A composite modular bicycle crank
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522076911.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-26
AI Technical Summary
尽管这种结构满足了减重需求,但一体铸造式工艺存在显著缺陷:当第一接头30、31、32或第二接头40需要适应不同型号的啮合螺纹时,必须重新生产一根全新的曲柄
[0010]The present invention provides a composite modular bicycle crank, which, in conjunction with RTM carbon fiber coating technology, modularizes the joint and filler design, thereby reducing production costs and the number of molds while achieving crank weight reduction.
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Figure CN224857094U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bicycle cranks, and in particular to a composite module bicycle crank. Background Technology
[0002] Figure 1 This paper showcases a bicycle crank with an existing lightweight construction. The crank 1 minimizes weight and material usage by incorporating multiple perforations 2 in the center, and is manufactured using a one-piece aluminum alloy casting process. While this structure meets the weight reduction requirements, the one-piece casting process has a significant drawback: when the first connector 30, 31, 32 or the second connector 40 needs to accommodate different types of engagement threads, a completely new crank must be manufactured. This results in an additional demand for aluminum alloy die-casting molds, increasing production costs and wasting resources. Utility Model Content
[0003] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0004] A composite modular bicycle crank includes a first split connector and a second split connector inserted into both ends of a filler body. The first split connector and / or the second split connector are used for fixed connection with a flywheel and / or pedals. A lightweight outer shell is also provided around the filler body, the first split connector and the second split connector. The lightweight outer shell and the filler body, the first split connector and the second split connector form an integral structure.
[0005] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the end of the filler has a protruding filler connector, and the first split connector and the second split connector are respectively inserted into both ends of the filler through the filler connector.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the first split connector is engaged with the flywheel through the flywheel interface portion, and the second split connector is engaged with the foot pedal through the foot pedal interface. When the lightweight shell, the filler, the first split connector, and the second split connector form an integral structure, the flywheel interface portion and the foot pedal interface portion are exposed from the lightweight shell.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the filler is a lightweight foam material.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the lightweight outer shell is made of carbon fiber.
[0009] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0010] The present invention provides a composite modular bicycle crank, which, in conjunction with RTM carbon fiber coating technology, modularizes the joint and filler design, thereby reducing production costs and the number of molds while achieving crank weight reduction. Attached Figure Description
[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below.
[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a lightweight crank in the prior art.
[0013] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of this utility model.
[0014] Figures 3a to 3c These are enlarged views of the first split connector of different models.
[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall design of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0016] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. The above description is for the purpose of simplifying the description of this utility model and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0017] Unless otherwise specified, the singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this specification include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “containing” used in this specification indicate the presence of the claimed feature but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features. The term “and / or” used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.
[0018] In the specification, when an element is described as being "on," "fixed" to, "connected" to, or "joined" to another element, the element may be directly located on, fixed to, connected to, joined to, or in contact with the other element, or there may be an intermediate element present. In the specification, the description of a feature being arranged "adjacent" to another feature may refer to a feature having a portion that overlaps with the adjacent feature or a portion located above or below the adjacent feature.
[0019] It is understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe different elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the teachings of this application.
[0020] Exemplary embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that this application can be presented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described below. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide further additional embodiments. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or functionally identical elements.
[0021] Figure 2 The invention demonstrates a composite modular bicycle crank, mainly comprising a first split connector 300, a second split connector 400, and a filler 20 that connects the first split connector 300 and the second split connector 400 to form the main body of the crank 1. Specifically, each end of the filler 20 has a filler connector 21, and the first split connector 300 and the second split connector 400 are inserted into the two ends of the filler 20 through the filler connectors 21, thereby forming the basic shape of the main body of the crank 1.
[0022] Reference Figures 3a to 3c Based on this structure, while maintaining the coolness of the filler body 20 structure, the first split connector 300, 301, 302, 303 and the second split connector 400 set at both ends of the filler body 20 can be replaced with different meshing screw types according to actual needs, thus forming a crank 1 that is compatible with different models.
[0023] refer to Figure 4A lightweight outer shell 10 is also provided around the infill 20, the first split connector 300, and the second split connector 400. The lightweight outer shell 10 is made of carbon fiber. After the infill 20, the first split connector 300, and the second split connector 400 are integrated, a high-strength lightweight protective shell is formed on the outer periphery through the RTM process, exposing only the flywheel interface 300a and the pedal interface 400a. When using resin transfer molding (RTM), the carbon fiber needs to be wrapped around the infill, but it is usually not directly wrapped around the complete crank. Before being placed in the mold, the cut carbon fiber cloth is stacked in a specific way, and then wrapped around the infill. At the same time, fine carbon cloth fragments are filled in the crank root and other parts to fill the gaps. For the first split connector 300 and the second split connector 400, the metal parts are generally pre-treated and placed into the mold together with the carbon fiber cloth. The carbon fiber and metal parts are cured and formed into a whole crank by resin injection, rather than wrapping the carbon fiber cloth around the complete crank first. The filler 20, made of lightweight foam, serves as the molding support for the crank 1. It acts as a supporting framework between the first split joint 300 and the second split joint 400 before molding, while minimizing material consumption during carbon fiber spraying and preventing air bubbles from forming. It should be further noted that the lightweight outer shell 10 is nearly seamless after molding. Figure 2 The structure is drawn in a split form for easy demonstration of the explosion.
[0024] Overall, this invention avoids the need for re-molding due to changes in joints, which is a requirement in the prior art. It reduces production costs and the number of molds required. At the same time, it simplifies the manufacturing and maintenance process through modular components, thereby improving the practicality and market competitiveness of the product.
Claims
1. A composite module bicycle crank, characterized in that, It includes a first split connector and a second split connector inserted at both ends of the filler body. The first split connector and / or the second split connector are used to fix and connect with the flywheel and / or pedal. A lightweight outer shell is also provided around the filler body, the first split connector and the second split connector. The lightweight outer shell and the filler body, the first split connector and the second split connector form an integral structure.
2. The composite module bicycle crank as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The filler has a protruding filler connector at its end, and the first split connector and the second split connector are respectively inserted into both ends of the filler through the filler connector.
3. A composite module bicycle crank as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first split connector engages with the flywheel via the flywheel interface portion, and the second split connector engages with the pedal via the pedal interface. When the lightweight shell, the filler, the first split connector, and the second split connector form an integral structure, the flywheel interface portion and the pedal interface portion are exposed from the lightweight shell.
4. A composite module bicycle crank as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The filler is made of lightweight foam material.
5. A composite module bicycle crank as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The lightweight outer shell is made of carbon fiber.