Wheel component for a bicycle

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a wheel component of a vehicle, and in particular of a bicycle or a two- or multi-wheeled vehicle that is at least partially muscle-powered in its intended or normal operation, and comprises a spoke nipple. The spoke nipple has a nipple body with two opposing and separately separated end sections in order to detachably connect a spoke of a wheel to a rim and a hub of the wheel.

[0002] Spoke nipples are used on bicycles to attach spokes and can be installed in both the rim and the hub. Spoke nipples support the spoke and allow for adjusting spoke tension. They are turned with a tool to screw the nipple onto the spoke, thereby setting the desired spoke tension and truing the wheel.

[0003] Various spoke nipples are known in the prior art. These are manufactured in large quantities at low cost and function satisfactorily. A certain disadvantage is that, when using steel spokes and aluminum rims, corrosion problems can arise due to the different metals. Document EP3459759A1, for example, shows a spoke nipple made of stainless steel.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a wheel component with a spoke nipple that can be used more flexibly.

[0005] This problem is solved by a wheel component with a spoke nipple having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiments.

[0007] A wheel component according to the invention for a vehicle, and in particular for a two- or multi-wheeled vehicle such as a bicycle that is at least partially muscle-powered in normal operation, comprises a spoke nipple. The spoke nipple has a nipple body with two opposing and widely separated end sections for detachably connecting or supporting a spoke of a wheel to a rim or hub. One of the end sections forms, in particular, a nipple head. The nipple body has a receptacle for one end of a spoke. At the receptacle, the nipple body includes a thread for fastening a spoke. The nipple body has at least one tool surface to allow for adjustment of the spoke tension. The nipple body is made of a fiber-reinforced composite material and comprises reinforcing elements and at least one matrix material.

[0008] The wheel component according to the invention has many advantages. A significant advantage of the wheel component according to the invention with a spoke nipple is that a particularly low weight can be achieved.

[0009] Furthermore, the wheel component is versatile and can be used with wheels that have, for example, aluminum rims and / or steel spokes. It can also be used with rims and / or spokes made of a fiber-reinforced composite material. Use is also possible in mixed environments, such as with steel spokes and a fiber-reinforced composite rim.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the end sections are formed integrally with the nipple body and each forms one end of the nipple body. Particularly preferably, at least some of the reinforcing elements are designed as reinforcing fibers. The reinforcing fibers can be short fibers (shorter reinforcing fibers) or long fibers (longer reinforcing fibers). Long fibers preferably extend almost or completely through the length of the nipple body. Short fibers can be considerably shorter and have, for example, a length between 0.2 mm and, for example, 5 mm or 10 mm.

[0011] Preferably, at least part of the reinforcing elements (in the spoke nipple) is formed by short fibers having a length shorter than half the length of the nipple body. Particularly preferably, short fibers have a length between 0.1 mm and 3 mm.

[0012] In preferred further developments, it is possible for at least some of the reinforcing elements to be formed by fiber chips or fiber reinforcing particles. Fiber chips can be, in particular, planar elements. The use of short fibers is also possible. Spherical elements, irregular particles, or powder particles can also be used as reinforcing particles.

[0013] In particularly preferred embodiments, the matrix material of the spoke nipple is uniform throughout. This means that the same matrix material or material type is used throughout the entire spoke nipple. If spokes made of a fiber-reinforced composite material are also used together with the spoke nipple, the matrix material is specifically identical to that of the spoke.

[0014] Preferably, the material of the reinforcing elements of the spoke nipple differs in the threaded section or close to the thread from the material of the reinforcing elements further away from the threads. This allows the threaded area to be reinforced again.

[0015] In advantageous embodiments, at least part of the reinforcing elements consists of carbon fiber, carbon fibre and / or glass fibre material.

[0016] In particularly preferred embodiments, the proportion of reinforcing elements in the spoke nipple is at least 20%, 25%, or 30%. Proportions of 35% or more are also possible. The percentage refers to the weight fraction of the reinforcing elements relative to the total weight of the spoke nipple.

[0017] A thermoplastic matrix material is particularly preferred.

[0018] Preferably, the nipple head comprises a thickening and a rounded end to allow for angular alignment of the spoke nipple. Particularly preferably, the rounded end of the nipple head is formed so that the nipple head allows for angular alignment when in contact with, for example, a rim.

[0019] The nipple body has at least one tooling feature to allow for spoke tension adjustment. For this purpose, the nipple body can have corresponding surfaces that are, for example, oriented in a specific way relative to each other, thus providing a square or hexagonal shape or the like.

[0020] In preferred embodiments, the nipple body is closed at the end opposite the receptacle. Preferably, the thread is an internal thread. With a closed end, the receptacle is then provided as a blind hole in which the internal thread is arranged. The end can be completely or partially closed.

[0021] The nipple head may have a rounded end to allow for angled alignment. The nipple head can also be spherical, although it may be flattened at the very end.

[0022] An impeller component according to the invention is produced in particular by an injection molding process in which a fiber composite material with a liquid matrix material and reinforcing elements is injected into a mold. The fiber composite material is cooled and the impeller component is then removed.

[0023] In all its embodiments, the invention is particularly preferred for use in vehicles, and especially bicycles, that are at least partially muscle-powered during normal and regular operation. The invention is particularly suitable for use in sports bicycles.

[0024] Further advantages arise from the exemplary embodiments, which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0025] The figures show: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a racing bicycle; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a mountain bike; Figures 3-7 are schematic sectional views of spokes; Figures 8-10 are side views and a perspective view of a spoke; and Figures 11-13 are schematic views of a spoke nipple.

[0026] In the Figures 1 and 2Figure 100 shows a mountain bike, a gravel bike, and a racing bike, respectively, each equipped with wheel components 1 according to the invention. The mountain bike and racing bike 100 each have a front wheel 101 and a rear wheel 102.

[0027] Both wheels 101 and 102 have 10 spokes. A sprocket assembly 111 is provided. Conventional rim brakes or other brakes, such as disc brakes, can be used.

[0028] Each bicycle (100) has a frame (103), handlebars (106), a saddle (107), a fork or suspension fork (104), and, in the case of a mountain bike, road bike, or gravel bike, a rear shock absorber (105) may be provided. A crankset (112) with pedals provides propulsion. An electric assist motor may be integrated into the crankset (112) and / or the wheels. The wheel hubs can be attached to the frame using a clamping device such as a thru-axle or a quick-release skewer.

[0029] In the Figures 1 and 2 The wheel component 1, as specified in the application, with spokes 10 and spoke nipples 50, can be seen. The spokes connect the hub 108 to the rim 109. Here, the spoke nipples 50 are located inside the hollow-wall rim 109, so that they are not visible in the side view.

[0030] In the Figures 3 to 10Different wheel components 1 as specified in the application are formed, which are designed as spokes 10. In Figure 3 Figure 1 shows a cross-section through a spoke 10, which has an elongated central section 11 and two end sections 20, 30. The spoke 10 is machined in one piece, and the spoke body 15 has no parting lines between the end sections 20, 30 and the central section 11.

[0031] The spoke 10 consists of a fiber composite material 2 and comprises a matrix material 3 and reinforcing elements 4. Long fibers 5 extend (at least almost) completely along the length 10a of the spoke 10, centrally through the end piece 30, the middle piece 11, and the end piece 20 at the other end of the spoke 10. At the very end, the long fibers 5 may be covered so that they are not visible from the outside.

[0032] It should be noted that in the Figures 3-10The wheel component 1 with spoke 10 is not shown to scale in order to more clearly illustrate the individual parts and components of spoke 10. In reality, spoke 10 has a length 10a of, for example, 290 mm or 300 mm and, if it is not aerodynamically designed, can have a diameter between 1 mm and 3 mm or 4 mm. Other dimensions are also possible. These dimensions are also given here to clarify that the illustrations are not to scale.

[0033] In Figure 3It can be seen that the end piece 30 has a threaded section 31, which is designed as an external thread and extends over the entire width or length 30a of the end piece 30. The other end piece 20 has a conical section 23 that adjoins the central piece 11 and a support or cylindrical section 24 that connects to the conical section 23 and extends to the end of the spoke.

[0034] In simple embodiments, the central section 11 is round, so that the minimum transverse dimension 12, the mean transverse dimension 13, and the maximum transverse dimension 14 each have the same value and correspond to the diameter of the central section 11. In other embodiments, the spoke 11 can, for example, be aerodynamically designed, so that the minimum, mean, and maximum transverse dimensions 12-14 differ from each other.

[0035] The long fibers 5 extend over the entire length of the spoke 10 as reinforcing elements 4. The long fibers 5 are located in the end pieces 20, 30 only in the (central) cross-sectional area 25 at the end piece 20 and in the central cross-sectional area 35 at the end pieces 30.

[0036] At the end pieces 30, the cross-sectional section 36, which also consists of a fiber composite material 2 and has the same matrix material 3 as the middle piece 11, adjoins the cross-sectional area 35 radially outwards at the end pieces 30.

[0037] In contrast to the central section 11 and the cross-sectional areas 25, 35, no reinforcing elements or (only) shorter reinforcing elements are used in the cross-sectional sections 26, 36, which may consist of short fibers 6a or fiber snippets 6b and / or reinforcing particles 6c.

[0038] In simple embodiments, short fibers 6a are injection-molded together with a matrix material 3 at the ends 16, 17, whereby the matrix material 23 is at least initially remelted there, provided it had already (somewhat) solidified. Due to this manufacturing process, no separate interfaces, adhesive surfaces, or other surfaces are formed between the cross-sectional section 36 and the cross-sectional area 35 within the matrix material 3. A transition between the cross-sectional area 35 and, for example, the cross-sectional section 36 can only be achieved by changing the embedded reinforcing material. This results in a particularly high load-bearing capacity of the impeller component 1 according to the application.

[0039] In the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 3 The long fibers 5 are located in the central areas 29, 39 of the end pieces.

[0040] In Figure 4is a slightly different embodiment of a wheel component 1 according to the application with a spoke 10 shown, wherein only the end piece 20 and a part of the middle piece 11 are shown.

[0041] Unlike Figure 3 Here, the end piece 20 is conically shaped. The cross-sectional area 25 is also permeated by long fibers 5, while radially outward, the cross-sectional section 26 adjoins it with the same matrix material 3 but shorter reinforcing elements 6. The end piece 20 again forms the head section 21 of the spoke 10 and serves to support the spoke against the rim or hub.

[0042] As the schematic sketch in the right part of Figure 4 shows, in the exemplary embodiment according Figure 4Both the central section 11 and the end section 20 are rotationally symmetrical. It is also possible that the central section 11 is aerodynamically shaped, in which case the cross-sectional shape deviates from a circular shape.

[0043] Figure 5 shows another variant of a spoke 10 as a wheel component 1, in which the end piece 20 does not have a conical section 23, but only a right-angled protruding support or cylinder section 24.

[0044] In the right part of Figure 5 Some different reinforcement elements 6a, 6b and 6c are shown as examples, which can be used in the cross-sectional section 26 at the end piece 20 (and in the cross-sectional section 36 of the other end piece 30).

[0045] This can involve the use of randomly arranged short reinforcing elements 6a, as well as short reinforcing elements 6a aligned in the same direction, fiber fragments 6b in the same or different orientations, and also reinforcing particles 6c. A combination of different reinforcing elements 6a, 6b, and 6c is also possible.

[0046] Figure 5 Figure 1 shows only one end piece 20. The other end piece 30 can be identical. Or both end pieces 20, 30 each have a threaded section 31. The shape of one or both end pieces can be as shown in Figure 2. Fig. 3, 4 or 5 shown. A wheel can have different types of spokes.

[0047] Figure 6Figure 1 shows a variant of a wheel component with a spoke 10, where, after pultrusion, the end 16 of the end piece 20 is melted and a cone-like element is inserted. After removal, the cavity leaves a cone-like section 28, which is filled with a fiber-reinforced composite material 2, a matrix material 3, and reinforcing elements 4. The cross-sectional section 26 is provided centrally with shorter reinforcing elements 6, while the long fibers 5 extend in a ring-like fashion around the cross-sectional section 26 in the cross-sectional area 25. Overall, the end piece is thus widened to a diameter 22.

[0048] Figure 7 Figure 1 shows another variant, in which the end piece 30 is longer, or rather, in which the threaded section 31 does not extend over the entire length of the end piece 30. An end section 37, which is cylindrical in this case, follows.

[0049] Also in Figure 7 The long fibers 5 are provided over the entire length of the spoke 10 and extend practically completely over the length of the end pieces 20, 30 and the middle piece 11.

[0050] In the right part of Figure 7A cross-section is shown in the end section 37. This clearly illustrates that the reinforcing elements 4, arranged within a circle in the central section 11, have a different cross-sectional shape in the end section 30 (and possibly also in the end section 20). Specifically, the cross-sectional shape is non-circular, resulting in a different cross-section 37a, which here resembles a rectangle with indentations on its side faces. The dashed line depicts an envelope 33 that surrounds the reinforcing elements 4 as closely as possible and is only shown to clarify the shape. This envelope does not actually exist; it is not a separate layer. The spoke body is manufactured as a single piece of material. The cross-sectional shape can also be described as star-shaped. This allows for the transmission of a higher torque, which is advantageous when adjusting the spoke tension.

[0051] Other different cross-sectional shapes are also possible for the cross-sectional area or long fiber area 35; its cross-sectional shape can also be triangular or oval or T-shaped or V-shaped or W-shaped or the like.

[0052] In the Figures 8-10 Another wheel component is shown with a spoke 10, whereby Figures 8 and 9 Two side views show that the spoke 10 is aerodynamically designed, so that the minimum transverse dimension 12 is considerably smaller than the maximum transverse dimension 14 in the center section 11.

[0053] At the ends 16, 17, the spoke 10 is again round at the end pieces 20, 30 and has a threaded section 31 at the end piece 30. The outer diameter 32 at the end piece 30 can correspond to the maximum transverse dimension 14 in the middle piece 11.

[0054] In the Figures 11, 12 and 13A wheel component 1 conforming to the application is shown with a spoke nipple 50. The following are shown: Figures 11 and 12 Two slightly different embodiments, each in a cross-section.

[0055] The spoke nipple 50 consists of a fiber composite material 2 with a matrix material 3 and reinforcing elements 4. The reinforcing elements 4 can be designed as long fibers 5 or as shorter reinforcing elements 6.

[0056] The spoke nipple 50 has a nipple body 55 extending over a length 55a, which can be, for example, 10 mm. Slightly shorter and longer versions are also possible. The nipple body 55 has a greater length 55a than its diameter 61.

[0057] The nipple body has end sections 51 and 52 at the ends 58 and 59. The nipple head 53 is formed at the end 58, which is rounded and provides the contact surface on which the nipple rests, for example, on the rim.

[0058] The nipple head 53 has a receptacle 54 for the threaded end of a spoke. This receptacle has an internal thread 56. The nipple head 53 can be screwed onto a spoke end via this thread 56. The receptacle 54 can be a through-hole. Alternatively, the other end 51 may be partially or completely closed. In this case, the receptacle 54 is a blind hole.

[0059] Figure 13 Figure 1 shows a top view of the end section 51 of the spoke nipple 50. The tool holder 60 with the wrench size 62 is visible on the nipple body 55. The receptacle 54, in which the thread 56 is formed, is visible in the center.

[0060] By using spoke nipples 50 made of fiber composite material, a lighter spoke nipple can be provided that also reliably prevents potential contact corrosion between different metals. Such problems are particularly effectively prevented when reinforcing elements containing fiberglass are used.

[0061] In all configurations, a material-bonded and one-piece connection is achieved.

[0062] For example, in the production of spoke nipples 50, 20, 30, 40 or more cavities can be filled simultaneously in a manufacturing mold, so that cost-effective production is possible after the manufacture of a tool.

[0063] The thread is provided directly in the fiber composite material of the impeller components. Reference symbol list:

[0064] 1 Wheel component 32 Outer diameter 2 Fiber composite material 33 envelope 3 Matrix material 35 Cross-sectional area, long fiber area 4 Reinforcing elements 5 long fiber 36 Cross-sectional section, short fiber section 6 shorter Reinforcing elements 37 Final section 6a short fibers 37a deviating cross-section 6b Fiber scraps 38 cone-shaped section 6c Reinforcing particles 39 Central area 7 Longitudinal axis 50 spoke nipple 10 spoke 51 Final section 10a Length of 10 52 Final section 11 middle section 53 Nipple head 11a Length of 11 54 Recording 12 Cross dimension (minimum) 55 nipple body 13 Lateral dimension (medium) 55a length 14 Transverse dimension (maximum) 56 thread 15 spoke body 58 End (rounded) 16 End 59 End (tool end) 17 End 60 Tool system 19 Central area 61 diameter 20 End piece 62 wrench size 20a Length of 20 100 Bicycle 21 Head section 101 wheel, front wheel 22 Outer diameter 102 wheel, rear wheel 23 Cone section 103 Frame 24 Support, cylinder section 104 Fork, suspension fork 25 cross-sectional area 105 rear wheel damper 26 cross-sectional section 106 handlebars 28 cone-shaped section 107 saddle 29 Central area 108 hub 30 End piece 109 rim 30a Length of 30 111 pinion gear 31 Threaded section 112 crank

Claims

1. A wheel component (50) of a vehicle and in particular of a bicycle, comprising a spoke nipple (50) with a nipple body (55) and two opposite end portions (51, 52) remote from one another, to detachably connect a spoke (10) of a wheel (101, 102) with the rim (10) or the hub (108) of a wheel (101, 102), wherein one of the end portions (51, 52) forms a nipple head (53), and wherein the nipple body (55) has a takeup (54) for an end (30) of a spoke (10), and on the takeup (54), comprises a thread (56) for fastening a spoke (10), characterized in that the nipple body (55) is manufactured from a fibrous composite material (2) and comprises reinforcing elements (4) and at least one matrix material (3), and that the nipple body (55) has at least one tool receiving socket (60), to enable setting and adjusting the spoke tension.

2. The wheel component (50) according to the preceding claim, wherein the end portions (51, 52) are configured integrally with the nipple body (55) and form an end (58, 59) each of the nipple body (55).

3. The wheel component (50) according to any of the two preceding claims, wherein at least some of the reinforcing elements (4) are configured as reinforcing fibers (5, 6) and extend throughout the length (55a) of the nipple body (55).

4. The wheel component (50) according to any of the three preceding claims, wherein at least part of the reinforcing elements (4) is formed by short fibers (6a) having a length (57) which is shorter than half the length (55a) of the nipple body (55).

5. The wheel component (50) according to any of the four preceding claims, wherein at least part of the reinforcing elements (4) is formed by fiber snips (6b) or reinforcing particles (6c).

6. The wheel component (50) according to any of the five preceding claims, wherein the matrix material (3) of the spoke nipple (50) is uniform.

7. The wheel component (50) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the material of the reinforcing elements (4) of the spoke nipple (50) in the threaded portion differs from the material of the reinforcing elements (4) remote therefrom.

8. The wheel component (50) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the reinforcing elements (4) consists of carbon fiber and / or a glass fiber material.

9. The wheel component (50) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one portion of the reinforcing elements (4) in the spoke nipple amounts to more than 20% or 25%.

10. The wheel component (50) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the matrix material comprises a thermoplastic matrix material.

11. The wheel component (50) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nipple head (53) comprises a thickening and a rounded end (58), to enable an angular orientation in the case of a two-dimensional contact of the nipple head for example with a rim.

12. The wheel component (50) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nipple body (55) is closed on the end (59) opposite the takeup (54).

13. The wheel component (50) according to any of the preceding claims, manufactured by injection molding, wherein a fibrous composite material (2) comprising a liquid matrix material (3) and reinforcing elements (4) is injected into a manufacturing mold, the fibrous composite material (2) is allowed to cool, and the wheel component (50) is removed.