3D printing bicycle handlebar sleeve

Abstract

The utility model provides a 3D printing bicycle handlebar sleeve which comprises a handlebar tube and a buffer layer, the handlebar tube is sleeved with the buffer layer, and the buffer layer is a composite layer body of a hollow structure and comprises an inner layer and an outer layer which are coaxially arranged; the inner layer is arranged on the peripheral surface of the handle pipe in a sleeving mode, and the outer layer is connected with the inner layer through a plurality of supporting columns distributed in the circumferential direction. According to the 3D printing bicycle handlebar sleeve, the hollowed-out buffer layer design is adopted, hand compression is avoided through a unique breathable structure, and the problem that a traditional handlebar sleeve is soft in summer and hard in winter is solved. The integrally-formed aluminum alloy handle pipe is locked more firmly, the surface of the light-cured bi-component TPU material and the skin feeling paint is more durable and comfortable, and all-weather high-quality riding experience is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bicycle technology, and in particular to a 3D printed bicycle handlebar grip. Background Technology

[0002] Most existing bicycle handlebar grips are manufactured using injection molding, primarily using thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials. These traditional grips have significant drawbacks in practical use: First, the solid structure created by injection molding results in a relatively heavy product, with each side's cushioning layer weighing approximately 55 grams, increasing the overall riding burden. Second, TPE material has poor abrasion resistance, easily leading to issues such as stickiness, peeling, and difficulty in cleaning stains, resulting in a short lifespan. The material's inherent heat sensitivity causes the grips to soften at high temperatures and harden at low temperatures, affecting the riding feel and consistency of cushioning performance. Third, the solid structure lacks effective pressure distribution design, causing significant pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in the hands during prolonged riding, easily leading to numbness and other discomfort, impacting riding comfort and health. Furthermore, while some existing products use a separate structure with a plastic inner tube and an aluminum alloy locking ring, their locking effect and durability remain insufficient, and they cannot achieve a synergistic optimization of lightweight design and high cushioning performance. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, one objective of this utility model is to propose a 3D printed bicycle handlebar grip that, through material and structural innovation, reduces weight, improves durability, and enhances cushioning performance and ergonomic fit, thereby meeting users' increasing demands for riding comfort and health and overcoming the shortcomings of existing technologies.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a 3D printed bicycle handlebar sleeve, including a handlebar tube and a buffer layer. The buffer layer is fitted onto the handlebar tube and is a composite layer with a hollow structure, comprising an inner layer and an outer layer arranged coaxially. The inner layer is fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the handlebar tube, and the outer layer is connected to the inner layer through a plurality of circumferentially distributed support columns.

[0005] Preferably, the inner layer has a number of first air vents evenly distributed on it, and the outer layer has a number of second air vents evenly distributed on it.

[0006] In any of the above solutions, it is preferred that one end of the tube is provided with a locking ring, the tube and the locking ring are of an integral structure, the locking ring is provided with a threaded hole, and the threaded hole is configured to cooperate with the locking screw to achieve radial locking.

[0007] In any of the above embodiments, it is preferred that the buffer layer is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, the outer surface of the inner layer is coated with a skin-feel paint, and the outer surface of the outer layer is coated with a skin-feel paint.

[0008] In any of the above solutions, it is preferable to provide a plastic protective plug at the other end of the tube, and to seal the other end of the tube through the plastic protective plug.

[0009] In any of the above embodiments, it is preferred that the length of the tube is 127 mm, the inner diameter of the tube is 22.2 mm, the outer diameter of the tube is 24.2 mm, and the thickness of the tube wall is 1 mm.

[0010] In any of the above embodiments, it is preferred that the end of the tube near the locking ring is provided with a groove, the groove being 20 mm long and 3 mm wide.

[0011] In any of the above embodiments, it is preferred that the outer diameter of the locking ring in its natural state is 33.9 mm and the width of the locking ring is 10 mm.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0013] 1. The internal single cylindrical support column of the buffer layer, combined with the hollow structure, disperses the riding pressure and reduces long-term compression of the nerves and blood vessels in the hand; the 3D printed hollow structure photocured two-component TPU buffer layer increases the thickness by 1 mm, but the weight of a single buffer layer is only 24 grams (more than 50% lighter than the traditional injection-molded type of 55 grams). At the same time, the one-piece molded ultra-thin aluminum alloy inner tube (1.0 mm tube wall) achieves a combination of lightweight and high locking performance.

[0014] 2. Using light-cured two-component TPU material and spraying with skin-feel paint, the problem of traditional TPE grips being sticky, peeling, not resistant to dirt and wear is completely solved; the hollow structure achieves cushioning through geometric design rather than material heat sensitivity, avoiding the phenomenon of soft in summer and hard in winter, and ensuring a consistent riding feel throughout the year.

[0015] 3. The split-type replaceable design (only the damaged outer skin needs to be replaced, without replacing the whole product) reduces resource waste and extends product life.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the structure of a 3D-printed bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2This is a front view of a 3D printed bicycle handlebar cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a front sectional view of a 3D printed bicycle handlebar grip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 A 3D-printed bicycle handlebar cover according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 The right sectional view shown.

[0022] Wherein: 1-Handle tube; 2-Inner layer; 3-Outer layer; 4-Support column; 5-First vent hole; 6-Second vent hole; 7-Locking screw; 8-Threaded hole; 9-Plastic protective plug; 10-Locking ring; 11-Buffer layer. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0024] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown in the figure, a 3D printed bicycle handlebar cover according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a handlebar tube 1 and a buffer layer. The buffer layer is a composite layer with a hollow structure, which includes an inner layer 2 and an outer layer 3 arranged coaxially. The inner layer 2 is fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the handlebar tube 1, and the outer layer 3 is connected to the inner layer 2 through a plurality of circumferentially distributed support columns 4.

[0026] The support column 4 is cylindrical in shape. The support between the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3 of the 3D-printed buffer layer consists of several cylinders, which, unlike the solid structure of injection-molded grips, can avoid pressure on the nerves in the hands during long rides, making riding more comfortable and healthier.

[0027] Specifically, the inner layer 2 has several first vent holes 5 evenly distributed on it, and the outer layer 3 has several second vent holes 6 evenly distributed on it. The support column 4 is fixed only to the solid parts of the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3 without holes to avoid interference with the vent areas.

[0028] The 3D-printed cushioning layer achieves its cushioning performance and feel through a hollow structure, rather than the material itself. This avoids the problem of injection-molded grips being soft in summer and hard in winter. At the same time, the hollow structure of the cushioning layer is lightweight. With a thickness 1 mm greater than that of an injection-molded grip, the weight of a single cushioning layer is reduced by half. The weight of a regular injection-molded grip cushioning layer is about 55 grams, while the weight of a 3D-printed cushioning layer is only 24 grams.

[0029] Furthermore, a locking ring 10 is provided at one end of the tube 1. The tube 1 and the locking ring 10 adopt an integral structure. The locking ring is provided with a threaded hole 8, which is configured to cooperate with the locking screw 7 to achieve radial locking.

[0030] The handlebar tube 1 and locking ring 10 adopt a one-piece aluminum alloy structure, which provides a better locking effect compared to products on the market with plastic handlebar tube 1 and aluminum alloy locking ring 10. The internal handlebar tube 1 can theoretically be used for a lifetime; if the handlebar cover surface is damaged, only the cushioning layer needs to be purchased for replacement, eliminating the need to replace the entire handlebar cover and reducing resource waste. Furthermore, the cushioning layer is made of photocured two-component TPU, with the outer surface of both the inner and outer layers coated with a skin-feel paint. The 3D-printed cushioning layer uses photocured two-component TPU material with a skin-feel paint coating. This completely solves a series of problems associated with injection-molded TPE handlebar covers, such as poor wear resistance, stickiness, peeling, dirt accumulation, and short service life.

[0031] Furthermore, a plastic protective plug 9 is provided at the other end of the handlebar tube 1, which seals the other end of the handlebar tube 1. The plastic protective plug 9 at the end of the handlebar tube 1 of the 3D-printed bicycle handlebar grip effectively prevents dust and water damage, prevents scratches from sharp edges, enhances structural stability and anti-slip properties, improves overall aesthetics, and facilitates installation and maintenance, thereby optimizing riding safety and durability.

[0032] Specifically, the wall thickness of tube 1 is 1 mm. Preferably, tube 1 is made of aluminum alloy, with a length of 127 mm, an inner diameter of 22.2 mm, an outer diameter of 24.2 mm, and a wall thickness of 1 mm. This ensures that the outer skin has a greater thickness, thereby improving the cushioning capacity.

[0033] Optionally, a groove is provided at the end of the handle tube near the locking ring, with a groove length of 20 mm and a groove width of 3 mm. When the locking ring 10 is in the locked state, it applies radial pressure to the end of the handle tube 1, causing the grooved structure to undergo elastic deformation, thereby causing the end of the handle tube 1 to radially contract. This structural design achieves reliable locking and fixing between the end of the handle tube 1 and the mating component.

[0034] Optionally, the outer diameter of the locking ring in its natural state is 33.9 mm, and the width of the locking ring is 10 mm.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0036] This utility model of 3D-printed bicycle handlebar grips features a hollowed-out cushioning layer design. Its unique breathable structure prevents hand pressure and solves the problem of traditional grips being soft in summer and hard in winter. The one-piece molded aluminum alloy handlebar tube provides a more secure lock, while the UV-cured two-component TPU material with a skin-like coating makes it more durable and comfortable, achieving a superior riding experience in all weather conditions.

[0037] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that this utility model includes any combination of the utility model content and specific embodiments described in the foregoing specification, as well as the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings. Due to space limitations and for the sake of brevity, not all of these combinations have been described in detail. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0038] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and alterations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A 3D-printed bicycle handlebar cover, characterized in that, It includes a handle tube and a buffer layer. The buffer layer is sleeved on the handle tube. The buffer layer is a composite layer with a hollow structure, which includes an inner layer and an outer layer arranged coaxially. The inner layer is sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of the handle tube, and the outer layer is connected to the inner layer through a plurality of circumferentially distributed support columns.

2. The 3D-printed bicycle handlebar cover as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner layer has a number of first vent holes evenly distributed on it, and the outer layer has a number of second vent holes evenly distributed on it.

3. A 3D-printed bicycle handlebar cover as described in claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the handle tube is provided with a locking ring. The handle tube and the locking ring are made of an integral aluminum alloy structure. The locking ring is provided with a threaded hole, which is configured to cooperate with a locking screw to achieve radial locking.

4. A 3D-printed bicycle handlebar cover as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer layer is made of light-cured two-component TPU, and the outer surface of the inner layer is coated with a skin-feel paint, as is the outer surface of the outer layer.

5. A 3D-printed bicycle handlebar cover as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The other end of the handle tube is provided with a plastic protective plug, and the other end of the handle tube is sealed by the plastic protective plug.

6. A 3D-printed bicycle handlebar cover as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The handle tube has a length of 127 mm, an inner diameter of 22.2 mm, an outer diameter of 24.2 mm, and a wall thickness of 1 mm.

7. A 3D-printed bicycle handlebar cover as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The end of the handle near the locking ring is provided with a groove, the groove being 20 mm long and 3 mm wide.

8. A 3D-printed bicycle handlebar cover as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The locking ring has an outer diameter of 33.9 mm in its natural state and a width of 10 mm.

Images