Wire spoke wheels and saddle-type vehicles

Abstract

In a wire spoke wheel with a cross structure, the imbalance in tension experienced by the wire spokes during braking and other operations is suppressed. [Solution] The wire spoke wheel comprises a rim, a hub, and a plurality of wire spokes. The rim includes first and second flange portions located at one end and the other end, respectively. The hub includes first and second hub portions located to one side and the other side of the center, respectively. The plurality of wire spokes include a plurality of spoke pairs, each consisting of a first wire spoke connecting the first flange portion and the second hub portion, and a second wire spoke connecting the second flange portion and the first hub portion. Spoke pairs consisting of a first wire spoke bent at a first angle θ1 and a second wire spoke bent at a second angle θ2, and spoke pairs consisting of a first wire spoke bent at a second angle θ2 and a second wire spoke bent at a first angle θ1, are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction of the wheel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wire spoke wheel and a saddle-type vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] As a type of wheel for vehicles such as motorcycles, a wire spoke wheel in which a rim and a hub are connected by a plurality of wire spokes is known. The wire spoke wheel has an advantage of excellent shock absorption.

[0003] In a wire spoke wheel, a structure can be adopted in which wire spokes connecting the right flange portion of the rim and the left side of the hub and wire spokes connecting the left flange portion of the rim and the right side of the hub are mixed. In the present specification, this structure is referred to as a "cross structure". A wire spoke wheel having a cross structure is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. By adopting the cross structure, each wire spoke can be lengthened, so that the shock absorption of the wire spoke wheel can be further improved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The inventor of the present application has made various studies on a wire spoke wheel having a cross structure. As a result, as will be described later, depending on the actual configuration adopted, when the rim and the hub move relative to each other in the opposite direction due to braking or the like by a brake, the vector of the tension received by the wire spokes becomes left-right asymmetric with respect to the center plane in the width direction of the rim, and a torsional moment occurs between the rotation axes of the rim and the hub. The occurrence of the torsional moment may affect the straight running performance.

[0006] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to suppress the imbalance of tension experienced by wire spokes during braking and other operations in a wire spoke wheel having a cross structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This specification discloses wire spoke wheels and saddle-type vehicles as described in the following sections.

[0008] [Item 1] Annular rim, A hub having an axle hole through which an axle is inserted, A plurality of wire spokes connecting the rim and the hub, each including a first end connected to the rim and a second end connected to the hub, A wire spoke wheel equipped with, The rim includes a first flange portion located at one end in the wheel width direction and a second flange portion located at the other end in the wheel width direction. The hub includes a first hub portion located on one side of the center in the wheel width direction, and a second hub portion located on the other side of the center in the wheel width direction. The plurality of wire spokes include a plurality of spoke pairs, each consisting of a first wire spoke connecting the first flange portion and the second hub portion, and a second wire spoke connecting the second flange portion and the first hub portion. Each of the plurality of wire spokes is bent at either a first angle θ1 or a second angle θ2 that is different from the first angle θ1. A wire spoke wheel in which spoke pairs, each consisting of a first wire spoke bent at a first angle θ1 and a second wire spoke bent at a second angle θ2, and each consisting of a first wire spoke bent at a second angle θ2 and a second wire spoke bent at a first angle θ1, are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the wheel.

[0009] A wire spoke wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which a plurality of wire spokes include a plurality of spoke pairs, each consisting of a first wire spoke connecting a first flange portion of the rim (e.g., the left flange portion) to a second hub portion of the hub (e.g., the right hub portion) and a second wire spoke connecting a second flange portion of the rim (e.g., the right flange portion) to a first hub portion of the hub (e.g., the left hub portion). Because the wire spoke wheel has such a structure (referred to as a "cross structure"), the wire spokes can be made longer compared to a wheel that does not employ a cross structure, thereby increasing the amount of energy absorbed by the wire spokes and improving shock absorption.

[0010] Furthermore, in the wire spoke wheel according to the embodiment of the present invention, each wire spoke is bent at either a first angle θ1 or a second angle θ2 that is different from the first angle θ1. In other words, two types of wire spokes with different bending angles are mixed together. This makes it easy to avoid interference between wire spokes when a cross structure is adopted.

[0011] Furthermore, in the wire spoke wheel according to the embodiment of the present invention, spoke pairs consisting of a first wire spoke bent at a first angle θ1 and a second wire spoke bent at a second angle θ2, and spoke pairs consisting of a first wire spoke bent at a second angle θ2 and a second wire spoke bent at a first angle θ1, are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the wheel. This allows the wire spokes receiving tension to be unified to one type (i.e., either the wire spoke bent at the first angle θ1 or the wire spoke bent at the second angle θ2) when the rim and hub move relative to each other in opposite directions due to braking or the like. As a result, the tension vectors acting on the wire spokes become symmetrical with respect to the widthwise center plane of the rim, thus suppressing the generation of torsional moment between the rotation axes of the rim and hub. Therefore, in a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a wire spoke wheel according to the embodiment of the present invention, straight-line driving performance is improved.

[0012] [Item 2] Each of the rims has a plurality of rim holes through which each of the plurality of wire spokes is inserted. The plurality of rim holes include a first rim hole formed in the first flange portion through which the first wire spoke is inserted, and a second rim hole formed in the second flange portion through which the second wire spoke is inserted. The wire spoke wheel according to item 1, wherein the first rim hole and the second rim hole have substantially symmetrical shapes with respect to the widthwise center plane of the rim.

[0013] The rim may have multiple rim holes, including a first rim hole formed in the first flange portion through which a first wire spoke is inserted, and a second rim hole formed in the second flange portion through which a second wire spoke is inserted. The first and second rim holes may have shapes that are substantially symmetrical with respect to the widthwise center plane of the rim.

[0014] [Item 3] The wire spoke wheel described in item 2, wherein the axial direction of each of the plurality of rim holes is directed toward the central axis of the axle hole.

[0015] When the axial direction of each rim hole faces the central axis of the axle hole, the process of forming a plurality of rim holes in the rim can be simplified.

[0016] [Item 4] The wire spoke wheel according to item 2, wherein the axial direction of each of the plurality of rim holes is set such that each of the plurality of wire spokes appears to be in a straight line in a plan view seen from the wheel width direction.

[0017] When the axial direction of each rim hole is set such that each wire spoke appears to be in a straight line in a plan view seen from the wheel width direction, the design can be improved. Also, the assembly property can be improved.

[0018] [Item 5] The hub has a shape asymmetric with respect to the central plane in the width direction of the hub, and the wire spoke wheel according to any one of items 1 to 4.

[0019] The hub may have a shape asymmetric with respect to the central plane in the width direction of the hub.

[0020] [Item 6] The wire spoke wheel further includes a plurality of nipples that respectively fasten the second ends of the plurality of wire spokes to the hub, Each of the plurality of nipples, a cylindrical shaft portion, and a head provided so as to be continuous with one end portion of the shaft portion, and has the wire spoke wheel according to any one of items 1 to 5.

[0021] The wire spoke wheel may further include a plurality of nipples that respectively fasten the second ends of the wire spokes to the hub. Each nipple may have a cylindrical shaft portion and a head provided so as to be continuous with one end portion of the shaft portion.

[0022] [Item 7] The wire spoke wheel according to item 6, further comprising a cover member attached to the hub and at least partially covering the heads of at least some of the nipples among the plurality of nipples.

[0023] If a wire spoke wheel is equipped with a cover member that is attached to the hub and covers at least partially the head of the nipple, it is possible to prevent the nipple from falling out even if the nipple becomes loose.

[0024] [Item 8] The cover member also serves as a rotor for detecting wheel speed, as described in item 7 for the wire spoke wheel.

[0025] When a rotor for detecting wheel speed for ABS control is mounted on the hub, the cover member can also function as the rotor for detecting wheel speed, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0026] [Item 9] The wire spoke wheel according to any one of items 6 to 8, wherein the plurality of nipples include two nipples that are close to each other, with the mounting path of one nipple overlapping the other nipple.

[0027] The multiple nipples may include two nipples that are close to each other, such that the mounting path of one nipple (hereinafter referred to as the "first nipple") overlaps that of the other nipple (hereinafter referred to as the "second nipple"). By arranging the two close-to-each-other nipples in this manner, the second nipple can prevent the first nipple from falling off.

[0028] [Item 10] The aforementioned hub is Multiple disc boss sections for mounting the brake disc, Multiple nipple boss portions for attaching the aforementioned multiple nipples, Includes, A wire spoke wheel according to any one of items 6 to 9, wherein each of the plurality of disc boss portions is integrated with some of the nipple boss portions among the plurality of nipple boss portions.

[0029] The hub may include multiple disc boss sections for mounting brake discs and multiple nipple boss sections for mounting multiple nipples. In this case, if each disc boss section is integrated with some of the nipple boss sections, the weight of the hub can be reduced.

[0030] [Item 11] Front wheel and, The rear wheel and Equipped with, A saddle-type vehicle in which the front wheel includes a wire spoke wheel as described in any of items 1 to 10.

[0031] The saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a front wheel and a rear wheel, and the front wheel includes a wire spoke wheel having one of the above-described configurations. Therefore, straight-line driving performance is improved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to embodiments of the present invention, in a wire spoke wheel having a cross structure, it is possible to suppress the imbalance of tension experienced by the wire spokes during braking or the like. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a wire spoke wheel 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the left side. [Figure 2] This is a side view of the wire spoke wheel 100, seen from the right side. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the wire spoke wheel 100 from the left side. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the wire spoke wheel 100 from the right side. [Figure 5]This is a cross-sectional view of wire spoke wheel 100, showing the cross-section along the line 5A-5A' in Figure 1. [Figure 6A] This is a plan view showing one of the wire spokes 30 of a wire spoke wheel 100. [Figure 6B] This is a plan view showing another wire spoke 30 among several wire spokes 30. [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing the nipples 50 of a wire spoke wheel 100. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing the location where the rim hole 19 is formed in the rim 10 of the wire spoke wheel 100. [Figure 9] This is a side view of the wire spoke wheel 100, seen from the left side. [Figure 10] This is a side view of the comparative example wire spoke wheel 900, seen from the left side. [Figure 11] This figure shows the direction of motion Dr of the rim 10 and the direction of motion Dh of the hub 20 during braking for the comparative example wire spoke wheel 900. [Figure 12] This figure shows the direction of motion Dr of the rim 10 and the direction of motion Dh of the hub 20 during braking for a wire spoke wheel 100. [Figure 13] This is a magnified cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the rim hole 19 in the flange portion 11 of the rim 10. [Figure 14] This is a side view of the wire spoke wheel 100 as seen from the left side, showing an example configuration in which the axial direction of each rim hole 19 is oriented toward the central axis CA1 of the axle hole 20b. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of a configuration where the axial direction of each rim hole 19 is not aligned with the central axis CA1 of the axle hole 20b. [Figure 16] This is a plan view showing an example of a preferred configuration of nipple 50. [Figure 17] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of wire spokes 30 fastened using nipples 50 with the configuration shown. [Figure 18]This is a perspective view of a wire spoke wheel 100 equipped with a cover member 60, seen from the right side. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view of a wire spoke wheel 100 equipped with a cover member 60, viewed from the left side. [Figure 20] This figure shows a magnified view of a portion of Figure 18. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view showing a magnified portion of a wire spoke wheel 100 equipped with a cover member 60. [Figure 22] This is a perspective view showing a magnified portion of Figure 19. [Figure 23] This is a side view showing the area around the hub 20 of a wire spoke wheel 100. [Figure 24] This is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 23, showing a perspective view from the direction indicated by arrow A. [Figure 25] This is a side view showing the area around the hub 20 of a wire spoke wheel 100. [Figure 26] This is a perspective view showing a magnified portion of Figure 26. [Figure 27] This is a side view showing an example of a saddle-type vehicle (motorcycle 200) equipped with wire spoke wheels according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0035] First, the structure of the wire spoke wheel (hereinafter simply referred to as "wheel") 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figures 1 and 2 are side views of the wheel 100 as seen from the left and right, respectively. Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of the wheel 100 as seen from the left and right, respectively. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the wheel 100, showing a cross section along the line 5A-5A' in Figure 1.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the wheel 100 comprises a rim 10, a hub 20, and a plurality of wire spokes 30.

[0037] The rim 10 is annular and extends in the circumferential direction D3 of the wheel. A tire is mounted on the rim 10. The rim 10 is formed from a metallic material (e.g., an aluminum alloy). The rim 10 has a pair of flange portions 11, a well portion 12, and a pair of bead seat portions 13.

[0038] The pair of flange portions 11 are located at both ends of the rim 10 in the wheel width direction D1. Hereinafter, the flange portion 11A located at the left end (i.e., one end) in the wheel width direction D1 of the pair of flange portions 11 will be referred to as the "first flange portion" or "left flange portion," and the flange portion 11B located at the right end (i.e., the other end) in the wheel width direction D1 will be referred to as the "second flange portion" or "right flange portion." The left flange portion 11A and the right flange portion 11B each extend outward in the wheel radial direction D2.

[0039] The well portion 12 is located in the center of the rim 10 in the wheel width direction D1. The well portion 12 is recessed inward in the wheel diameter direction D2.

[0040] A pair of bead seat portions 13 are located between the left flange portion 11A and the well portion 12, and between the right flange portion 11B and the well portion 12. The bead seat portions 13 are the parts that support the bead portion of the tire.

[0041] The rim 10 has a plurality of rim holes 19 through which each wire spoke 30 is inserted. The plurality of rim holes 19 include a first rim hole (left rim hole) 19A formed in the first flange portion 11A and a second rim hole (right rim hole) 19B formed in the second flange portion 11B.

[0042] The hub 20 is located in the center of the wheel 100. The hub 20 has a through hole 20a. The hub 20 is formed from a metallic material (e.g., aluminum alloy).

[0043] The hub 20 has an inner cylinder portion 21 and a pair of hub flange portions 22.

[0044] The inner cylinder portion 21 is a cylindrical portion including a through hole 20a. The pair of hub flange portions 22 are disc-shaped portions that extend outward from the inner cylinder portion 21 in the wheel radial direction D2. The pair of hub flange portions 22 include a left hub flange portion 22A located on the left side and a right hub flange portion 22B located on the right side.

[0045] In the illustrated example, a collar member 41, a pair of bearings 42A and 42B, and a pair of sealing members 43A and 43B are arranged within the through-hole 20a of the hub 20. The collar member 41 is cylindrical. The pair of bearings 42A and 42B are positioned to sandwich the collar member 41 and to be located further outward in the wheel width direction D1 than the collar member 41. The pair of sealing members 43A and 43B are positioned further outward in the wheel width direction D1 than the pair of bearings 42A and 42B. The inner circumferential surface of the collar member 41 and the inner circumferential surfaces of the pair of bearings 42A and 42B define the hole (axle hole) 20b through which the axle is inserted. In other words, the through-hole 20a of the hub 20 includes the space that becomes the axle hole 20b. The central axis of the axle hole 20b is parallel to the wheel width direction D1. Note that these members arranged within the through-hole 20a of the hub 20 can be changed as appropriate.

[0046] Multiple wire spokes 30 connect the rim 10 and the hub 20. The wire spokes 30 are made of a metal material (e.g., iron). In the illustrated example, the wheel 100 has 36 wire spokes 30, but the number of wire spokes 30 is of course not limited to this.

[0047] In this specification, of the two ends of each wire spoke 30, the end 31 connected to the rim 10 is referred to as the "first end" or "rim-side end," and the end 32 connected to the hub 20 is referred to as the "second end" or "hub-side end."

[0048] In this specification, the portion 20p1 of the hub 20 located to one side (in this case, the left side) of the center in the wheel width direction D1 is referred to as the "first hub portion" or "left hub portion," and the portion 20p2 located to the other side (in this case, the right side) of the center in the wheel width direction D1 is referred to as the "second hub portion" or "right hub portion."

[0049] The wheel 100 has the "cross structure" already described. In other words, the multiple wire spokes 30 of the wheel 100 include a first wire spoke 30A that connects the first flange portion (left flange portion) 11A and the second hub portion (right hub portion) 20p2, and a second wire spoke 30B that connects the second flange portion (right flange portion) 11B and the first hub portion (left hub portion) 20p1.

[0050] Here, the pair SP of the first wire spoke 30A and the second wire spoke 30B whose rim-side ends 31 are closest to each other will be called a "spoke pair". In the illustrated example, in a plan view taken from a direction parallel to the wheel width direction D1, the positions of the rim-side ends 31 of the first wire spoke 30A and the second wire spoke 30B constituting each spoke pair SP (i.e., their positions in the wheel circumferential direction D3) are approximately the same.

[0051] Thus, the multiple wire spokes 30 of the wheel 100 include multiple spoke pairs SP, each consisting of a first wire spoke 30A and a second wire spoke 30B.

[0052] Here, the structure of each wire spoke 30 will be described. Figure 6A shows one wire spoke 30 from among several wire spokes 30, and Figure 6B shows another wire spoke 30.

[0053] The wire spokes 30 shown in Figure 6A and Figure 6B each have a rim-side end 31 and a hub-side end 32, as previously described. The rim-side end 31 has an enlarged spoke head 31h. The hub-side end 32 has a male threaded portion 32s. The hub-side end 32 of the wire spoke 30 is fastened to the hub 20 by a nipple 50, as shown in Figure 1 and other figures. In other words, the wheel 100 further comprises multiple nipples 50, each fastening the respective hub-side end 32 of multiple wire spokes 30 to the hub 20.

[0054] Figure 7 is a plan view of the nipple 50. As shown in Figure 7, the nipple 50 has a shaft portion 51 and a head portion 52 that is provided continuous with one end of the shaft portion 51. The shaft portion 51 is cylindrical, and a female threaded portion 51s is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the shaft portion 51.

[0055] As already explained, the flange portion 11 of the rim 10 has a rim hole 19 through which the wire spoke 30 can be inserted. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the rim 10 showing the location where the rim hole 19 is formed.

[0056] Figure 8 shows the widthwise center plane Pr of the rim 10 (which is, of course, a hypothetical plane) with a dashed line. In the example shown in Figure 8, the first rim hole 19A and the second rim hole 19B have substantially symmetrical shapes with respect to the widthwise center plane Pr of the rim 10. The first wire spoke 30A is inserted through the first rim hole 19A, and the second wire spoke 30B is inserted through the second rim hole 19B.

[0057] The rim-side end 31 of the wire spoke 30 is secured to the flange portion 11 of the rim 10 by the spoke head 31h. The hub flange portion 22 of the hub 20 is provided with a plurality of nipple boss portions 23, each having a nipple hole 23a through which the shaft portion 51 of the nipple 50 is inserted. The hub-side end 32 of the wire spoke 30 is fastened to the hub flange portion 22 of the hub 20 by screwing the male threaded portion 32s into the female threaded portion 51s of the nipple 50. In addition to the plurality of nipple boss portions 23 for attaching the plurality of nipples 50, the hub flange portion 22 of the hub 20 is also provided with a plurality of disc boss portions 24 for attaching a brake disc (not shown).

[0058] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the wire spokes 30 are bent at a position slightly away from the rim side end 31 (bend point BP). The wire spoke 30 shown in Figure 6A is bent at a first angle θ1. In contrast, the wire spoke 30 shown in Figure 6B is bent at a second angle θ2, which is different from the first angle θ1. Thus, each of the multiple wire spokes 30 of the wheel 100 is bent at either the first angle θ1 or the second angle θ2.

[0059] In the following explanation, the portion P1 of the wire spoke 30 located between the bent portion BP and the rim-side end 31 will be referred to as the "first portion," and the portion P2 located between the bent portion BP and the hub-side end 32 will be referred to as the "second portion." The length of the first portion P1 is smaller than the length of the second portion P2, and the ratio of the lengths of the first portion P1 to the second portion P2 is, for example, about 1:16 to 1:18.

[0060] Figure 1 shows the direction D4 (hereinafter referred to as the "wheel center direction") from the rim hole 19 toward the central axis CA1 of the axle hole 20b. The second portion P2 of each wire spoke 30 is inclined with respect to the wheel center direction D4. In the illustrated example, the second portions P2 of the first wire spoke 30A and the second wire spoke 30B constituting each spoke pair SP are inclined in opposite directions relative to the wheel center direction D4. Therefore, in a plan view, the positions of the hub-side ends 32 of the first wire spoke 30A and the second wire spoke 30B constituting each spoke pair SP (i.e., their positions in the wheel circumferential direction D3) are different from each other. Furthermore, the second portion P2 of the first wire spoke 30A of a given spoke pair SP and the second portion P2 of the first wire spoke 30A of an adjacent spoke pair SP are inclined in opposite directions relative to the wheel center direction D4. Similarly, the second portion P2 of the second wire spoke 30B of a spoke pair SP and the second portion P2 of the second wire spoke 30B of an adjacent spoke pair SP are inclined in opposite directions to each other with respect to the wheel center direction D4. The angle that the second portion P2 of each wire spoke 30 makes with respect to the wheel center direction D4 may be substantially the same.

[0061] Figure 9, like Figure 1, is a side view of the wheel 100 from the left side. However, for the sake of clarity, the reference numerals for the first wire spoke 30A bent at a first angle θ1 and the first wire spoke 30A bent at a second angle θ2 are denoted as "30A_θ1" and "30A_θ2," respectively, and the reference numerals for the second wire spoke 30B bent at a first angle θ1 and the second wire spoke 30B bent at a second angle θ2 are denoted as "30B_θ1" and "30B_θ2," respectively.

[0062] As shown in Figure 9, the wheel 100 has multiple spoke pairs SP, including a spoke pair SP1 (hereinafter referred to as the "first spoke pair") consisting of a first wire spoke 30A_θ1 bent at a first angle θ1 and a second wire spoke 30B_θ2 bent at a second angle θ2, and a spoke pair SP2 (hereinafter referred to as the "second spoke pair") consisting of a first wire spoke 30A_θ2 bent at a second angle θ2 and a second wire spoke 30B_θ1 bent at a first angle θ1. The first spoke pair SP1 and the second spoke pair SP2 are arranged alternately along the wheel circumferential direction D3.

[0063] As described above, the wheel 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which a plurality of wire spokes 30 include a plurality of spoke pairs SP, each consisting of a first wire spoke 30A connecting the first flange portion (left flange portion) 11A of the rim 10 and the second hub portion (right hub portion) 20p2 of the hub 20, and a second wire spoke 30B connecting the second flange portion (right flange portion) 11B of the rim 10 and the first hub portion (left hub portion) 20p1 of the hub 20. Because the wheel 100 has such a cross structure, the wire spokes 30 can be made longer compared to when a cross structure is not adopted, so the amount of energy absorbed by the wire spokes 30 increases and the shock absorption performance is improved.

[0064] Furthermore, in the wheel 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, each wire spoke 30 is bent at either a first angle θ1 or a second angle θ2 that is different from the first angle θ1. In other words, there are two types of wire spokes 30 with different bending angles. This makes it easy to avoid interference between wire spokes 30 when a cross structure is adopted.

[0065] Furthermore, in the wheel 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first spoke pair SP1 consisting of a first wire spoke 30A_θ1 bent at a first angle θ1 and a second wire spoke 30B_θ2 bent at a second angle θ2, and a second spoke pair SP2 consisting of a first wire spoke 30A_θ2 bent at a second angle θ2 and a second wire spoke 30B_θ1 bent at a first angle θ1 are alternately arranged along the wheel circumferential direction D3. The effects obtained by this configuration will be explained below with reference to the comparative example wheel 900 shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 is a side view of the comparative example wheel 900 as seen from the left side.

[0066] The comparative example wheel 900 differs from the wheel 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention in the arrangement of the wire spokes 30. The multiple spoke pairs SP of the comparative example wheel 900 include, as shown in Figure 10, a spoke pair (hereinafter referred to as the "third spoke pair") SP3 composed of a first wire spoke 30A_θ1 and a second wire spoke 30B_θ1, both bent at a first angle θ1, and a spoke pair (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth spoke pair") SP4 composed of a first wire spoke 30A_θ2 and a second wire spoke 38B_θ2, both bent at a second angle θ2. The third spoke pair SP3 and the fourth spoke pair SP4 are arranged alternately along the wheel circumferential direction D3.

[0067] When braking is applied to a saddle-type vehicle, the wheel rim and hub move in opposite directions relative to each other. Figure 11 shows the direction of motion Dr of the rim 10 and the direction of motion Dh of the hub 20 during braking for a comparative example wheel 900. As shown in Figure 11, the direction of motion Dr of the rim 10 and the direction of motion Dh of the hub 20 are in opposite directions. Figure 11 shows an example of a set TSS of wire spokes 30 that are subjected to tensile tension in this case. As shown in Figure 11, this set TSS consists of a first wire spoke 30A of a spoke pair SP and a second wire spoke 30B of a spoke pair SP adjacent to that spoke pair SP. As already explained, in the comparative example wheel 900, the third spoke pair SP3 and the fourth spoke pair SP4 are arranged alternately, so the first wire spoke 30A and the second wire spoke 30B that constitute the set TSS described above are bent at different angles (in the example shown in Figure 11, the former is at the second angle θ2 and the latter at the first angle θ1). As a result, the tension vector acting on the wire spokes 30 is asymmetrical with respect to the widthwise center plane Pr of the rim 10, and a torsional moment is generated between the rotation axis of the rim 10 and the hub 20.

[0068] As shown in Figure 12, in the wheel 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the direction of motion Dr of the rim 10 and the direction of motion Dh of the hub 20 during braking are, of course, opposite to each other. Furthermore, a set TSS of wire spokes 30 that are subjected to tension consists of a first wire spoke 30A of a certain spoke pair SP and a second wire spoke 30B of a spoke pair SP adjacent to that spoke pair SP. As already explained, in the wheel 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first spoke pair 38A and the spoke pair 38B are arranged alternately, so the first wire spoke 30A and the second wire spoke 30B that constitute the set TSS described above are bent at the same angle (in the example shown in Figure 12, both are at the second angle θ2). In other words, the wire spokes 30 that are subjected to tension can be standardized to one type (i.e., either a wire spoke 30 bent at the first angle θ1 or a wire spoke 30 bent at the second angle θ2). As a result, the tension vectors of the wire spokes 30 are symmetrical with respect to the widthwise center plane Pr of the rim 10, so that the components of the tension vectors parallel to the wheel width direction D1 cancel each other out on both sides, and the generation of a torsional moment between the rotation axis of the rim 10 and the hub 20 can be suppressed. Therefore, in a saddle-type vehicle equipped with the wheel 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, straight-line driving performance is improved.

[0069] Note that Figure 1 and other figures illustrate an example where the positions of the rim-side ends 31 of the first wire spoke 30A and the second wire spoke 30B constituting each spoke pair SP (i.e., their positions in the wheel circumferential direction D3) are approximately the same in a plan view, but these positions may be offset from each other.

[0070] The following describes examples of preferred configurations and variations of the wheel 100.

[0071] As already explained, each wire spoke 30 of the wheel 100 is bent at the bend BP. As shown in Figure 13, by positioning the wire spoke 30 so that the area near the bend BP abuts against the edge 19a of the rim hole 19 (the inner edge in the wheel radial direction D2) (i.e., adjusting the position of the bend BP), the torque during fastening by the nipple 50 can be received by the edge 19a of the rim hole 19, thus preventing the wire spoke 30 from rotating. In other words, the edge 19a of the rim hole 19 can function as an anti-rotation device.

[0072] In the configuration illustrated in Figure 1, the axial direction of each of the multiple rim holes 19 is directed toward the central axis CA1 of the axle hole 20b. In other words, as shown in Figure 14, the extension line L1 of the central axis CA2 of each rim hole 19 intersects with the central axis CA1 of the axle hole 20b. When the axial direction of each rim hole 19 is directed toward the central axis CA1 of the axle hole 20b, it is easier to sequentially form the rim holes 19 in the process of forming multiple rim holes 19 in the rim 10 (rim hole formation process), thus simplifying the rim hole formation process.

[0073] The axial direction of each rim hole 19 does not have to be directed towards the central axis CA1 of the axle hole 20b. Figure 15 shows an example of a configuration in which the axial direction of each rim hole 19 is not directed towards the central axis CA1 of the axle hole 20b.

[0074] In the example shown in Figure 15, the central axis CA2 of the rim hole 19 and its extension L1 are not parallel to the wheel center direction D4, but are inclined. Furthermore, the angles θ1 and θ2 that the central axis CA2 of the rim hole 19 and the second portion P2 of the wire spoke 30 make with the wheel center direction D4 in a plan view from the wheel width direction D1 are approximately the same. This makes it possible to make each of the multiple wire spokes 30 appear to be in a straight line in a plan view from the wheel width direction D1 (i.e., the bending of the wire spoke 30 at the bend BP is not visible). In this way, by setting the axial direction of each rim hole 19 so that each wire spoke 30 appears to be in a straight line in a plan view, the design can be improved. It can also be improved in terms of ease of assembly.

[0075] In the wheel 100 illustrated in Figure 1, as can be seen from a comparison of the shape of the left hub flange portion 22A (see Figure 1) and the shape of the right hub flange portion 22B (see Figure 2) (pay particular attention to the arrangement of the nipple boss portion 23), the hub 20 has an asymmetric shape with respect to the widthwise center plane Ph of the hub 20 (see Figure 5: of course, this is a hypothetical plane). Thus, the hub 20 may have an asymmetric shape with respect to the widthwise center plane Ph of the hub 20.

[0076] As already described, the wheel 100 has a plurality of nipples 50, each fastening the hub-side end 32 of each wire spoke 30 to the hub 20. Figure 16 shows an example of a preferred configuration of the nipples 50.

[0077] In the example shown in Figure 16, the other end (the end not connected to the head 52) 51a of the shaft portion 51 of the nipple 50 has a tapered shape that decreases in diameter towards the tip. Figure 17 shows an example of the arrangement of wire spokes 30 fastened using nipples 50 with this configuration. Figure 17 shows an example in which wire spokes 30 are arranged so that two nipples 50 are close to each other.

[0078] When wire spokes 30 are arranged so that nipples 50 are close together, there is a concern that the nipples 50 may interfere with each other. If the other end 51a of the shaft portion 51 of each nipple 50 has the tapered shape described above, interference between nipples 50 that are close to each other can be avoided.

[0079] The wheel 100 may have a configuration that can prevent the nipple 50 from falling off. An example of such a wheel 100 will be described with reference to Figures 18 to 21. Figures 18 and 19 are perspective views of the wheel 100 from the right and left, respectively. Figure 20 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 18. Figure 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the wheel 100.

[0080] In the example shown in Figure 18, the wheel 100 further comprises a pair of cover members 60. The pair of cover members 60 are attached to the hub 20. One of the pair of cover members 60, 60A (hereinafter also referred to as the "left cover member"), is attached to the first hub portion (left hub portion) 20p1 of the hub 20, and the other, 60B (hereinafter also referred to as the "right cover member"), is attached to the second hub portion (right hub portion) 20p2 of the hub 20. In the illustrated example, the cover members 60 are attached to the hub 20 by bolts 45. However, the attachment of the cover members 60 to the hub 20 is not limited to fastening with bolts 45.

[0081] In the illustrated example, each cover member 60 is disc-shaped. Each cover member 60 is formed from, for example, a metal material or a resin material.

[0082] The left cover member 60A at least partially covers the heads 52 of some of the nipples 50 (specifically, half of the nipples 50). The right cover member 60B at least partially covers the heads 52 of the remaining nipples 50.

[0083] Thus, if the wheel 100 is equipped with a cover member 60 that is attached to the hub 20 and covers at least partially the head 52 of the nipple 50, it is possible to prevent the nipple 50 from falling off even if the nipple 50 becomes loose. The specific shape of the cover member 60 is not limited to those illustrated in Figure 18, etc., and there are no particular restrictions on the thickness or shape of the cover member 60.

[0084] The cover member 60 and the head 52 of the corresponding nipple 50 may be separated by a predetermined distance, or they may be in contact with each other (i.e., the distance may be zero). Preferably, the distance between the cover member 60 and the head 52 of the nipple 50 is set so that the fitting between the nipple 50 and the wire spoke 30 does not come undone (i.e., the head 52 of the nipple 50 contacts the inner surface of the cover member 60 before the fitting comes undone). This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the nipple 50 from falling off.

[0085] The illustrated right cover member 60B has multiple first openings 61A that overlap with the tool path for tightening the nipple 50 (i.e., located on the right side of the wheel 100), which is prevented from falling off by the right cover member 60B.

[0086] If the cover member 60 (in this case, the right cover member 60B) has such a first opening 61A, the nipple 50 can be tightened without removing the cover member 60.

[0087] In the illustrated example, the right cover member 60B further has multiple second openings 61B that do not overlap with the toolpath for tightening the nipple 50. The second openings 61B contribute to reducing the weight of the wheel 100 (of course, the first opening 61A also contributes to weight reduction).

[0088] Figure 22 is a perspective view showing an enlarged portion of Figure 19. The left cover member 60A shown has multiple slits 62 arranged at equal pitches along the wheel circumferential direction D3, which not only prevent the nipple 50 from falling off but also function as a rotor for detecting wheel speed. The detected wheel speed is used, for example, for controlling the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).

[0089] As shown in Figure 22, the left cover member 60A also functions as a rotor for detecting wheel speed, thereby reducing the number of parts. While this example illustrates a configuration where the left cover member 60A also functions as a rotor for detecting wheel speed, it goes without saying that the right cover member 60B may also be modified to function as a rotor for detecting wheel speed.

[0090] Referring to Figures 23 and 24, other examples of configurations that can prevent the nipple 50 from falling off are shown. Figure 23 is a side view showing the vicinity of the hub 20 of the wheel 100, and Figure 24 is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 23, a perspective view from the direction indicated by arrow A.

[0091] Here, we focus on two nipples 50 that are close to each other among the multiple nipples 50 that the wheel 100 has. In the example shown in Figures 23 and 24, the mounting path of one of the two close nipples 50 (hereinafter referred to as the "first nipple") 50A (the path that the nipple 50 passes through when the nipple 50 is installed) is overlapped by the other nipple (hereinafter referred to as the "second nipple") 50B (please pay attention to the area enclosed by the dotted ellipse in Figure 24). Because the two close nipples 50 are arranged in this way, the first nipple 50A can be prevented from falling off by the second nipple 50B.

[0092] Preferably, the distance between the head 52 of the first nipple 50A and the second nipple 50B is set so that the engagement between the first nipple 50A and the wire spoke 30 does not come undone (i.e., the head 52 of the first nipple 50A contacts the second nipple 50B before the engagement comes undone). This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the first nipple 50A from falling off.

[0093] Furthermore, in order to prevent the second nipple 50B from falling off, a cover member may be provided that at least partially covers the head 52 of the second nipple 50B.

[0094] Figures 25 and 26 show examples of preferred configurations of the hub 20. Figure 25 is a side view showing the vicinity of the hub 20 of the wheel 100, and Figure 26 is a perspective view showing an enlarged portion of Figure 25.

[0095] In the examples shown in Figures 25 and 26, each of the multiple disc boss portions 24' of the hub 20 is integrated with some of the nipple boss portions 23A of the multiple nipple boss portions 23. By integrating each disc boss portion 24' with some of the nipple boss portions 23A in this way, the weight of the hub 20 can be reduced.

[0096] [Saddle-type vehicle] Figure 27 shows an example of a saddle-type vehicle equipped with wheels according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 27 illustrates a motocrosser, an off-road type motorcycle 200, as an example of a saddle-type vehicle. However, the saddle-type vehicle is not limited to the off-road type motorcycle 200. A saddle-type vehicle is a vehicle on which a rider straddles and rides. The saddle-type vehicle may be other types of motorcycles such as on-road type, scooter type, or moped type, or it may be a vehicle other than a motorcycle, such as a three-wheeled vehicle.

[0097] As shown in Figure 27, the motorcycle 200 comprises a body frame 70, an engine 80 supported by the body frame 2, a seat 90 supported by the body frame 70, a front wheel 91, and a rear wheel 92. The body frame 70 has a head pipe 71 and a main frame 72 extending rearward from the head pipe 71.

[0098] The engine 80 is supported by the main frame 72. The steering shaft 73 is supported by the head pipe 71 so as to be rotatable from side to side. The handlebars 74 are fixed to the upper part of the steering shaft 73. The front fork 75 is provided at the lower part of the steering shaft 73. The front wheel 91 is rotatably supported by the front fork 75.

[0099] The main frame 72 is provided with a pivot shaft 76. The front end of the rear arm 77 is pivotably connected to the pivot shaft 76. The rear wheel 92 is supported by the rear end of the rear arm 77. The rear wheel 92 and the engine 80 are connected by a chain 78, which is an example of a power transmission member.

[0100] The engine 80 includes a crankcase 81, a cylinder body 82 connected to the crankcase 81, a cylinder head 83 connected to the cylinder body 82, and a cylinder head cover 84 connected to the cylinder head 83. An intake pipe 85 and an exhaust pipe 60 are connected to the cylinder head 83.

[0101] The wheel 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be suitably used, for example, as the front wheel 91 of a motorcycle 200, and can improve the straight-line driving performance of the motorcycle 200.

[0102] As described above, the wire spoke wheel 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an annular rim 10, a hub 20 having an axle hole 20b through which an axle is inserted, and a plurality of wire spokes 30 connecting the rim 10 and the hub 20, each of which has a first end 31 connected to the rim 10 and a second end 32 connected to the hub 20. The rim 10 includes a first flange portion 11A located at one end in the wheel width direction D1 and a second flange portion 11B located at the other end in the wheel width direction D1. The hub 20 includes a first hub portion 20p1 located to the one side of the center in the wheel width direction D1 and a second hub portion 20p2 located to the other side of the center in the wheel width direction D1. The plurality of wire spokes 30 include a plurality of spoke pairs SP, each consisting of a first wire spoke 30A connecting the first flange portion 11A and the second hub portion 20p2, and a second wire spoke 30B connecting the second flange portion 11B and the first hub portion 20p1. Each of the plurality of wire spokes 30 is bent at either a first angle θ1 or a second angle θ2 different from the first angle θ1. Spoke pairs SP1, consisting of a first wire spoke 30A_θ1 bent at the first angle θ1 and a second wire spoke 30B_θ2 bent at the second angle θ2, and spoke pairs SP2, consisting of a first wire spoke 30A_θ2 bent at the second angle θ2 and a second wire spoke 30B bent at the first angle θ1, are alternately arranged along the wheel circumferential direction D3.

[0103] The wire spoke wheel 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which a plurality of wire spokes 30 include a plurality of spoke pairs SP, each consisting of a first wire spoke 30A connecting a first flange portion (e.g., left flange portion) 11A of the rim 10 and a second hub portion (e.g., right hub portion) 20p2 of the hub 20, and a second wire spoke 30B connecting a second flange portion (e.g., right flange portion) 11B of the rim 10 and a first hub portion (e.g., left hub portion) 20p1 of the hub 20. Because the wire spoke wheel 100 has such a structure (referred to as a "cross structure"), the wire spokes 30 can be made longer compared to when a cross structure is not adopted, so the amount of energy absorbed by the wire spokes 30 increases and the shock absorption performance is improved.

[0104] Furthermore, in the wire spoke wheel 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, each wire spoke 30 is bent at either a first angle θ1 or a second angle θ2 that is different from the first angle θ1. In other words, two types of wire spokes 30 with different bending angles are mixed together. This makes it easy to avoid interference between wire spokes 30 when a cross structure is adopted.

[0105] Furthermore, in the wire spoke wheel 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a spoke pair SP1 consisting of a first wire spoke 30A_θ1 bent at a first angle θ1 and a second wire spoke 30B_θ2 bent at a second angle θ2, and a spoke pair SP2 consisting of a first wire spoke 30A_θ2 bent at a second angle θ2 and a second wire spoke 30B_θ1 bent at a first angle θ1 are alternately arranged along the wheel circumferential direction D3. This allows the wire spokes 30 that receive tension to be unified to one type (i.e., either a wire spoke 30 bent at a first angle θ1 or a wire spoke 30 bent at a second angle θ2) when the rim 10 and the hub 20 move relative to each other in opposite directions due to braking or the like. As a result, the tension vectors received by the wire spokes 30 are symmetrical with respect to the widthwise center plane Pr of the rim 10, thus suppressing the generation of a torsional moment between the rotation axes of the rim 10 and the hub 20. Therefore, in a saddle-type vehicle equipped with wire spoke wheels 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, straight-line driving performance is improved.

[0106] In one embodiment, the rim 10 has a plurality of rim holes 19 through which each of the plurality of wire spokes 30 is inserted, and the plurality of rim holes 19 include a first rim hole 19A formed in the first flange portion 11A through which the first wire spoke 30A is inserted, and a second rim hole 19B formed in the second flange portion 11B through which the second wire spoke 30B is inserted, and the first rim hole 19A and the second rim hole 19B have a shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the widthwise center plane Pr of the rim 10.

[0107] The rim 10 may have a plurality of rim holes 19, including a first rim hole 19A formed in the first flange portion 11A through which a first wire spoke 30A is inserted, and a second rim hole 19B formed in the second flange portion 11B through which a second wire spoke 30B is inserted. The first rim hole 19A and the second rim hole 19B may have shapes that are substantially symmetrical with respect to the widthwise center plane Pr of the rim 10.

[0108] In one embodiment, the axial direction of each of the plurality of rim holes 19 is directed toward the central axis CA1 of the axle hole 20b.

[0109] If the axial direction of each rim hole 19 is aligned with the central axis CA1 of the axle hole 20b, the process of forming multiple rim holes 19 in the rim 10 can be simplified.

[0110] In one embodiment, the axial direction of each of the plurality of rim holes 19 is set such that, in a plan view from the wheel width direction D1, each of the plurality of wire spokes 30 appears to be in a straight line.

[0111] If the axial direction of each rim hole 19 is set so that each wire spoke 30 appears to be in a straight line when viewed from the wheel width direction D1, the aesthetic appearance can be improved. Furthermore, the ease of assembly can also be improved.

[0112] In one embodiment, the hub 20 has a shape that is asymmetrical with respect to the widthwise center plane Ph of the hub 20.

[0113] The hub 20 may have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the widthwise center plane Ph of the hub 20.

[0114] In one embodiment, the wire spoke wheel 100 further comprises a plurality of nipples 50, each fastening the second end 32 of each of the plurality of wire spokes 30 to the hub 20, and each of the plurality of nipples 50 has a cylindrical shaft portion 51 and a head portion 52 provided continuous with one end of the shaft portion 51.

[0115] The wire spoke wheel 100 may further comprise a plurality of nipples 50, each fastening the second end 32 of each wire spoke 30 to the hub 20. Each nipple 50 may have a cylindrical shaft portion 51 and a head portion 52 provided continuous with one end of the shaft portion 51.

[0116] In one embodiment, the wire spoke wheel 100 further comprises a cover member 60 attached to the hub 20, which at least partially covers the heads 52 of at least some of the nipples 50 among the plurality of nipples 50.

[0117] If the wire spoke wheel 100 is equipped with a cover member 60 that is attached to the hub 20 and covers at least partially the head 52 of the nipple 50, it is possible to prevent the nipple 50 from falling off even if the nipple 50 becomes loose.

[0118] In one embodiment, the wire spoke wheel 100, and the cover member 60, also serve as a rotor for detecting wheel speed.

[0119] When a rotor for detecting wheel speed for ABS control is attached to the hub 20, the cover member 60 also serves as the rotor for detecting wheel speed, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0120] In one embodiment, the plurality of nipples 50 include two nipples 50 that are close to each other, such that the mounting path of one nipple 50A is overlapped by the other nipple 50B.

[0121] The multiple nipples 50 may include two nipples 50 that are close to each other, such that the mounting path of one nipple (hereinafter referred to as the "first nipple") 50A is overlapped by the other nipple (hereinafter referred to as the "second nipple") 50B. By arranging the two close-to-each-other nipples 50 in this manner, the first nipple 50A can be prevented from falling off by the second nipple 50B.

[0122] In one embodiment, the hub 20 includes a plurality of disc boss portions 24' for mounting brake discs and a plurality of nipple boss portions 23 for mounting the plurality of nipples 50, wherein each of the plurality of disc boss portions 24' is integrated with a portion of the nipple boss portions 23A of the plurality of nipple boss portions 23.

[0123] The hub 20 may include a plurality of disc boss portions 24' for mounting brake discs and a plurality of nipple boss portions 23 for mounting a plurality of nipples 50. In that case, if each disc boss portion 24' is integrated with some of the nipple boss portions 23A among the plurality of nipple boss portions 23, the weight of the hub 20 can be reduced.

[0124] A saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a front wheel 91 and a rear wheel 92, wherein the front wheel 91 includes a wire spoke wheel 100 having any of the above-described configurations.

[0125] The saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a front wheel 91 and a rear wheel 92, and the front wheel 91 includes a wire spoke wheel 100 having any of the above-described configurations. Therefore, straight-line driving performance is improved. [Industrial applicability]

[0126] According to embodiments of the present invention, in a wire spoke wheel having a cross structure, it is possible to suppress the imbalance of tension experienced by the wire spokes during braking and other operations. The wire spoke wheel according to embodiments of the present invention can be suitably used in various saddle-type vehicles, including motorcycles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 10: Rim, 11: Flange section, 11A: First flange section (left flange section), 11B: Second flange section (right flange section), 12: Well section, 13: Bead seat section, 19: Rim hole, 19A: First rim hole (left rim hole), 19B: Second rim hole (right rim hole), 19a: Rim hole edge, 20: Hub, 20a: Hub through hole, 20b: Axle hole, 20p1: First hub section (left hub section), 20p2: Second hub section (right hub) 1: Hub section, 21: Inner cylinder section, 22: Hub flange section, 22A: Left hub flange section, 22B: Right hub flange section, 23·23A: Nipple boss section, 23a: Nipple hole, 24·24': Disc boss section, 30: Wire spoke, 30A: First wire spoke, 30B: Second wire spoke, 31: First end of wire spoke (rim side end), 31h: Spoke head, 32: Second end of wire spoke (hub) Side end), 32s: Male threaded part, 41: Collar member, 42A / 42B: Bearing, 43A / 43B: Seal member, 45: Bolt, 50: Nipple, 50A: First nipple, 50B: Second nipple, 51: Shaft part, 51s: Female threaded part, 52: Head, 60: Cover member, 60A: Left cover member, 60B: Right cover member, 61A: First opening, 61B: Second opening, 62: Slit, 91: Front wheel, 92: Rear wheel ,100: wire spoke wheel, 200: motorcycle, BP: bend in wire spoke, P1: first part of wire spoke, P2: second part of wire spoke, SP: spoke pair, SP1: first spoke pair, SP2: second spoke pair, CA1: central axis of axle hole, CA2: central axis of rim hole, L1: extension of central axis of rim hole, Pr: widthwise center plane of rim, Ph: widthwise center plane of hub

Claims

1. Annular rim, A hub having an axle hole through which an axle is inserted, A plurality of wire spokes connecting the rim and the hub, each including a first end connected to the rim and a second end connected to the hub, A wire spoke wheel equipped with, The rim includes a first flange portion located at one end in the wheel width direction and a second flange portion located at the other end in the wheel width direction. The hub includes a first hub portion located on one side of the center in the wheel width direction, and a second hub portion located on the other side of the center in the wheel width direction. The plurality of wire spokes include a plurality of spoke pairs, each consisting of a first wire spoke connecting the first flange portion and the second hub portion, and a second wire spoke connecting the second flange portion and the first hub portion. Each of the plurality of wire spokes is bent at either a first angle θ1 or a second angle θ2 that is different from the first angle θ1. A wire spoke wheel in which spoke pairs, each consisting of a first wire spoke bent at a first angle θ1 and a second wire spoke bent at a second angle θ2, and each consisting of a first wire spoke bent at a second angle θ2 and a second wire spoke bent at a first angle θ1, are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the wheel.

2. Each of the rims has a plurality of rim holes through which each of the plurality of wire spokes is inserted. The plurality of rim holes include a first rim hole formed in the first flange portion through which the first wire spoke is inserted, and a second rim hole formed in the second flange portion through which the second wire spoke is inserted. The wire spoke wheel according to claim 1, wherein the first rim hole and the second rim hole have substantially symmetrical shapes with respect to the widthwise center plane of the rim.

3. The wire spoke wheel according to claim 2, wherein the axial direction of each of the plurality of rim holes is directed toward the central axis of the axle hole.

4. The wire spoke wheel according to claim 2, wherein the axial direction of each of the plurality of rim holes is set such that each of the plurality of wire spokes appears to be in a straight line when viewed in a plan view from the wheel width direction.

5. The wire spoke wheel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hub has an asymmetric shape with respect to the widthwise center plane of the hub.

6. Each further comprises a plurality of nipples that fasten the second end of each of the plurality of wire spokes to the hub, Each of the aforementioned multiple nipples is A cylindrical shaft, A head portion is provided so as to be continuous with one end of the shaft portion, A wire spoke wheel according to claim 1 or 2, having the following features.

7. The wire spoke wheel according to claim 6, further comprising a cover member attached to the hub and at least partially covering the heads of at least some of the plurality of nipples.

8. The wire spoke wheel according to claim 7, wherein the cover member also serves as a rotor for detecting wheel speed.

9. The wire spoke wheel according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of nipples include two nipples that are close to each other, and the mounting path of one nipple overlaps that of the other nipple.

10. The aforementioned hub is Multiple disc boss sections for mounting the brake disc, Multiple nipple boss portions for attaching the aforementioned multiple nipples, Includes, The wire spoke wheel according to claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of disc boss portions is integrated with some of the nipple boss portions among the plurality of nipple boss portions.

11. Front wheel and, The rear wheel and Equipped with, The front wheel includes a wire spoke wheel as described in claim 1 or 2, in a saddle-type vehicle.

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