A bicycle rim

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bicycle rim made of carbon-fiber material in order to carry the bicycle wheel thereon. The improvement of the present invention is that the subject matter bicycle rim comprises at least one body (10) which has a predetermined inner diameter (D1) and outer diameter (D2), and an inner space (11) at the side of said body (10) which faces inwardly, at least one sidewall (15) positioned mutually at the side of said body (10) which faces the wheel, at least one base (17) at the side of the body (10) which faces the wheel center, at least one lateral wall (12) formed at the mutual sides of said base (17) in a manner having less wall thickness when compared with the base (17) and formed in an at least partially inclined manner, at least one curved wall (16) inclined towards the inner space for increasing the amount of air, that can exist in the wheel, between the lateral walls (12).

Description

[0001] A BICYCLE RIM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a bicycle rim made of carbon-fiber material in order to carry the bicycle wheel thereon.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] A bicycle rim is one of the basic components of a bicycle wheel and it is a circular frame essentially made of metal or composite materials. Rim holds the tire and the inner tire of the bicycle and has been designed to provide movement of the bicycle. The design of the rim can change in accordance with the usage purpose of the bicycle; for instance, while road bicycles use light and rapid rims, mountain bicycles can use more robust and resistant rims.

[0006] The application with no TW201022055 known in the literature relates to a rim for a racing bicycle. This document particularly relates to a racing bicycle rim which particularly increase pressure resistance and which can decrease the wind resistance and which can reach lightness. In the art, it is known that most of racing bicycle rims are made of carbon fiber or aluminum alloy. Even though the pressure resistance and weight of the traditional materials are improved, the orthogonal height of the bicycle rim must meet specific values in order to decrease air disturbance. In order for the flow to reach the expected speed, the weight of the rim will also increase as the orthogonal height of the rim increases. Therefore, the balance of the rim weight must be adjusted by means of the orthogonal height of the rim.

[0007] Aerodynamic errors which are made in the design of bicycle rims can directly affect riding performance. For instance, arrangement of rim spokes with wrong numbers or with wrong angles can lead to deterioration of air flow, and as a result, this can lead to increase of the wind resistance. This situation leads to more energy consumption by the rider particularly in windy weathers. Moreover, even though straight rim spokes provide aerodynamic advantages, faulty usage of these spokes can lead to undesired turbulences and deterioration of air flow, thus, the general aerodynamic efficiency of the bicycle decreases.

[0008] Rim width is also an important design factor. Very wide rims provide a bigger surface area and lead to a bigger resistance against wind. This affects the speed and energy efficiency of the bicycle in an unfavorable manner particularly at high speeds. Usage of wrong materials, particularly the faults made in the lightness and hardness of the rim can lead to nonprotection of the aerodynamic form of the rim and therefore these can affect the air flow in an unfavorable manner. This further leads to reduction of the general aerodynamic performance of the bicycle.

[0009] As a result, because of the abovementioned problems, an improvement is required in the related technical field.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates to a bicycle rim, for eliminating the abovementioned disadvantages and for bringing new advantages to the related technical field.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle rim whose aerodynamic characteristics are improved and which is reduced in weight.

[0013] In order to realize the abovementioned objects and the objects which are to be deducted from the detailed description below, the present invention is a bicycle rim made of carbon- fiber material in order to carry the bicycle wheel thereon. Accordingly, the improvement thereof is that the subject matter bicycle rim comprises at least one body which has a predetermined inner diameter and outer diameter, and an inner space at the side of said body which faces inwardly, and at least one sidewall positioned mutually at the side of said body which faces the wheel, at least one base at the side of the body which faces the wheel center, and at least one lateral wall formed at the mutual sides of said base in a manner having less wall thickness when compared with the base and formed in an at least partially inclined manner, at least one curved wall inclined towards the inner space for increasing the amount of air, that can exist in the wheel, between the lateral walls.

[0014] In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the inner diameter thereof is between 557.05 and 556.9 mm, preferably 557 mm. Thus, the rim provides optimum lightness and resistance balance and provides a steady riding experience even at high speeds.

[0015] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the outer diameter thereof is particularly between 633.05 and 632.95 mm, preferably 633 mm. Thus, compliancy is provided to wider tire options and superior performance and comfort are provided in various road conditions. In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the wall thickness of the lateral walls is 1 mm. Thus, the rim provides sufficient resistance while the rim is light, thus, the rim provides sufficient support at high speeds and sharp turning movements.

[0016] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the wall thickness of the base part is between 3.6 mm and 3.4 mm, preferably 3.5 mm. Thus, the base of the rim can resist higher loads and impact absorption is increased and a more comfortable riding is provided.

[0017] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, R1 radius at the base part is preferably 6.5 mm. Thus, a smoother passage is provided and the inner air pressure is distributed in a balanced manner, and a better air sealing is provided between the tire and the rim.

[0018] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, R2 radius at the base part is preferably 8 mm. Thus, the lateral walls provide a better structural support, and the lateral walls form a more resistant structure against impacts.

[0019] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, R3 radius of the outer surface is 46.35 mm, and R4 radius of the inner surface is 45.35 mm. Thus, optimum R3 and R4 radiuses are obtained.

[0020] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, R5 radius between the lateral walls and the curved wall is preferably 2.46 mm. Thus, a more aerodynamic passage is provided and the turbulence in the air flow is decreased and the wind resistance is decreased.

[0021] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the height of the sidewalls is between 5.5 mm and 5.49 mm, preferably 5.5 mm. Thus, the tires are seated onto the rim in a more robust manner and the risk of sliding at high speeds or sharp maneuvers is reduced.

[0022] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the extension radius at the end part of the sidewalls is preferably 8 mm. Thus, the tire grabs the rim in a tighter manner, and better air sealing characteristics are provided, and energy efficiency is increased.

[0023] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, R7 radius that exists at the combination point of the sidewalls with the body is preferably 1.5 mm. Thus, a firmer engagement is provided between the body and the sidewall, and the air leakage risk is minimized, and the aerodynamic performance of the rim is increased. In another possible embodiment of the present invention, Z1 distance between the outer surfaces of the sidewalls is 25 mm, and the Z2 distance between the inner surfaces of the sidewalls is 21 .4 mm. Thus, optimum sidewall size is obtained.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] In Figure 1 , a representative perspective view of the subject matter bicycle rim is given.

[0026] In Figure 2, a representative lateral view of the subject matter bicycle rim is given.

[0027] In Figure 3, a representative cross-sectional view of the subject matter bicycle rim is given.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] In this detailed description, the subject matter is explained with references to examples without forming any restrictive effect only in order to make the subject more understandable.

[0030] In Figure 1 , a representative perspective view of the subject matter bicycle rim (1) is given. Accordingly, the subject matter bicycle rim (1) is a circular frame essentially made of metal or composite material and which connects the outer tire and the hub that exists at the center of the bicycle wheel. The bicycle rim (1) holds the tire and the inner tire of the bicycle and provides the bicycle to move on the road in a stable and effective manner. The bicycle rim (1) is supported by spokes which provide the structural integrity of the wheel and which are generally arranged in a radial manner. The design of the rim can differ in accordance with the usage purpose of the bicycle and has a big effect on the performance of the bicycle. The bicycle rim (1) is made of carbon-fiber material. Since this bicycle rim (1) is made of carbon- fiber material, this provides both lightness and resistance.

[0031] In Figure 2, a representative lateral view of the subject matter bicycle rim (1) is given. Accordingly, the bicycle rim (1) has an inner diameter (D1) and an outer diameter (D2). In a possible embodiment of the invention, the bicycle rim (1) has an inner diameter (D1) between 557.05 and 556.9 mm and particularly 557 mm. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the bicycle rim (1) has an outer diameter (D2) between 633.05 mm and 632.95 mm and particularly 633 mm. The bicycle rim (1) comprises a body (10) and there is an inner space (11 ) at the side of the body (10) facing inwardly, and it comprises at least one sidewall (15) at the side thereof facing the wheel. Said inner space (11) is a volume cutout provided for lightening the bicycle rim (1). There are two sidewalls (15) essentially positioned mutually at the side of the body (10) which faces the wheel. Thus, the wheel can be fixed in an air-proof manner on the body (10). There is at least one base (17) at the side of the body (10) which faces the wheel center and there is at least one lateral wall (12) at the mutual sides of said base (17). Said base (17) is formed so as to have more wall thickness when compared with the lateral walls (12).

[0032] In Figure 3, a representative cross-sectional view of the subject matter bicycle rim (1) is given. Accordingly, the wall thickness of the lateral walls (12) on the bicycle rim (1) is preferably 1 mm. The wall thickness of the base is T1 ; T1 is between 3.6 and 3.4 mm and particularly 3.5 mm. There is at least one R1 radius at the combination point with the lateral wall (12) at a side of the base (17). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, R1 (R1) dimension is 6.5 mm. There is at least one R2 radius at the combination point with the lateral wall (12) at another side of the base (17). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, R2 (R2) dimension is 8 mm. There is at least one outer surface (13) at the side of the lateral walls (12) which faces outwardly, and there is at least one inner surface (14) at the side of the lateral walls (12) which faces inwardly. As the lateral wall (12) extends outwardly from the base (17), it is formed in a manner inclined outwardly at least partially. R3 (R3) radius of the outer surface (13) is 46.35 mm and the R4 (R4) radius of the inner surface (14) is 45.35 mm.

[0033] There is at least one curved wall (16) which extends between the lateral walls (12) on the body (10). Said curved wall (16) is formed in a manner essentially extending inwardly to the inner space (11). By means of this, more air can be compressed in the wheel. There is at least one R5 radius between the lateral walls (12) and the curved wall (16). R5 (R5) is preferably 2.46 mm. The height of the sidewalls (15) with respect to the body (10) is H1 ; H1 is between 5.5 and 5.49 and preferably 5.5 mm. There are extensions (18) in a manner facing each other at the end part of the sidewalls (15). The extension (18) radius R6 (R6) is preferably 8 mm. The distance (Z1) between the outer surfaces (13) of the sidewalls (15) is 25 mm. The distance (Z2) between the inner surfaces (14) of the sidewalls (15) is 21.4 mm. R7 radius that exists at the combination point of the sidewalls (15) with the body (10) is 1.5 mm.

[0034] The characteristics mentioned in the design of the subject matter bicycle rim (1) have been designed particularly for maximizing the aerodynamic performance. Determination of the inner diameter (D1 ) and the outer diameter (D2) of the bicycle rim (1) in a suitable manner and the inclined design of the lateral walls (12) guide the air flow in a more regular manner and decreases wind resistance. This provides more efficient movement of the bicycle during riding at high speeds. Moreover, the sidewall (15) heights and extensions (18) of the bicycle rim (1 ) facilitates seating of the tire to the rim in an air-proof manner. This prevents air leakage and minimizes energy loss. The thicknesses of the base (17) and the lateral walls (12) increase the structural integrity of the bicycle rim (1) and create an aerodynamic effect and guide the air flow in a more efficient manner. Particularly R1 (R1) and R2 (R2) radiuses provide important contributions to the aerodynamic performance of the wheel. Moreover, the curved wall (16) design that exists at the rim body (10) enables increasing of the inner air volume of the wheel and improves the air dynamics of the wheel. Thus, it provides a more rapid riding by means of the low air resistance. Each one of these design elements increases the energy efficiency, and provides an ideal performance for competitions and long distance ridings. The integrated application of these characteristics provides the riders to advance by consuming less effort and in a more rapid manner. Thus, it carries the riding experience to the upper level.

[0035] The protection scope of the present invention is set forth in the annexed claims and cannot be restricted to the illustrative disclosures given above, under the detailed description. It is because a person skilled in the relevant art can obviously produce similar embodiments under the light of the foregoing disclosures, without departing from the main principles of the present invention.

[0036] REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0037] I Bicycle rim

[0038] 10 Body

[0039] II Inner space

[0040] 12 Lateral wall

[0041] 13 Outer surface

[0042] 14 Inner surface

[0043] 15 Sidewall

[0044] 16 Curved wall

[0045] 17 Base

[0046] 18 Extension

[0047] (D1) Inner diameter

[0048] (D2) Outer diameter

[0049] (T1)T1

[0050] (R1) R1

[0051] (R2) R2

[0052] (R3) R3

[0053] (R4) R4

[0054] (R5) R5

[0055] (R6) R6

[0056] (R7) R7

[0057] (H1) H1

[0058] (Z1)Z1

[0059] (Z2) Z2

Claims

CLAIMS1. The present invention is a bicycle rim made of carbon-fiber material in order to carry the bicycle wheel thereon, wherein the subject matter bicycle rim comprises at least one body (10) which has a predetermined inner diameter (D1) and outer diameter (D2), and an inner space (11) at the side of said body (10) which faces inwardly, at least one sidewall (15) positioned mutually at the side of said body (10) which faces the wheel, at least one base (17) at the side of the body (10) which faces the wheel center, and at least one lateral wall (12) formed at the mutual sides of said base (17) in a manner having less wall thickness when compared with the base (17) and formed in an at least partially inclined manner, at least one curved wall (16) inclined towards the inner space for increasing the amount of air, that can exist in the wheel, between the lateral walls (12).

2. The bicycle rim (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the inner diameter (D1) thereof is between 557.05 and 556.9 mm, preferably 557 mm.

3. The bicycle rim (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the outer diameter (D2) thereof is between 633.5 and 632.95 mm, preferably 633 mm.

4. The bicycle rim (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the wall thickness (T1) of the lateral walls is 1 mm.

5. The bicycle rim (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the wall thickness of the base (17) is between 3.6 mm and 3.4 mm, preferably 3.5 mm.

6. The bicycle rim (1) according to claim 1 , wherein R1 radius (R1 ) at the base (17) is preferably 6.5 mm.

7. The bicycle rim (1) according to claim 1 , wherein R2 radius (R2) at the base (17) is preferably 8 mm.

8. The bicycle rim (1) according to claim 1 , wherein R3 radius (R3) of the outer surface (13) is 46.35 mm, and the R4 radius (R4) of the inner surface (14) is 45.35 mm.

9. The bicycle rim (1) according to claim 1 , wherein R5 radius (R5) between the lateral walls (12) and the curved wall (16) is preferably 2.46 mm.

10. The bicycle rim (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the height (H1) of the sidewalls (15) is between 5.5 mm and 5.49 mm, preferably 5.5 mm.

11. The bicycle rim (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the extension radius (R6) at the end part of the sidewalls (15) is preferably 8 mm.

12. The bicycle rim (1) according to claim 1 , wherein R7 radius that exists at the combination point of the sidewalls (15) with the body (10) is preferably 1 .5 mm.

13. The bicycle rim (1) according to claim 1 , wherein Z1 distance between the outer surfaces (13) of the sidewalls (15) is 25 mm, and Z2 distance between the inner surfaces (14) of the sidewalls (15) is 21 .4 mm.

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