Bicycle woven spoke
By using PBO fiber materials and fiber wire weaving technology, the problem of traditional metal spokes being heavy and prone to corrosion is solved, and the lightweight and stable connection of bicycle braided spokes are achieved, thereby improving riding performance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422496298.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-16
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-12
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-10-16
AI Technical Summary
Traditional metal bicycle braided spokes are heavy, prone to corrosion, and have unstable connections, which limits their use in high-performance bicycles.
The spoke body is woven with PBO fiber material, and the spoke head is tightly combined with the spoke body through fiber thread weaving to avoid stress concentration. The connection is strengthened by using a ring lock structure or metal spoke head.
It achieves lightweight, improves tensile strength and fatigue resistance, has a stable connection, extends service life, and enhances riding stability and comfort.
Smart Images
Figure CN223327245U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of spokes and discloses a braided spoke for a bicycle. Background Art
[0002] Road bikes are popular among cycling enthusiasts for their lightness and speed. Spokes, as a crucial component connecting the hub and rim, directly impact the strength and stability of the entire vehicle. Traditional road bike spokes are often made of metal materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy. While strong, these materials are relatively heavy and susceptible to corrosion over time, leading to spoke fatigue and breakage. Furthermore, the complex manufacturing process and high production costs of metal spokes limit their widespread use in high-performance bicycles.
[0003] To address these issues, researchers have recently begun exploring new materials and structural designs to improve the performance of woven bicycle spokes. For example, fiber materials, due to their superior strength and lightweight properties, are increasingly being used in the manufacture of woven bicycle spokes. However, existing methods often rely on glue or mechanical fasteners to connect fiber spokes, which can lead to unstable connections during intense riding, compromising overall spoke performance. Utility Model Content
[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the utility model provides a bicycle braided spoke, which has obvious advantages in strength, stability and lightness, and provides a new solution for improving the performance of road bicycles.
[0005] The technical solutions provided by this utility model are as follows:
[0006] A bicycle braided spoke comprises a spoke body, wherein one end of the spoke body has a first spoke head connected to a hub, and the other end of the spoke body has a second spoke head connected to a hub, and the spoke body is braided from fiber yarns;
[0007] The first spoke head and the second spoke head are integrally formed with the spoke body or are separately formed.
[0008] In some embodiments, the fiber strands are PBO fibers.
[0009] In some embodiments, the first spoke head and the spoke body are formed separately, the first spoke head has a first wrapping portion extending to one side of the spoke body, and the other side is a first connecting portion, and the fiber line of the spoke body is woven and wrapped around the first spoke head through the first wrapping portion to fix it.
[0010] In some embodiments, the second spoke head is formed separately from the spoke body, and the second spoke head has a second wrapping portion extending to one side of the spoke body, and the other side is a second connecting portion. The fiber line of the spoke body weaves and wraps the first spoke head through the second wrapping portion to fix it.
[0011] In some embodiments, the first spoke head is an annular locking structure, and the second spoke head is an annular locking structure.
[0012] In some embodiments, the first spoke head, the second spoke head and the spoke body are integrally formed, and the first spoke head and the second spoke head are annular locking structures woven from fiber lines.
[0013] In some embodiments, the first spoke head and the second spoke head are metal connectors, and surfaces of the first wrapping portion and the second wrapping portion are provided with rough surfaces.
[0014] In some embodiments, the rough surface is a protrusion, a barb structure, or an inverted trapezoidal surface.
[0015] In summary, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:
[0016] (1) The present invention uses PBO fiber as the spoke body material. The density of PBO fiber is relatively low, only 1.56g / cm 3 Compared to traditional metal materials, this significantly reduces spoke weight. This not only reduces the weight of the entire wheel but also reduces the rider's energy consumption, improving efficiency during long-distance rides or competitions. Furthermore, PBO fiber possesses extremely high tensile strength and abrasion resistance, with a tensile strength of up to 5.8 GPa. During extended riding, the spokes can withstand greater impact, tension, and lateral shear forces, significantly extending their service life.
[0017] (2) The present invention utilizes a fiber thread weaving process to achieve a secure and uniform connection between the spoke head and the spoke body, thus avoiding the stress concentration problem caused by mechanical connection in traditional metal spoke heads. The weaving method enables the spokes to evenly disperse stress when subjected to external force, thereby improving the overall impact resistance of the spokes and ensuring stability during riding.
[0018] (3) When the spoke body of the present invention is integrally formed, the ends of the fiber lines are woven in the middle of the spoke body. The fiber lines of the woven spoke body are tightened against each other. Due to the friction between the fiber lines, the ends of the fiber lines do not need to be fixed by connectors and will not detach, thereby improving the lightweight of the spokes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the braided spoke structure;
[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the spoke structure of Example 3;
[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the rough surface of the barb structure in Example 4;
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the rough surface with an inverted trapezoidal structure in Example 4;
[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the braiding of the annular lock structure in Example 5;
[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the annular lock structure in Example 5.
[0025] The reference numerals are as follows:
[0026] 1. Spoke body; 2. First spoke head; 3. Second spoke head; 4. Spread end; 5. Core end; 21. First wrapping portion; 22. First connecting portion; 31. Second wrapping portion; 32. Second connecting portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] In order to deepen the understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments and drawings. The embodiments are only used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0028] Example 1
[0029] Please refer to Figure 1-3 The present invention proposes a bicycle braided spoke, which is designed to provide a structure that is both lightweight and high-strength to meet the dual demands of modern bicycles, especially high-end racing bicycles, for both lightness and strength. Traditional spokes are usually made of metal materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy. Although they have good durability and strength, there is still room for improvement in reducing the weight of the vehicle body. The spoke body 1 of the present invention is woven from fiber wire, which greatly reduces the weight compared to traditional metal spokes. The spoke body 1 has a first spoke head 2 connected to the hub at one end and a second spoke head 3 connected to the hub at the other end.
[0030] The spoke body 1 is made of PBO (poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole)) fiber, a new high-performance fiber material widely used in aerospace, military protection, and other fields. PBO fiber has a strength of 5.8 GPa and an elastic modulus of 270 GPa. Compared to other high-performance fibers such as carbon fiber or Kevlar (aramid fiber), it has superior heat resistance and can withstand temperatures up to 600°C. Furthermore, the density of PBO fiber is only 1.56 g / cm 3, which allows the spokes to maintain high strength while achieving extremely light weight, which is an extremely important advantage for long-term riding, especially for racing bicycles.
[0031] This fiber material not only reduces the overall weight of the bicycle but also improves its fatigue resistance. Traditional metal spokes are prone to breakage due to fatigue over time, while PBO fiber has higher fatigue resistance and shear resistance, resulting in a longer service life, eliminating the inconvenience of frequent spoke replacements.
[0032] Example 2
[0033] This embodiment further describes the structural details of a woven bicycle spoke. A first spoke head 2 and a second spoke head 3 are provided at each end of the spoke body 1. Unlike the simple mechanical connection of conventional bicycle spokes, the present invention tightly combines the spoke body and the spoke head through weaving. Specifically, the first spoke head 2 has a first wrapping portion 21 extending toward one side of the spoke body 1. This structure provides sufficient contact area, allowing the fiber line of the spoke body to tightly wrap the first spoke head 2 through weaving, and the same applies to the second spoke head 3. This avoids the problem of falling off or loosening caused by weak connections in traditional connection methods.
[0034] The braiding method not only enhances the connection strength, but also effectively avoids the local stress concentration phenomenon that may occur in mechanical connections. In traditional mechanical connections, the connection between the spoke head and the spoke body usually relies on methods such as threads, rivets or glue. Although these connection methods can provide sufficient fixing force to a certain extent, they often form stress concentration points at the connection parts, making these parts more prone to fatigue cracks during long-term use. The braiding method can evenly disperse the stress, making the force on the entire spoke more uniform, thereby extending the service life of the spoke. At the same time, after the spoke is installed, the braided spoke will tighten under the action of the spoke tension, further wrapping the first wrapping part 21 or the second wrapping part 31, thereby improving the fixing strength.
[0035] The structure of the second spoke head 3 is similar to that of the first spoke head, with a second wrapping portion 31 extending toward the side of the spoke body 1. The fiber strands are similarly braided and wrapped to secure the second spoke head 3. Due to the flexibility of this braiding method, the spokes can adapt to the operating state of the bicycle in actual use, maintaining sufficient rigidity to support the operation of the wheel while maintaining a certain degree of flexibility to cushion vibrations during riding, thereby improving riding comfort.
[0036] Example 3
[0037] The spoke head design can be optimized for different bicycle types. For example, on road bikes and racing bikes, where riding speeds are high, higher demands are placed on the tensile strength and secure connection of the spokes. To this end, the spoke heads of the present invention can employ an annular locking structure, where the first connecting portion 22 and the second connecting portion 32 are designed as closed annular structures. This structure ensures a more secure connection between the spoke head and the hub and wheel hub, preventing dangerous situations caused by loose or broken spokes during high-speed riding. Of course, the structure of the first connecting portion 22 and the second connecting portion 32 can also be the connection structure commonly used in existing spokes.
[0038] This annular locking structure is securely fastened to the spoke body through a woven fiber thread, ensuring a tighter connection between the spoke and the wheel. In actual production, this annular locking structure can be molded in a single step, either using metal or the same PBO fiber material as the spoke body. The high strength and lightweight properties of PBO fiber ensure that this annular locking structure not only provides sufficient strength but also further reduces wheel weight.
[0039] Example 4
[0040] This embodiment describes in detail the design details when the first and second spoke heads 2, 3 are made of metal. In some cases, metal remains the preferred material for some cycling enthusiasts and professional riders due to its high rigidity and durability. Therefore, the present invention provides a design using metal spoke heads, which maintains the lightweight characteristics of braided spokes while further enhancing their connection strength and durability. The metal spoke heads can be conventional threaded rods or T-shaped inlay structures.
[0041] To ensure a more secure bond between the fiber cord and the metal spoke head, the present invention features a roughened surface on the metal spoke head. This roughened surface can be in the form of bumps, barbs, or other friction-generating microstructures. The roughened surface increases friction between the fiber cord and the metal surface, preventing the fiber cord from slipping or loosening due to stress during long-term use.
[0042] Specifically, the convex point structure can be manufactured through machining or mold forming processes and distributed on the surface of the wrapped part of the metal spoke head. These convex points can be in different shapes, such as circular, oval or strip-shaped, to increase friction in different directions. The barb structure can further enhance the grip of the fiber line by creating multiple tiny hook-shaped protrusions on the metal surface. The inverted trapezoidal structure has a larger diameter on the side close to the spoke body 1. When the spoke is tensioned, the side with a larger diameter can act as a fiber for the wrapped braided spoke, thereby improving the stability of the connection. This structure is particularly suitable for bicycles that frequently engage in intense exercise, such as climbing or rocking.
[0043] Metal spoke nipples not only enhance connection strength but also offer flexibility in material selection. Common metal materials include aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or titanium alloy, each with varying strength, rigidity, and corrosion resistance, allowing selection based on the bicycle's actual usage environment. Aluminum alloy is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for road and urban cycling. Titanium, while more expensive, offers exceptional strength and durability, making it suitable for high-end racing bicycles.
[0044] In terms of weaving technology, the braided spokes of the present application can be woven manually or by a computer-controlled multi-axis braiding machine. The braiding machine controls the arrangement and tightness of the fiber lines according to the set parameters, thereby achieving high-precision and high-consistency spoke production.
[0045] Example 5
[0046] This embodiment provides an implementation method in which the first spoke head 2 and the second spoke head 3 are integrally formed with the spoke body 1. Specifically:
[0047] Please refer to Figure 5-6 The braided spokes shown in this embodiment are formed by a PBO fiber braided wire. The single PBO fiber braided wire is woven from several fiber bundles. During weaving, the several fiber bundles at both ends of the single PBO fiber braided wire are in a scattered state. At this time, the single PBO fiber braided wire is divided into scattered ends 4 on both sides and a core end 5 in the middle. The annular locking structure on both sides is woven in the same way. One side is used as an example in the figure: the intersection of the scattered end 4 and the core end 5 is bent into an annular locking structure, and then the scattered fiber bundles of the scattered end 4 are woven around the core end 5 starting from the intersection of the annular locking structure and the spoke body 1, and are woven and extended along the core end 5 to the middle of the braided wire. The scattered ends 4 on both sides of the spoke are wrapped around the core end 5 and woven, and then meet in the middle of the spoke body 1, thereby completing the integral molding of the first spoke head 2 and the second spoke head 3 with the spoke body 1.
[0048] In this embodiment, a single 0.9mm PBO fiber braided wire is used for weaving. The first spoke head 2 and the second spoke head 3 are annular lock buckles formed by a single PBO fiber braided wire. The fiber wire diameter at the first spoke head 2 and the second spoke head 3 is 0.9mm. Weaving starts from the end of the lock buckle. The cross-sectional diameter of the woven spoke body 1 is 1.8mm. The strength of the woven PBO braided spokes is greater than that of a single PBO fiber wire.
[0049] It should be noted that any implementations not shown or described in the drawings or the main text of the specification are known to those skilled in the art and are not described in detail. In addition, the above definitions of the various elements and methods are not limited to the various specific structures, shapes, or methods mentioned in the embodiments.
[0050] It should also be noted that while examples of parameters including specific values may be provided herein, these parameters do not need to be exactly equal to the corresponding values, but rather may approximate the corresponding values within acceptable error tolerances or design constraints. Directional terms mentioned in the embodiments, such as "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," are merely references to the directions in the accompanying drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.
[0051] The foregoing description shows and describes preferred embodiments of the present invention. As previously mentioned, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the form disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. Instead, the present invention can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and can be modified within the scope of the present invention as taught herein or through the techniques or knowledge of the relevant art. Modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are intended to be protected by the claims appended hereto.
Claims
1. A bicycle braided spoke, characterized in that: The spoke body (1) comprises a spoke body (1), one end of the spoke body (1) comprises a first spoke head (2) connected to the hub, and the other end of the spoke body (1) comprises a second spoke head (3) connected to the hub, and the spoke body (1) is woven from fiber yarns; The first spoke head (2) and the second spoke head (3) are integrally formed with the spoke body (1) or separately formed; The first spoke head (2) and the spoke body (1) are formed separately, the first spoke head (2) having a first wrapping portion (21) extending toward one side of the spoke body (1), and a first connecting portion (22) on the other side, and the fiber line of the spoke body (1) is woven and wrapped around the first spoke head (2) through the first wrapping portion (21) to fix the first spoke head (2); The second spoke head (3) is formed separately from the spoke body (1), and the second spoke head (3) has a second wrapping portion (31) extending toward one side of the spoke body (1), and a second connecting portion (32) on the other side. The fiber line of the spoke body (1) is braided and wrapped around the first spoke head (2) through the second wrapping portion (31) to fix it.
2. The bicycle braided spoke according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fiber line is PBO fiber.
3. The bicycle braided spoke according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first spoke head (2) is an annular locking structure, and the second spoke head (3) is an annular locking structure.
4. The bicycle braided spoke according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first spoke head (2), the second spoke head (3) and the spoke body (1) are integrally formed, and the first spoke head (2) and the second spoke head (3) are annular locking structures woven from fiber lines.
5. The bicycle braided spoke according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first spoke head (2) and the second spoke head (3) are metal connecting parts, and the surfaces of the first wrapping portion (21) and the second wrapping portion (31) are provided with rough surfaces.
6. The bicycle braided spoke according to claim 5, characterized in that: The rough surface is a convex point, a barb structure or an inverted trapezoidal surface.