, considering that the drive shaft can be arranged to be supported on one side, it is achieved that the wheel 1 can be freely accessed from one side and can be installed like a wheel of a motor vehicle.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the inner diameter D of the hub sleeve 11 is larger than the length L of the hub sleeve 11 in the axial direction thereof by a factor of 0.7.

[0065] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 1 . The stable structure of each pressure spoke 3 can be clearly seen. The six pressure spokes 3 are evenly distributed over the circumference of the hub element 4 and extend radially outwards with their trunk-shaped base 3a up to the node 12, where they split into two branch elements 3b and 3c. A total of 12 branch elements merge into the rim element 2. The nodes are located on a circle diameter K, which in the present embodiment is the nominal rim diameter D. F Half the size.

[0066] The RFID memory element 5a is arranged on the hollow wheel body 5 in order to store therein information about the wheel 1, in particular about the plastic material used. When the bicycle wheel is returned to the economic material cycle at the end of its service life, the stored information helps to process the plastic as correctly sorted raw material for reuse.

[0067] Two adjacent pressure spoke elements 3 together with a section of the rim element 2 and a section of the hub element 4 form a large through hole 13. A total of six large through holes 13 are produced on the wheel 1. In addition, the two branch elements 3b and 3c of the pressure spoke element 3 together with a section of the rim element 2 each form a small through hole 14, thus forming six small through holes for the entire wheel 1. In addition to the stability of the structure, this also makes the configuration of the wheel 1 aesthetically pleasing.

[0068] Figure 3 A cross section according to the section course III-III is shown. The pressure spoke element 3 is cut perpendicularly to its radial extent and the section course is arranged slightly inclined relative to the longitudinal extent of the branch elements 3b and 3c.

[0069] Pressure spoke element 3 in Figure 4 . The wall thickness t is indicated on the hatched cross section of the pressure spoke element 3. The hatched cross section forms the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressure spoke element 3 which has an influence on the strength according to strength theory. The cross section is hexagonally configured as an irregular hexagon with different side lengths. Here, the side oriented in the axial direction is configured as a longer side arranged parallel to the running direction of the wheel than the side of the hexagonal cross section. The so-called area moment of inertia of such a cross-sectional area refers to how much the cross-sectional area resists external deformation. The shape of the hatched cross-sectional area shown here has proven to be practical for carrying static vertical loads acting on the wheel 1. In addition, the hatched cross-sectional area is practical for transmitting torque. On the one hand, it transmits a torque for driving when the wheel 1 as a driven wheel 1 has to transmit a torque to the roadway, or it is used to transmit a braking torque if the braking torque is transmitted to the hub element 4 via the rim element 2, because, for example, a disk brake is arranged on the hub element 4.

[0070] Figure 5 Is the basis of wheel 1 Figure 2 Detailed sectional view with section direction VV indicated in FIG. The section extends through the trunk-shaped base 3 a of the pressure spoke element 3 and shows a cross section of the rim element 2 . Furthermore, the rim nominal diameter D is indicated. F .also, Figure 5 Threaded holes 15 and 16 with internal threads are shown, which are provided as means 17 for absorbing torque. Figure 8 15 / 16, which are two of a total of six threaded holes evenly arranged on the edge 18 of the hub element 4, in order to connect the wheel 1 to a drive shaft, for example. Alternatively, a brake disc can be fastened to the wheel 1 by means of these threaded holes 15 / 16.

[0071] In the present exemplary embodiment, the threaded holes 15 / 16 are arranged in an annular aluminum element 19 which has been integrated into the thermoplastic of the hollow wheel body 5 by means of rotational molding.

[0072] Figure 6 A drive shaft 20 according to the invention is shown in a transverse section. The drive shaft is arranged for single-sided support on a bicycle frame, preferably on a single-sided rear wheel support of the bicycle frame. The drive shaft 20 comprises two shaft elements 21 and 22, which are arranged flush and can be connected to each other. One shaft element 21 is configured as a wheel support shaft element 23, the other shaft element is configured as a support shaft element 24.

[0073] The wheel carrier axle element 23 has a cylindrical wheel carrier surface 25 which bears on the Figure 6 2 shows a wheel according to the invention in dashed lines. The wheel rests with its hub sleeve of the hub element on a cylindrical wheel carrier surface 25. In addition, the wheel carrier shaft element 23 comprises a bearing shoulder 26 for a rolling bearing, which is also indicated by dashed lines. The rolling bearing has an inner ring that can be mounted on the bearing shoulder 26.

[0074] During operation, the inner ring rotates with the drive shaft 20 and the wheel 1 shown in dashed lines. In the assembled state, the associated outer ring of the rolling bearing is fixedly arranged in the bicycle frame. In addition, a gear element 27 is provided, which is arranged on the wheel support shaft element 23 in the present embodiment. This gear element is configured as a toothed disc and is used for a toothed belt that can transmit the drive movement to the drive shaft 20.

[0075] The toothed disc 28 is connected to the wheel carrier shaft element 23 in a rotationally fixed manner and is replaceable. Alternatively, the gear element 27 can be integrally integrated with the wheel carrier shaft element 23 of the drive shaft 20 .

[0076] A flange 29 is provided between the bearing shoulder 26 of the wheel support shaft element 23 and the wheel support face 25, which flange has through holes 30 for screws. The through holes 30 are used to fasten the drive shaft 20 to the hub element 4 of the wheel 1 and enable a torque transmission from the drive shaft 20 to the wheel 1 for driving purposes or in the opposite direction to achieve a braking effect, for example, using a brake disc (not shown). A total of six through holes 30 are provided on the flange 29, which are evenly distributed on the circumference of the flange 29. The arrangement of the six through holes 30 corresponds to the hole pattern of the six threaded holes provided on the edge 18 of the hub element 4 of the wheel 1.

[0077] The support shaft element 24 has a cylindrical bearing seat 31 for a rolling bearing. The rolling bearing is also provided with Figure 6The rolling bearing also has an inner ring, which is arranged on the bearing seat 31 supporting the shaft element 24 and rotates with the drive shaft 20 and the wheel 1 during operation. The associated outer ring of the rolling bearing is likewise fixedly arranged in the bicycle frame.

[0078] The wheel support shaft element 23 is connected to the support shaft element 24. The two shaft elements have complementary profiles as complementary connecting parts, which realize torque transmission. The wheel support shaft element 23 is provided with a spline shaft profile 32, and the support shaft element 24 is provided with a hub profile 33 matching this. In addition, the wheel support shaft element 23 and the support shaft element 24 are respectively provided with a central through hole 34 or 35. In the spliced ​​state, the through holes 34 and 35 are coaxially arranged and can receive a spiral connection (not shown). With the help of a spiral connection including an inserted screw and a nut, the two shaft elements 20 and 21 can be connected and fixed to each other in the axial direction.

[0079] Figure 7 Shows an image Figure 5 As shown in the figure, however, in the assembly according to Figure 6 A detail of the wheel 1 according to the invention in a state where the drive shaft 20 is on the wheel 1. The flange 29 of the wheel support shaft element 23 is fastened to the wheel 1 with screws 36 and 37. The screws 36 and 37 are inserted into the through holes 30 of the flange 29 and screwed into the threaded holes 15 or 16 on the edge 18 of the hub element 4, and in this way the torque transmission between the drive shaft 20 and the wheel 1 is achieved.

[0080] Figure 8 A partial side view of a wheel 1 equipped with a drive shaft 20 is shown enlarged. In this side view, six screws 36 and 37 can be seen, which fasten the flange 29 of the wheel support shaft element 23 to the hub element 4. The hole pattern is arranged so that the threaded holes are respectively located at those locations on the edge 18 of the hub element 4 from which the pressure spoke elements 3 extend radially outwards.

[0081] Fig. 9 The wheel 1 is shown according to Figure 2 A partial sectional view with the section direction IX-IX marked in FIG. The hub element 4 is cut away at a position remote from the pressure spoke elements. The figure shows that the hub element 4 is also implemented as a hollow. In addition, the wheel axle is drawn as an example with dotted lines. The wheel axle is fixedly mounted on the bicycle frame or its front wheel fork. In addition, two rolling bearings are also indicated with dotted lines, which rolling bearings include an inner ring and an outer ring. In this embodiment, the rolling bearings and their inner rings are located on the fixed wheel axle. However, the outer ring is located in the wheel 1, that is, in the hub sleeve 11 of the hub element 4, so that in this embodiment the outer ring rotates with the wheel 1.

[0082] Fig.10An alternative bicycle component is shown. For example, according to the range of the pressure spoke element 3 of the wheel, such as Figure 4 , the structure of this alternative bicycle component is explained. The component comprises a hollow wheel body 5, which is manufactured in one piece and has a component wall, here a wheel wall 6, which surrounds a cavity 7. The wheel wall 6 is made of thermoplastic in a closed molding die. The integrity of the wheel wall 6 is produced by rotational molding in a molding die that can be heated from the outside and is provided for rotational molding. Fig.10 The alternatives in Figure 4 The embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG. 1 in that a foam material 40 is additionally arranged in the hollow wheel body 5 , which foam material fills the cavity 7 in the present embodiment (foam filling).

[0083] The process of foaming is carried out in the cavity, while the rotational molding of the wheel wall 6 is still carried out using the molten thermoplastic for the wheel wall 6. The initial material of the foam material is filled into the forming mold as particles through suitable filling components. The particles used can be foamed by chemical reaction. For this purpose, it contains a foaming agent. In the present embodiment, the foaming agent is designed to volatilize by heat input. The heat input also melts the initial material, and then the initial material foams due to the volatilized foaming agent.

[0084] Fig.11 Another embodiment of an alternative bicycle component is shown. For this alternative, how to construct and how to manufacture the alternative bicycle component is described by way of example based on a wheel. This embodiment is based on Figure 5 Illustration of the wheel. Fig.11 The bicycle component is again constructed as a one-piece hollow body, here a wheel hollow body 5 with a component wall, namely a wheel wall 6. The wheel wall 6 surrounds a cavity 7. The wheel wall is made of thermoplastic in a closed molding die. The integrity of the wheel wall 6 is again produced by rotational molding in a molding die for rotational molding that can be heated from the outside.

[0085] Fig.11 The alternative is Figure 5 Embodiments and Fig.10 The embodiment of the embodiment of the present invention differs in that a foam material 41 is additionally arranged in the hollow wheel body 5, which in the present embodiment coats the component wall of the bicycle component, namely the inner side of the wheel wall 6 facing the cavity 7 (foam material layer). Although the cavity 7 of the hollow wheel body 5 is reduced in this way, it does not disappear in all areas. However, in the area 41a, the cross section of the cavity 7 is so small that in the present embodiment a layer thickness is generated there in sections, which is such that no cavity remains, so that the foam material filling 41a is formed in this area.

[0086] Reference numerals list

[0087] 1 Wheel

[0088] 2 Rim elements

[0089] 3 Pressure spoke elements

[0090] 3a Trunk-shaped base

[0091] 3b Branching element

[0092] 3c Branching element

[0093] 4 Hub components

[0094] 5. Hollow wheel body

[0095] 5a RFID storage element

[0096] 6 round wall

[0097] 7 Cavity

[0098] 8 Rim bottom

[0099] 9 Rim side

[0100] 10 Hub sleeve on rim side

[0101] 12 nodes

[0102] 13 through holes (large)

[0103] 14 through holes (small)

[0104] 15 Threaded holes

[0105] 16 threaded holes

[0106] 17 Components

[0107] 18 Edge (hub element)

[0108] 19 Aluminum ring element

[0109] 20 Drive shaft

[0110] 21 Shaft element

[0111] 22 Shaft elements

[0112] 23 Wheel bracket shaft element

[0113] 24 Support shaft element

[0114] 25 cylindrical wheel bracket surface

[0115] 26 Bearing shoulder

[0116] 27 Gear elements

[0117] 28 Sprocket

[0118] 29 Flange

[0119] 30 Through Hole

[0120] 31 Bearing seat

[0121] 32 Spline shaft profile

[0122] 33 Hub profile

[0123] 34 Through Holes

[0124] 35 Through Hole

[0125] 36 Screws

[0126] 37 Screws

[0127] 40 Foam filling

[0128] 41 Foam material layer

[0129] 41a Foam filling

[0130] D Inner diameter

[0131] L length (wheel hub sleeve)

[0132] D F Rim nominal diameter

[0133] K circle diameter (node)

Claims

1. A wheel (1) for a bicycle, comprising a rim element (2) made of thermoplastic plastic, a plurality of pressure spoke elements (3) and a hub element (4), the wheel having the following features: the rim element (2) is constructed integrally with the pressure spoke elements (3) and with the hub element (4), characterized in that: A hollow wheel body (5) is formed with a closed wheel wall (6); at least the rim element (2) and the pressure spoke element (3) are hollow; and the wheel (1) is manufactured in one piece by means of rotational molding in a rotational molding mold that can be heated from the outside.

2. The wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that The hollow wheel body (5) has regions with different wall thicknesses (t) of the wheel wall (6).

3. The wheel (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The regions of the wheel wall (6) provided with different wall thicknesses (t) are produced by a zone-wise different input of heat from the outside into the rotational forming mold.

4. The wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The thermoplastic plastic of the wheel wall (6) is selected from one of the following plastics: polypropylene (PP), preferably polyethylene (PE), particularly preferably high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

5. The wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The thermoplastic is free of fibers.

6. A wheel (1) for a bicycle, comprising a rim element (2) made of thermoplastic, a plurality of pressure spoke elements (3) and a hub element (4), the wheel having the following features, wherein the rim element (2) is constructed integrally with the pressure spoke elements (3) and with the hub element (4), characterized in that: Each pressure spoke element (3) is rooted on the hub element (4) and forms a trunk-shaped base (3a); the trunk-shaped base (3a) of at least one pressure spoke element (3) extends away from the hub element (4) in the direction of the rim element (2) and is divided into at least two branch elements (3b, 3c); and at least one branch element (3b, 3c) is connected to the rim element (2).

7. The wheel (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The rim element (2) has a nominal rim diameter in the range of 150 mm to 650 mm.

8. The wheel (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The two branch elements (3b, 3c) and the trunk-shaped base (3a) of the pressure spoke element (3) meet at a node (12); the node (12) is located on a coaxial circular diameter (K) relative to the hub element (4); and the size of the circular diameter (K) is at a relative distance from the nominal rim diameter (D) of the rim element (2). F ) is in the range of 0.4 to 0.6 times.

9. A wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that The hub element (4) has a hollow cylindrical hub sleeve (11).

10. A wheel (1) for a bicycle, comprising a rim element (2) made of thermoplastic, a plurality of pressure spoke elements (3) and a hub element (4), the wheel having the following features: the rim element (2) is constructed integrally with the pressure spoke elements (3) and with the hub element (4), characterized in that: The hub element (4) has a hollow cylindrical hub sleeve (11), the inner diameter (D) of which is at least as large as the length (L) of the hub sleeve (11) in its axial direction.

11. The wheel (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that The size of the inner diameter (D) of the hub sleeve (11) is in the range of a factor of 1.0 to 2.0 relative to the length (L) of the hub sleeve (11).

12. The wheel (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The hollow cylindrical hub sleeve (11) of the hub element (4) is arranged to selectively interact with a drive shaft (20) or with a fixed wheel axle.

13. A wheel (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that At least one component (17) is arranged on the hub element (4), by means of which a torque can be transmitted.

14. The wheel (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that The means (17) for transmitting torque comprises a plurality of threaded holes (15, 16) which are arranged distributed circumferentially around the hub sleeve (11) on the edge (18) of the hub element (4).

15. The wheel (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The component (17) for receiving torque is arranged for fastening a drive shaft (20) to the hub element (4) and / or for fastening a brake disk to the hub element (4).

16. Wheel (1) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The threaded holes (15, 16) on the edge (18) of the hub element (4) are arranged in a metal element, and the metal element is integrated into the thermoplastic of the hollow wheel body (5).

17. A wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that Six pressure spoke elements (3) are provided.

18. A drive shaft (20) for a wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that: The drive shaft (20) is arranged for single-sided mounting on a bicycle frame, preferably on a single-sided rear wheel carrier of the bicycle frame.

19. The drive shaft (20) according to claim 18, characterized in that A gear element (27) is arranged which can cooperate with a drive component of the bicycle.

20. The drive shaft (20) according to claim 19, characterized in that The gear element comprises a pinion for a bicycle chain or a toothed disc (18) for a toothed belt or a gear for a drive shaft.

21. The drive shaft (20) according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that The drive shaft (20) comprises two shaft elements (23, 24) which are arranged flush and connectable.

22. The drive shaft (20) according to claim 21, characterized in that One axle element is designed as a wheel carrier axle element (23), and the other axle element is designed as a supporting axle element (24).

23. The drive shaft according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that The two shaft elements comprise complementary connecting parts (32, 34) which are arranged for at least transmitting a rotational movement between the two shaft elements.

24. The drive shaft (20) according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that The gear element (27) is arranged on the wheel support shaft element (23).

25. The drive shaft (20) according to any one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that The gear element (27) is integrally integrated.

26. A bicycle component consisting of a wheel and a drive shaft, the bicycle component comprising a one-piece hollow body (5) having a component wall (6) surrounding its cavity (7), wherein: The component wall (6) of the hollow body (5) is made of thermoplastic in a closed molding die, wherein the component wall (6) has an integral structure which is produced by rotational molding in a molding die designed for rotational molding and which can be heated from the outside, and the bicycle component has the following additional features: a foam material is arranged in the cavity (7); and the foam material at least partially extends as a foam material layer (41) on the inner side of the component wall (6) or as a foam material filling (40, 41a) completely fills the cavity (7) at least in sections.

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