JPH0731403U - Bicycle wheel rims - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] In order to improve the basic performance as a wheel, the cross-sectional structure of the rim itself and the spoke connection structure have been improved to secure the assembling rigidity as a wheel, and to improve running stability and braking performance. The purpose is to improve and reduce the weight. [Structure] By providing an intermediate rim (intermediate beam structure) 6 between the upper rim 1 and the outer rim 2, the rigidity of the entire rim is improved from the cross-sectional shape, and the ends of the spokes 3 are attached to the intermediate rim 6 by the spokes 3. The tension of the spokes 3 is adjustably coupled by the nipple 4, so that the tension of the spokes 3 is reliably held by the rigidity of the mid-beam structure of the middle rim 6.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

 The present invention relates to a wheel rim for a bicycle for competitions, etc., and particularly to a technique for improving the basic performance of a wheel.

[0002]

[Prior art]

 BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, as a bicycle for competition, one using a wheel prim formed by molding a fiber reinforced resin is known. Such a wheel prim is a rim configured to bring out an aero effect, and as shown in FIG. 3, conventionally, an upper rim 1 for holding a tire (not shown) and an outer rim 2 for reducing an air resistance to obtain an aero effect. Composed of and.

The upper rim 1 is composed of an annular hollow body. The outer rim 2 is formed in a substantially V-shaped cross section by extending from both end surfaces of the upper rim 1 toward the wheel center and connecting with each other. To the inner circumference of the outer rim 2, the ends of the spokes 3 extending from the hub of the rotating portion at the center of the wheel (not shown) are connected so that the tension of the spokes 3 can be adjusted. A large number of spokes 3 are stretched over. In this case, the nipple 4 is penetratingly attached to the inner peripheral portion of the outer rim 2, and the male screw portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the spoke 3 is fitted to the screw portion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the nipple 4. Together, the ends of the spokes 3 are joined to the inner peripheral portion of the outer rim 2 via the nips 4.

The upper rim 1 and the outer rim 2 are respectively formed by molding a fiber reinforced resin in which a resin such as an epoxy resin is reinforced with a fiber such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber or metal fiber.

[0005]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 In the meantime, in order to secure the assembling rigidity (longitudinal, lateral) of the wheel in such a d'prim, the tension of the spokes 3 is usually increased. However, when the tension of the spokes 3 is increased in the conventional d'prim, a tensile force in the wheel center direction is applied to the side surface portion of the outer rim 2 as shown by the arrow a in FIG. As described above, the outer rim side portion is deformed toward the center of the wheel. Such deformation of the outer rim side portion results in a decrease in the tension of the spokes 3, and does not meet the purpose of increasing the tension of the spokes 3, which is an initial purpose, and secures the assembling rigidity as a vehicle wheel. Can not.

Further, since reinforcement of the rim cross section in the lateral direction is performed only by the inner peripheral portion b of the upper rim 1, when the caliper brake is applied, as shown by an arrow c in FIG. A large compressive force is applied to the portion, and as a result, a bending force is applied to the upper rim side portion, causing distortion. This distortion prevents the surface pressure of the contact surface between the upper rim side portion and the brake rubber 5 of the caliper brake from being secured, and the surface pressure is not stabilized. Therefore, the braking force of the brakes may vary due to various running conditions of the bicycle (road changes such as flatness, climbing and descending, and weather changes such as fine weather and rain), which may hinder safe driving. At the same time, the competitiveness of the motorcycle for competition will decrease, which is not good.

In view of the above conventional problems, the present invention improves the basic performance as a wheel by improving the cross-sectional structure of the rim itself and the connection structure of the spokes so that the wheel is assembled as a wheel. The purpose is to ensure rigidity, improve running stability, braking performance, and reduce weight.

[0008]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 For this reason, the present invention is composed of an annular hollow body, and an upper rim that holds a tire and an annular cross section that extends from both end surfaces of the upper rim toward the wheel center and connects with each other. A substantially V-shaped outer rim, and an inner rim formed by at least an annular plate portion that extends between the inner surfaces of the outer rim and the inner surfaces of the outer rim that face each other and extends parallel to the wheel center axis. The ends of the spokes that penetrate the outer rim are connected to the plate portion of the middle rim so that the tension of the spokes can be adjusted.

In addition, the inner rim includes an inner peripheral wall portion formed of the plate portion, an outer peripheral surface of both end portions of the outer rim extending from both end portions of the inner peripheral wall portion toward the upper rim, and both end surfaces of the upper rim. It was formed of an annular member having a substantially U-shaped cross section composed of an end wall portion composed of a pair of plate portions sandwiched and fixed.

[0010]

[Action]

 In this configuration, the middle rim (middle beam structure) is provided between the upper rim and the outer rim. As a result, the rigidity of the entire rim is improved due to the cross-sectional shape, and the end of the spoke is adjusted to the middle rim to adjust the spoke tension. As a result of the possible connection, the spoke tension is securely maintained by the rigidity of the mid-beam structure of the middle rim.

[0011]

【Example】

 Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a wheel d'prime includes an upper rim 1 similar to a conventional one for holding a tire, an outer rim 2 similar to a conventional one for reducing an air resistance to obtain an aerodynamic effect, and a new middle rim. 6 and 6.

The upper rim 1 is composed of an annular hollow body. The outer rim 2 is formed in a generally V-shaped cross section by extending from both end faces of the upper rim 1 toward the center of the wheel 8 and connecting to each other. Further, the inner rim 6 includes an inner peripheral wall portion 6A composed of an annular plate portion that extends between the inner surfaces of both sides of the outer rim 2 facing each other and extends parallel to the central axis of the wheel 8 and is connected to the inner peripheral wall portion 6A. A pair of end wall portions 6B extending from both ends of the portion 6A toward the upper rim 1 and sandwiched and fixed between outer surfaces of both end portions of the outer rim 2 and both end surfaces of the upper rim 1; It is formed by an annular member having a substantially U-shaped cross section (arch type).

A foam 9 made of polyurethane or the like is enclosed in the hollow portion of the upper rim 1, and the outer peripheral surface of the upper rim 1 is provided with a tire mounting portion 1A having an arc-shaped cross section. A spoke insertion hole 1B is provided to penetrate between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface. Here, the end portions of the spokes 3 that penetrate the through holes 2A of the outer rim 2 are coupled to the inner peripheral wall portion 6A of the middle rim 6 so that the tension of the spokes 3 can be adjusted, and the hub 7 A large number of spokes 3 are stretched between the inner rim 6 and the inner rim 6. In this case, the nipple 4 is disposed on the surface of the inner rim 6 on the side of the upper rim 1 of the inner peripheral wall 6A, and the inner peripheral surface of the nipple 4 is formed so that the threaded portion and the outer peripheral surface of the end of the spoke 3 are formed. A male screw portion formed on the inner peripheral wall portion 6A of the middle rim 6 is connected to the end portion of the spoke 3 through the nipple 4. Then, the tension of the spoke 3 is adjusted to a predetermined value (for example, 100 kg) by adjusting the tightening amount of the nipple 4.

The upper rim 1, the outer rim 2, and the middle rim 6 are each made of a fiber-reinforced resin obtained by reinforcing a resin such as an epoxy resin with a fiber such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber or metal fiber. Is processed. The inner rim 6 itself becomes an important part for securing the rigidity of the wheel 8 by receiving the tension of the spokes 3, and is thicker than the upper rim 1 for receiving the tire and the outer rim 2 for reducing the air resistance. is doing. Further, the inner surface of the inner peripheral wall portion 6A of the middle rim 6 is formed in a gentle convex R shape so that the spokes 3 and the nipple 4 mounting portion of the middle rim 6 intersect perpendicularly, and in order to prevent stress concentration. The connecting portion between the inner peripheral wall portion 6A of the middle rim 6 and each of the pair of end wall portions 6B is provided with an appropriate R shape and thickness.

According to the data prim of such a configuration, as a result of providing the arch-shaped middle rim (center beam structure) 6 between the upper rim 1 and the outer rim 2, the rigidity of the rim as a whole is improved from the sectional shape, and As a result of connecting the ends of the spokes 3 to the holes 6 so that the tension of the spokes 3 can be adjusted, the tension of the spokes 3 is reliably held by the rigidity of the mid-beam structure of the middle rim 6. That is, even if the tension of the spokes 3 is increased, the tensile force toward the center of the wheel 8 is not applied to the side surface portion of the outer rim 2 and the outer rim side portion can be suppressed from being deformed toward the center of the wheel 8. it can. Therefore, the tension of the spokes 3 is kept large, the initial purpose of increasing the tension of the spokes 3 can be achieved, and the assembling rigidity of the wheel 8 can be secured.

Further, since the inner peripheral portion of the upper rim 1 and the inner peripheral wall portion 6A and the end wall portion 6B of the upper rim 1 bear the lateral reinforcement of the rim cross section, when the caliper brake is applied, the entire rim is Even if a large compressive force is applied to the upper rim side of the cross section, the distortion of the upper rim side is suppressed as much as possible, and the contact pressure between the upper rim side and the brake rubber 5 of the caliper brake can be secured. Also, the surface pressure is stabilized. Therefore, the braking force of the brake becomes constant under various traveling conditions of the bicycle, which is effective for safe traveling.

As described above, the assembling rigidity of the wheel 8 can be secured, and the reinforcement of the rim cross section in the lateral direction can be perfectly ensured. As a result, the outer rim 2 is formed thinner than the conventional product. It is possible to reduce the total weight of the rim (about 10% lighter than the conventional product). Further, in the conventional structure, since the end portion of the nipple 4 is located so as to project from the inner peripheral portion of the outer rim 2, there is air resistance in this portion, but according to the structure of the present invention, the outer rim 2 is Since the end portion of the nipple 4 does not project and is located on the inner peripheral portion of the, the air resistance in this portion can be reduced, and the aerodynamic effect is higher.

In the above embodiment, the upper rim 1, the outer rim 2, and the middle rim 6 are molded by fiber reinforced resin, but the invention is not limited to this and may be molded by a light alloy or the like. Further, in particular, the middle rim 6 can also be formed by a composite material that is compounded with a thin plate such as a light alloy or titanium, an extruded product of a light alloy, a roll formed product of titanium, or the like. As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a person skilled in the art can register the utility model attached to the present invention. It should be noted that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0019]

As described above, according to the present invention, as a result of providing the middle rim (the middle beam structure) between the upper rim and the outer rim, the rigidity of the whole rim is improved due to the cross-sectional shape, and the middle rim is improved. As a result of adjusting the spoke tension by adjusting the spoke tension, the rigidity of the center beam structure of the middle rim ensures that the spoke tension is maintained and the brakes can be braked under various riding conditions. The braking force of the rim is constant, which is effective for safe driving, and the weight of the entire rim can be reduced.In addition, the structure in which the joints at the end of the spoke do not project on the inner circumference of the outer rim Therefore, the air resistance in this portion can be reduced, and the practical effect is great, with the advantage that the aerodynamic effect is higher.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of a bicycle wheel rim according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a wheel adopting the rim of the above-mentioned embodiment, (A) is a front view and (B) is a side view.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a conventional bicycle wheel rim.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Upper rim 2 Outer rim 3 Spoke 4 Nipple 6 Middle rim 6A Inner peripheral wall 6B End wall 7 Hub 8 Wheel 9 Foam

Claims (2)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. An upper rim for holding a tire and an upper rim for holding a tire, each of which has a substantially V-shaped cross section and extends from both end faces of the upper rim toward the wheel center to be connected to each other. An outer rim, and an inner rim formed by at least an annular plate portion that extends between the inner surfaces of the outer rim and the inner surfaces of the outer rim, which are opposed to each other, and extends parallel to the wheel center axis. A rim for a bicycle wheel, characterized in that the plate has a spoke end portion penetrating the outer rim so that the tension of the spoke can be adjusted. 2. The inner rim includes an inner peripheral wall portion formed of the plate portion, an outer surface of both end portions of the outer rim extending from both end portions of the inner peripheral wall portion toward the upper rim, and both end surfaces of the upper rim. The bicycle wheel rim according to claim 1, wherein the bicycle wheel rim is formed of an annular member having a substantially U-shaped cross section, the annular member having a pair of plate portions sandwiched and fixed therebetween.