WO2022167398A1

WO2022167398A1 - Rim shell and wheel for a load-carrying cycle

Info

Publication number: WO2022167398A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/052286
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Frohnapfel; Andreas Ritz
Original assignee: Edag Werkzeug + Karosserie Gmbh
Priority date: 2021-02-02
Filing date: 2022-02-01
Publication date: 2022-08-11
Also published as: EP4288295A1; DE202021100517U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a rim shell (30; 30A, 30B; 30C; 30D) for a wheel (3; 3A) for a load-carrying cycle (1). The rim shell (30; 30A, 30B) has an outer ring (31), an inner ring (32) which is radially connected to the outer ring (31), and at least two coupling regions (37), each of which is designed to accommodate at least one coupling element (36), the outer ring (31) and the inner ring (32) being designed to interact with a second rim shell (30; 30B, 30A; 30C; 30D) which is positioned adjacent to the rim shell (30; 30B, 30A; 30C; 30D) on the hub (50) of the wheel (3; 3A) in order to grip the two outer rings (31) of the two rim shells (30; 30A, 30B; 30C; 30D) around the rim (20) or as a rim, and in order to grip the two inner rings (32) of the two rim shells (30; 30A, 30B; 30C; 30D) on the hub (50) of the wheel (3; 3A) if the two rim shells (30; 30A, 30B; 30C; 30D) are coupled to one another by the at least two coupling elements (36).

Description

RIM SHELL AND WHEEL FOR A CARGO BIKE

description

The present invention relates to a rim shell and a wheel for a cargo bike. In particular, the present invention relates to a rim shell and a wheel that can be used in an at least partially electrically driven cargo bike.

Bicycles without an auxiliary electric motor are widely used as a means of transport in everyday life or as sports equipment. Depending on requirements, bicycles are also used to transport loads. In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for bicycles with an auxiliary electric motor. This is helpful in order to compensate for a lack of muscular strength in a rider of the bicycle, in particular in order to be able to ride a bicycle at all or to be able to ride faster, or to be able to cover longer distances.

Bicycles with an electric auxiliary motor are also referred to as electric bicycles or e-bikes or pedelecs. The designation can differ by the extent to which the driver still has to pedal himself to drive and/or what driving speed the electric motor supports. For the sake of simplicity, all such bicycles are also referred to below as electric bicycles.

Such bicycles with or without an auxiliary motor usually have two wheels in which the rim and hub are usually connected via wire spokes. It is also known to use wheels with wire spokes for three wheel bicycles. If such bikes to carry However, when heavy loads such as up to 600 kg including driver and chassis are used, the spoked wheels do not offer sufficient strength.

As a result, the cargo bikes cannot be used for local transport, for example for the delivery of parcels from online shops. As a result, such large loads must continue to be transported by fuel-powered vehicles, such as automobiles or trucks. In view of the environmental impact and the traffic density in cities, this is often undesirable for such transports.

Another problem is that a wheel of such a cargo bike is exposed to high stress. For example, curbs have to be driven over, damaging wheel rims that are too weak. This may result in such a defect on the bike that the bike first has to be repaired before you can continue your journey. This leads to an interruption and thus often intolerable delay in delivery.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a rim shell and a wheel for a bicycle with which the aforementioned problems can be solved. In particular, a rim shell and a wheel for a cargo bike are to be provided which allow heavy loads, in particular up to about 600 kg, to be transported with high puncture resistance and/or the possibility of a very inexpensive and therefore quick repair of the wheel.

This object is achieved by a rim shell for a wheel for a bicycle according to claim 1. The rim shell has an outer ring, an inner ring that is radially connected to the outer ring, and at least two coupling areas, each configured to receive a coupling element, the outer ring and the inner ring being configured to interact with a second rim shell that is adjacent to the rim shell is arranged on the hub of the wheel in order to clamp the two outer rings of the two rim shells around the rim or as a rim, and to clamp the two inner rings of the two rim shells on the hub of the wheel when the two rim shells with the at least two coupling elements together are coupled.

Due to the construction of the rim shells and their interaction, the associated

Wheel a load of about 250 kg, possibly up to about 300 kg record. Therefore a Cargo bikes with two or three such wheels can take a total of around 600 kg. Assuming that the chassis of such a cargo bike has a weight of 120 kg and is designed for the loads specified, a payload of 480 kg is possible. For example, a load of 400 kg can then be transported by a driver weighing 80 kg.

In addition, each rim shell of the wheel can easily absorb the loads that occur on a wheel during operation of the cargo bike. In particular, the high lateral forces that arise when driving over a curb can be absorbed. This means that driving over a curb does not damage the rim. As a result, a breakdown can be avoided.

The rim shell and thus the associated wheel can be equipped with a conventional electric hub motor. As a result, the driver of the cargo bike or cargo bike can be supported when transporting the load with electrically generated driving force.

In addition, the rim shells can be mounted very easily between the rim and the hub motor. One of the two rim shells already provides the necessary support for the wheel, even if the other rim shell has to be removed to repair the wheel. It is therefore not necessary to remove the entire wheel. This applies regardless of whether the wheel, more precisely the rim, is designed for mounting a tubular tire or a tubeless tire. Thus, the design of the rim shells between the rim and the hub motor enables a very simple and therefore quick repair of the wheel if one of the wheels should lose air.

As a result, the cargo bike rarely fails, even in rough use. However, if a wheel breaks down, the wheel can be repaired quickly and easily. As a result, the bike has a higher availability for its user than a conventional cargo bike.

The cargo bike thus offers a very good option for transport in local traffic, especially for transporting loads, such as shopping or for online trading. The use of the cargo bike can thus make a valuable contribution to reducing the burden on the environment. In addition, the cargo bike is a good and cheap option to reduce traffic density and environmental noise. Advantageous further configurations of the rim shell are specified in the dependent claims.

The two rim shells may be identical parts.

At least part of the at least two coupling areas, which are each designed to accommodate a coupling element, can be arranged along the inner ring.

It is conceivable that the rim shell has at least two spokes which are integrally connected to the outer ring and/or the inner ring and are arranged radially between the outer ring and the inner ring, and the spokes are arranged equidistantly along the outer ring and equidistantly along the inner ring are. According to one embodiment, the spokes taper from the inner ring to the outer ring. According to another embodiment, the spokes taper from the outer ring to the inner ring.

The rim shell can also have intermediate elements which are each arranged between the two spokes. In this case, the intermediate elements can be designed in the form of arcuate segments. In addition, each intermediate element can have a first opening which is designed in the shape of an arc segment and is arranged symmetrically in the intermediate elements.

Each intermediate element can have at least part of the at least two coupling regions, each of which is designed to receive a coupling element.

At least two of the rim shells described above can be part of a wheel for a bicycle, the wheel also having a tire and the two rim shells being arranged next to one another on a hub of the wheel, so that the two rim shells are arranged to the right and left of a rim of the wheel are and clamp the rim. Alternatively, the two rim shells can have a rim structure.

The wheel can also have a drive device which is arranged on the hub of the wheel, with the two rim shells being arranged to the right and left of the drive device and clamping at least part of the drive device. The drive device is possibly an electric motor. Optionally, the rim or rim structure is designed for a tubeless tire.

At least one of the two rim shells can be spaced apart from the drive device by at least one spacer.

The rim shell can be part of a wheel for a bicycle. Advantageous further developments of the wheel are specified in the dependent claims.

The wheel described above can be part of a vehicle, in particular a bicycle. For example, the bicycle has three wheels. The bicycle may be a cargo bicycle having three wheels, at least one wheel of which has a drive mechanism located at the hub of the wheel.

Further possible implementations of the invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. The person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawing and using exemplary embodiments. Show it:

1 shows a three-dimensional view of a wheel for a bicycle, in particular a cargo bike, according to a first exemplary embodiment;

Fig. 2 is a three-dimensional view of a mounting ring for a drive device for driving the wheel of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a three dimensional view of the mounting ring of Fig. 2 with drive means for driving the wheel of Fig. 1;

Figure 4 is a front view of the wheel of Figure 1;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the wheel along section AA' of Fig. 4; Figure 6 is a front view of a rim shell of the wheel of Figure 1;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the rim shell of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a three-dimensional side view of the first rim shell of the wheel with the drive device from FIG. 1;

9 shows a three-dimensional view of a wheel for a bicycle, in particular a cargo bike, according to a second exemplary embodiment;

Figure 10 is a front view of the wheel of Figure 9;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the wheel along section B-B' of Fig. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a rim shell of the wheel of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the rim shell of FIG. 12;

14 shows a front view of a rim shell for a wheel for a bicycle, in particular a cargo bike, according to a third exemplary embodiment; and

15 shows a sectional view of rim shells for a wheel for a bicycle, in particular a cargo bike, according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.

In the figures, elements that are the same or have the same function are provided with the same reference symbols unless otherwise stated.

Fig. 1 shows as an example a bicycle 1 with a frame 2, which has, among other things, a front wheel mount 2A, in particular a front wheel fork, and a rear structure 2B, two wheels 3, a pedal crank 4 with pedals 5, a handlebar 6 and a saddle 7. One of the wheels 3, the front wheel, is arranged in front of the handlebar 6 in the normal direction of travel or forward travel. The other of the two wheels 3, the rear wheel, is arranged behind the saddle 7 in the normal direction of travel or forward travel. It is optionally possible, for example, to mount two wheels 3 on an axle or hub behind the saddle 7 instead of just one rear wheel in such a way that a support device 8 for supporting loads 9 can be mounted between and/or at least partially above the wheels 3. Such a support device 8 can be a box with or without a lid, which can be loaded with packages and/or another load 9, for example. Alternatively or additionally, such a support device 8 can be mounted between two wheels 3 which are present instead of the front wheel.

Each of the wheels 3 has a tire 10, a rim 20, rim shells 30, optionally a drive device 40, and a hub 50. The tire 10 is mounted on the rim 20, which is not clearly visible in FIG. The tire 10 is a tubeless tire, for example. The rim 20 is designed accordingly for this purpose. In particular, the rim 20 has no openings for mounting wire spokes. Alternatively, the tire 10 is a tubular tire.

The rim 20 is surrounded on both sides by rim shells 30, only one of which is visible in FIG. 1 shows one of the two rim shells 30 at an angle from the front. Each wheel 3 is rotationally symmetrical about the hub 50 .

The two rim shells 30 are identical parts. In particular, the two rim shells 30 of the wheel 3 are constructed identically. Each of the rim shells 30 has a shell outer ring 31, a shell inner ring 32, at least two spokes 33, and intermediate members 34 disposed between the two spokes 33, respectively. First openings 35 are provided in the intermediate elements 34 . The rim shells 30 are attached to one another with coupling elements 36 and optionally using spacers, as described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4 . For the sake of clarity, not all first openings 35 and coupling elements 36 are provided with a reference number in FIG. 1 . The coupling elements 36 in the example of FIG. 1 are screws which fasten the rim shells 30 to one another. The screws clamp the rim shells together. Alternatively, at least one coupling element 36 is a dowel pin, which fastens the rim shells 30 to one another in a positive and non-positive manner in a press fit. Alternatively, at least one of the coupling elements 36 can be designed in particular as a clamp, which is attached to the respective rim shell 30 . By pivoting the clamp by about 180°, for example, about its attachment to the rim shell 30 or the hub 50, it is possible to switch between a coupled state and a non-coupled state. In the coupled state, the rim shells are 30 excited to each other. In the uncoupled state, the rim shells 30 can be detached from one another.

The wheel 3 of FIG. 1 has five spokes 33 and five intermediate elements 34. In the example of FIG. 1, the intermediate elements 33 are configured and arranged in the shape of arc segments. The spokes

33 are arranged radially between the outer ring 31 and the inner ring 32 . The spokes 33 are arranged equidistantly along the outer ring 31 . The spokes 33 are arranged equidistantly along the inner ring 32 of the shell. In particular, all spokes 33 have the same dimensions. In particular, all intermediate elements 34 have the same dimensions. The same applies to the first openings 35 as to the intermediate elements 34. The first openings 35 are thus also designed in the form of arc segments. In an intermediate element

34 a first opening 35 is arranged symmetrically in the intermediate element 34 .

The spokes 33 taper starting from the inner ring 32 in the direction of the outer ring 31. Thus, the spokes 33 on the outer ring 31 have a shorter arc length than on the inner ring 32. The inner ring 32 and the spokes 33 form a projection of the rim shell 30, which extends over the respective intermediate element 34 arranged next to the spoke and the inner ring 32 protrudes.

Each wheel 3, in particular each rim 20 with the rim shells 30, is designed in such a way that a load weighing up to approximately 250 kg to approximately 300 kg can be carried. The bicycle 1 should be able to be accelerated as far as possible to a speed of 25 km/h on level ground. It is helpful for this if one of the wheels 3 in particular has a drive device 40 . The drive devices 40 can in particular be coupled to one another. It is possible for all drive devices 40 of the bicycle 1 to be designed as a motor, which interact to drive the bicycle 1 . The drive device 40 can be a conventional wheel hub drive device for a bicycle 1 .

Alternatively, at least one of the drive devices 40 of the bicycle 1 can act at least partially as a generator in order to store energy generated when the bicycle 1 brakes or rides downhill, for example, in a battery (not shown). The battery supplies at least one drive device 40 of the bicycle 1 with electrical energy for a mechanical drive of the bicycle 1. The drive device 40 can drive the bicycle 1 alone or only support a drive that a rider of the bicycle 1 turns or cranks the pedal crank 4 generated. Fig. 2 shows a three-shell inner receiving device 45 on which the shell inner ring 32 of each rim shell 30 can be mounted. The receiving device 45 has the three partial rings 45A, 45B, 45C in the form of arc segments. Each of the partial rings 45A, 45B, 45C in the shape of an arc segment has an outer bearing shell 451 and an inner bearing shell 452. Openings 453 for mounting a rim shell 30 on the receiving device 45 are optionally provided on the outer bearing shell 451. The openings 453 may be internally threaded. The inner bearing shell 452 of the partial rings 45A, 45B, 45C has a smaller axial ring height than the outer bearing shell 451. As a result, the inner bearing shell 452 of the partial rings 45A, 45B, 45C forms a circumferential projection which protrudes or protrudes inside the receiving device 45, such as shown in Fig.2. The outer bearing shell 451 forms the head of a T and the inner bearing shell 452 forms the foot of the T.

As shown in FIG. 3, an inner bearing shell 452 of each of the partial rings 45A, 45B, 45C can thus be mounted in a circumferential groove of the drive device 40. As a result, the drive device 40 rests on the outside of the inner bearing shells 452 of the partial rings 45A, 45B, 45C. In particular, the drive device 40 encloses the inner bearing shells 452 of the partial rings 45A, 45B, 45C.

According to FIG. 3 , the receiving device 45 is mounted around the drive device 40 . In other words, the drive device 40 can be accommodated in the inner ring of the receiving device 45 . The drive device 40 can thus be mounted in the receiving device 45 . The drive device 40 is mounted on the hub 50, in particular by means of a tooth system 47, 55 between the drive device 40 and the hub 50. An internal tooth system 47 of the drive device 40 and an external tooth system 55 of the hub 50 mesh. This can also be seen in more detail in FIG. 4 in a front view of the wheel 3 .

In addition, the drive device 40 has a large number of projections 401 along its circumference. This is also described in more detail with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 4, the configuration of the inner shell ring 32 can be seen in more detail in the front view of the wheel 3. The inner shell ring 32 is coupled to the receiving device 45 along its circumference with a multiplicity of coupling elements 36 . For this purpose, the coupling elements 36 form a connection with the openings 453 (FIG. 2). In addition, at the Projections 401 are provided along the circumference of the drive device 40, in each case coupling elements 405. Coupling elements 405 couple drive device 40 to receiving device 45.

In addition, the coupling elements 36 are provided on the rim shell 30, with which the two rim shells 30 of a wheel 3 can be fastened to one another. These coupling elements 36 are provided on the intermediate elements 34 . The coupling elements 36 are arranged symmetrically on the intermediate elements 34 . In the example in FIG. 4 , the coupling elements 36 are primarily aligned in the axial direction.

The coupling elements 36, 405 are releasable fasteners. In particular, the coupling elements 36, 405 are designed as screws. For the sake of clarity, not all coupling elements 36, 405 are provided with a reference number in FIG.

Optionally, at least part of the coupling elements 36, 405 is designed as a clamp. At least part of the coupling elements 36, 405 is optionally configured as a snap element. In contrast to screws, a clamp or a snap element can be installed simply by pressing on or loosening with the hand of a user of the bicycle 1 . This enables such coupling elements 36, 405 to be assembled without tools.

Optionally, any combination of attachment using screws, clamps, tensioning or snapping is possible. This makes it possible to assemble the coupling elements 36, 405 without tools, even when using a screw for the coupling element.

In addition, at least two spacers 321 are provided between the inner ring 32 of the rim shell 30 and at least two of the projections 402 . The spacers 321 allow the rim shell 30 to be adjusted or aligned on the combination of drive device 40 and receiving device 45. The spacers 321 align the rim shell 30 on the wheel 3 in the radial direction. This facilitates the assembly of the rim shells 30 between the rim 20 and the drive device 40 and/or the hub 50 .

The two rim shells 30 are thus arranged between the hub 50 and the rim 20 or rim well. FIG. 5 shows in a longitudinal sectional view how the two rim shells 30 are arranged between the hub and the rim well of the rim 20 . Consequently, the two rim shells 30 are arranged axially next to one another on the hub 50 . The rim 20 has a U-shape in the example of FIG. Such a rim 20 can also be referred to as a flat-base rim. Of course, the rim 20 can have any other shape that enables the clamping function for the rim shells 30 described below. In particular, the rim 20 can be a drop center rim or a semi-drop center rim or a two-piece rim that can be divided in the middle, or a steep shoulder rim. Any combinations or modifications are possible, as long as the rim shells 30 can be mounted on the rim 20, as described below.

The two rim shells 30 span around both the hub with the driver 40 and the rim 20. More specifically, in the wheel 3 with the shell inner ring 32, the two rim shells 30 span around the annular receiver 45. This is in phantom lines on the shell inner ring 32 at the annular receiving device 45 illustrated. Hub 50 may be secured to drive assembly 40 with centering pin 58 .

The clamping connection described between the rim shells 30 and the inner shell ring 32 and between the rim shells 30 and the rim 20 means that forces which act on the wheel 3 in the radial direction and/or transversely during operation of the bicycle 1 can be absorbed. In this case, damage to the wheel 3 is largely avoidable.

According to FIG. 5, the rim 20 is designed as a rim ring. The rim protrudes in the direction of the tire 10 so that the rim 20 forms a rim well for the tire 10 . The rim shells 30 are connected to one another by means of spacers and the coupling elements 36 . In the direction of the hub 50, the rim shells 30 are approximately half the width of the rim 20.

If the tire 10 is to be dismounted from the rim 20 or mounted on the rim 20, it is sufficient to dismount only the left-hand rim shell 30 in FIG. To do this, the coupling elements 36 must be released. In addition, the positive connection between the rim shells 30 and the drive device 40 must be released.

Thereafter, the rim shell 30 can be removed from the wheel 3 according to FIG. The rim shell 30 has first openings 35. The first openings 35 are in each case Intermediate elements 34 arranged. In the example in FIG. 6 , the first openings 35 are designed in the form of arc segments. Each of the first openings 35 is arranged symmetrically in the associated intermediate element 34 in the example of FIG. 6 . The first openings 35 are arranged symmetrically between the spokes 33 in the example of FIG. 6 . In this way, the force acting radially on the wheel 3 and thus on the rim shell 30 can be absorbed particularly well.

In addition, the rim shell 30 in the example from FIGS. 1 to 8 has second openings as coupling areas 37 into which the coupling elements 36 from FIG of the receiving device 45, as previously described. This allows the rim shells 30 to be attached to one another as previously described. The coupling areas 37 can be provided with an internal thread. As a result, when using a screw as the coupling element 36, a complementary and/or congruent connection between the opening (coupling area 37) and the coupling element 36 is possible.

A part of the second openings, the coupling areas 37 in FIGS. 1 to 8 , are arranged along the inner ring 32 . The rim shells 30 can thus be attached to the receiving device 45, as previously described. On the inner ring 32, the second openings (coupling areas 37) are each grouped into a group of three openings (coupling areas 37). The three openings (coupling portions 37 ) are arranged in a row one after the other along the inner ring 32 . The three openings (coupling areas 37) are arranged equidistantly from one another. The groups of openings (coupling portions 37) are arranged in a row one after the other along the inner ring 32. FIG. The groups of openings (coupling areas 37) are arranged equidistantly from one another. The second coupling areas 37 are arranged symmetrically along the circumference of the inner ring 32 .

In the example of FIG. 6 , each intermediate element 34 has at least part of the at least two openings as coupling areas 37 . Thus, a part of the second openings (coupling regions 37) is arranged in an intermediate element 34. FIG. In the example of Figure 4, each intermediate element 34 has a set of three openings (coupling areas 37). The three openings (coupling areas 37) are arranged equidistant from one another. The second openings (coupling portions 37) are arranged symmetrically to the first openings 35. FIG. The second openings (coupling areas 37) are along the first opening 35 of the intermediate element 34 arranged. The second openings (coupling regions 37) are arranged symmetrically in the intermediate elements 34. FIG. In particular, the second openings (coupling regions 37 ) are arranged symmetrically to the first opening 35 in the intermediate elements 34 .

The rim shell 30 has a diameter D0, which can be selected depending on the bicycle 1. In particular, the diameter D0 has a value of 480 mm.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the removed rim shell 30 from the side. The rim shell 30 has a width BO. The outer ring 31 forms a projection which can be placed against the rim 20 from the outside, as previously described.

According to FIG. 8, the drive device 40 protrudes from the rim shell 30 on both sides. A part of the receiving device 45 is mounted in the rim shell 30 . The second rim shell 30 can be mounted on the part of the receiving device 45 that protrudes from the rim shell 30, as described above. A cover element 60 of the drive device 40 is visible on the other side. The cover element 60 can be secured with a securing element 70 .

After the rim shell 30 has been removed, the tire 10 can then be mounted and/or removed and/or changed quickly and with minimal effort. Thereafter, the left rim shell 30 of FIG. 5 can be reassembled as previously described.

In the case of a bicycle 1 with only two wheels 3, the rim 20 usually has to be removed and dismantled after the rim shell 30 has been removed. The rim 20, which forms a rim ring, and a bicycle tube that is mounted thereon and optionally at least partially inflated can be completely dismantled as a whole. A new or the same but repaired bicycle inner tube can then be mounted on the rim 20 . The rim 20 including the bicycle inner tube can then be mounted on the bicycle 1 again. Alternatively, the rim 20 can be replaced by another rim 20, optionally with a bicycle inner tube already mounted on it. Alternatively, another wheel 3 can be mounted on the bicycle 1 as a spare wheel.

It is possible that at least one of the two wheels 3 is only hung on one side on the frame 2 of the bicycle 1 . That is, the bicycle 1 has 2A as a front wheel holder, for example no wheel fork to hold the front wheel 3, just a single swing arm. Alternatively or additionally, the rear structure 2B of the bicycle 1 is designed as a single-sided swing arm for mounting the rear wheel 3 .

In the case of a bicycle 1 with three wheels 3, it is possible for the wheel 3 to remain on the bicycle 1 or its frame 2 after a rim shell 30 has been removed. This is possible in particular if the wheel 3 is only supported by the frame 2 on one side, similar to conventional automobiles, and is freely accessible on one side.

9 shows a wheel 3A according to a second embodiment. The wheel 3A has rim shells 30A, 30B arranged axially next to each other on the rim 20. Only the rim shell 30A is shown in FIG. The wheel 3A of FIG. 1 also has five spokes 33 and five intermediate elements 34. At least two spokes 33 and two intermediate elements 34 are present.

The rim shells 30A, 30B are constructed in the same way as described above for the wheel 3 according to the first exemplary embodiment, with the exception of the differences described below.

The wheel of Fig. 9 is provided with a driving device 40A. The drive device 40A has a different construction than the drive device 40 of the wheel 3 of FIG. 1. The rim shell 30A of FIG. 9 is provided with a cover element 60 on the drive device 40A.

According to FIG. 9, the rim shell 30A has spokes 33 which are attached directly to the inner ring 32, as can also be seen more clearly when viewed together with FIGS. 10 and 11. The intermediate elements 34 are longer in the radial direction than the intermediate elements 34 of the rim shell 30 of FIG. 4. In addition, the first openings 35 of the rim shell 30A are larger than the first openings 35 of the rim shell 30 of FIG Rim shell 30A is arranged differently than in the rim shell 30 of FIG. 4. For the sake of clarity, not all coupling elements 36 are provided with a reference number in FIG.

As shown even better in FIGS. 10 and 12, the coupling elements 36 of the rim shell 30A are arranged both along the inner ring 32 and along the first openings 35 of the rim shell 30A. All the first openings 35 of the rim shell 30A are in the intermediate elements 34 arranged. For the sake of clarity, not all first openings 35 and coupling elements 36 are provided with a reference number in FIG. 10 .

FIG. 11 shows a section B-B' of FIG. In addition, the outer ring 31 projects beyond the intermediate elements 34 . The width of the spokes 33 in the direction of the hub 50 is only about half the width of the outer ring 31 in the direction of the hub 50.

The rim shell 30A is designed differently in the area of the intermediate elements 34 on the inner ring 32 than the rim shell 30B. As a result, the drive device 40A rests directly on a recess 38 of the rim shell 30B. The recess 38 forms a support element for the drive device 40A. It is therefore advantageous if the rim shell 30B remains on the wheel 3A when the rim shell 30A is removed. In contrast to this, the rim shell 30A can have a snap element 39 in the area of the intermediate elements 34 on the inner ring 32 . As a result, the rim shell 30A can already be securely fixed to the wheel 3A before the two rim shells 30A, 30B are still fastened to one another with the coupling elements 36 .

12 shows the previously described rim shell 30A again in detail. 13 shows the rim shell 30A from the side. The dimensions DO, BO of the rim shell 30A are selectable depending on the dimensions of the bicycle 1.

The rim shell 30A of the wheel 3A according to FIGS. 9 to 13 offers, depending on the material thickness, in particular the sheet metal thickness, a somewhat greater strength than the rim shell 30 of FIG 250 kg to about 300 kg can be carried.

Optionally, the cover element 60 can be connected in one piece to the associated rim shell 30A, 30B. The cover element 60 can be spaced apart from the inner ring 32 of the respective rim shell 30A, 30B by at least two webs. The at least two webs and openings arranged between them are arranged at one end at least partially in the direction of the axis of the associated rim shell 30A, 30B or the hub 50. In addition, the at least two webs and openings arranged between them are arranged at their other end at least partially in the direction of the axis of the associated rim shell 30A, 30B or the hub 50. the Webs do not necessarily have to be arranged symmetrically to the spokes 33 and/or intermediate elements 34 and/or openings 35 on the inner ring 32 .

14 shows a rim shell 30C according to a third exemplary embodiment on a hub 50. The rim shell 30C is constructed in the same way as previously described for the rim shells 30, 30A, 30B of the preceding exemplary embodiments, with the exception of the differences described below.

The rim shell 30C has three segments that are designed as spokes 33 . Intermediate elements 34 are provided between the spokes. In one embodiment, the intermediate elements 34 are designed as openings 35 . As a result, the rim shell 30C does not have a continuous rim shell line. The spokes 33 taper from the outer ring 32 to the inner ring 31.

In another embodiment, the intermediate elements 34 are designed as closed elements without an opening 35 . As a result, the rim shell 30C is a solid wheel.

It is of course possible for both of the aforementioned configurations for the rim shell 30C to have only two segments, which are designed as spokes 33 .

A load 9 of approximately 250 kg up to approximately 300 kg can also be carried on a wheel 3 together with the rim shell 30C, as described in relation to the preceding exemplary embodiments.

15 shows a sectional view of rim shells 30D of a wheel 3 for a bicycle 1, in particular a cargo bike, according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. The rim shells 30D according to the present embodiment are mounted on a driving device 40 on a hub 50 . The rim shells 30D are constructed in the same way as previously described for one of the rim shells 30, 30A, 30B, 30C of the previous exemplary embodiments, with the exception of the differences described below.

Each of the rim shells 30D has at its one end a rim structure 301 formed as part of the rim. An additional rim 20 is therefore not necessary. However, if required, a rim 20 can also be used in addition. This can depend on the thickness of the material Rim shells 30D can be helpful, for example to design the wheel 3 for even greater loads than described in the previous exemplary embodiments.

If a tubeless tire 10 is to be mounted, a sealing element 25 can be mounted between the structures 301 of the rim shells 30D1. The sealing member 25 can be provided as a separate sealing member as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the sealing element 25 can be provided, in particular in one piece, on one of the rim shells 30D1.

A rim strip 27 can be provided in addition or as an alternative to the sealing element 25 . Thereby, sealing for a tubeless tire can be further improved. The rim tape 27 is particularly useful as a protection against pinching a tube when a tube tire 10 is to be mounted.

In this way, the rim shells 30D, as shown in FIG. The rim structure 301 forms the outer ring 31 of the associated rim shell 30D.

Of course, the rim shells 30D can be designed in a different way in order to connect the two ends 301, 302 of the rim shells 30D. In particular, at least some of the configurations of the rim shells 30A, 30B, 30C can be used.

A load 9 of approximately 250 kg to approximately 300 kg can also be carried on a wheel 3 together with the rim shells 30D, as described in relation to the preceding exemplary embodiments.

All previously described configurations of the wheels 3, 3A, the rim shells 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D and the method can be used individually or in all possible combinations. In particular, any combination of the features of the exemplary embodiments mentioned is possible. In addition, the following modifications in particular are conceivable.

The parts shown in the figures are shown diagrammatically and their precise configuration can deviate from the forms shown in the figures, as long as the functions described above are guaranteed. At least one of the rim shells 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D can be bent and/or stamped from sheet metal. In this case, the rim shell 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D is in one piece. In particular, the production of the rim shells 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D as metallic components using mechanical fluidic methods is possible for series production. For this purpose, for example, metal presses and/or metal presses can be used, which are in particular hydraulic metal presses and/or metal presses.

Alternatively, at least one of the rim shells 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D can be produced at least partially by three-dimensional printing, in particular in one piece. For example, at least one of the rim shells 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D can be made of a fiber-plastic mixture, in particular a fiberglass-plastic mixture. This mixture can be formed into one of the rim shells 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D described, for example, by three-dimensional printing. Selective laser melting (SLM), in particular, can be used for this as a three-dimensional print. Alternatively, at least one other known three-dimensional printing method can be used, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), selective laser sintering (SLS), binder jetting, material spraying (Material Jetting), Electron Beam Melting (EBM).

In particular, the spokes 33 are connected in one piece to the outer ring 31 and/or the inner ring 32 . In particular, the intermediate elements 34 are connected in one piece to the outer ring 31 and/or the inner ring 32 .

Optionally, the outer ring 31 is arranged further outside on the associated rim shells 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D than the inner ring 32. As a result, a wheel 3, 3A with two such rim shells 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D on the rim 20 a larger diameter than the inner rings 32 of the rim shells 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D.

Optionally, at least one of the spokes 33 has an opening. The opening can have a shape similar to an opening 35 of one of the intermediate elements 34. In particular, the opening of the at least one spoke 33 is larger or smaller in the axial direction than an opening 35 of one of the intermediate elements 34 or another spoke 33. Alternatively or additionally, the Opening in the at least one spoke 33, in particular in the radial direction, is larger or smaller than an opening 35 in one of the intermediate elements 34 or in another spoke 33. Even if the intermediate elements 34 in the figures each have approximately the same dimensions for a rim shell 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, this is not obligatory. At least one of the intermediate elements 34 of a rim shell 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D may have a larger dimension than at least one other intermediate element 34 of the same rim shell 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D. Possibly the radial dimension of at least one of the intermediate elements 34 is larger than the radial dimension of at least one of the other intermediate elements 34 of the same rim shell 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D.

Optionally, at least one of the intermediate elements 34 on the outer ring 31 is arranged axially further outside on the rim shell 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D than on the inner ring 32. In such a configuration, the axial diameter of the two rim shells 30, 30A, 30B mounted on one another tapers , 30C, 30D of the wheel 3, 3A in the area of at least one of the intermediate elements 34 in the direction of the hub 50. In contrast to this, the axial diameter of the two rim shells 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D of the wheel 3, 3A remain the same in the area of at least one other intermediate element 34 or in the area of at least one spoke 33 in the direction of the hub 50 or taper less.

At least one recess for a valve of the tire 10 is optionally provided in one of the rim shells 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D. The at least one recess is expediently preferably provided on the outer ring 31 of the rim shell 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D.

The rim shells 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D of the wheels 3, 3A can be made at least partially from sheet metal. The sheet metal can be made of metal, in particular steel or aluminum. The rim shells 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D can be made at least partially from plastic. The rim shells 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D can be made at least partially from fiber composites, in particular fiber-reinforced plastic.

Depending on requirements, the rim 20 can be designed with openings for wire spokes. A rim 20 without openings for wire spokes is suitable for mounting a tubeless tire 10.

The arrangement of the coupling areas 37 in the rim shells 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D can be chosen differently than shown in the figures. The number of coupling areas 37 in the rim shells 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D can be selected differently than shown in the figures. It is all that is required is that the coupling portions 37 be arranged such that the rim shells 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D can be fastened together to perform the clamping function as previously described. The coupling areas 37 on the inner ring 32 do not have to be arranged symmetrically to the arrangement of the spokes 33 and intermediate elements 34 .

Claims

Expectations

1. Rim shell (30; 30A, 30B; 30C; 30D) for a wheel (3; 3A) for a bicycle (1), wherein the rim shell (30; 30A, 30B) has an outer ring (31), an inner ring (32 ), which is connected radially to the outer ring (31), and at least two coupling areas (37), each designed to receive at least one coupling element (36), the outer ring (31) and the inner ring (32) being designed with a second rim shell (30; 30B, 30A; 30C; 30D) arranged next to the rim shell (30; 30B, 30A; 30C; 30D) on the hub (50) of the wheel (3; 3A) to co-operate with the two Outer rings (31) of the two rim shells (30; 30A, 30B; 30C; 30D) to clamp the rim (20) or as a rim, and to clamp the two inner rings (32) of the two rim shells (30; 30A, 30B; 30C; 30D) to the hub (50) of the wheel (3; 3A) when the two rim shells (30; 30A, 30B; 30C; 30D) are coupled to one another with the at least two coupling elements (36).

2. Rim shell (30; 30B, 30A; 30C) according to claim 1, wherein the two rim shells (30; 30B, 30A; 30C; 30D) are identical parts.

3. Rim shell (30; 30A, 30B; 30C; 30D) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a part of the at least two coupling areas (37), which are each designed to receive a coupling element (36), along the inner ring (32) are arranged.

4. The rim shell (30; 30A, 30B; 30C; 30D) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rim shell (30) has at least two spokes (33) which are integral with the outer ring (31) and/or the inner ring (32). are connected and arranged radially between the outer ring (31) and the inner ring (32), and wherein the spokes (33) are arranged equidistantly along the outer ring (31) and are arranged equidistantly along the inner ring (32).

5. Rim shell (30; 30A; 30B; 30C; 30D) according to claim 4, wherein the spokes (33) taper from the inner ring (32) to the outer ring (31), or the spokes (33) tapering from the outer ring (32) to the inner ring (31).

The rim shell (30; 30A, 30B; 30C; 30D) according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising intermediate members (34) each disposed between the two spokes (33).

The rim shell (30; 30A, 30B; 30D) according to claim 6, wherein the intermediate elements (34) are configured in the shape of arc segments, and wherein each intermediate element (34) has a first opening (35) which is configured in the shape of an arc segment and is symmetrical in the intermediate elements ( 34) is arranged.

8. Rim shell (30; 30A, 30B; 30D) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein each intermediate element (34) has at least part of the at least two coupling regions (37), which are each configured to receive a coupling element (36).

9. Wheel (3; 3A) for a bicycle (1), with a tire (10) and two rim shells (30; 30A, 30B; 30C; 30D) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two rim shells (30; 30A , 30B; 30C) are arranged side by side on a hub (50) of the wheel (3; 3A), so that the two rim shells (30; 30A, 30B; 30C) to the right and left of a rim (20) of the wheel (3, 3A) are arranged and clamp the rim (20), or wherein the two rim shells (30D) have a rim structure (301).

10. Wheel (3; 3A) according to claim 9, further comprising a drive device (40; 40A) arranged on the hub (50) of the wheel (3; 3A), the two rim shells (30; 30A, 30B; 30C; 30D) to the right and left of the

Drive device (40; 40A) are arranged and clamp at least part of the drive device (40; 40A).

11. Wheel (3; 3A) according to claim 10, wherein the drive means (40; 40A) is an electric motor.

12. Wheel (3; 3A) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the rim (20) or rim structure (301) is configured for a tubeless tire.

13. Wheel (3) according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein at least one of the two rim shells (30; 30A, 30B; 30C; 30D) is spaced from the drive device (40) by at least one spacer (321).

14. Bicycle (1), with at least one wheel (3; 3A) according to one of claims 9 to 13.

15. Bicycle (1) according to claim 14, wherein the bicycle (1) is a cargo bike that has three wheels

(3; 3A), of which at least one wheel (3; 3A) has a drive device (40; 40A) which is arranged on the hub (50) of the wheel (3; 3A).