Centering ring and method of reducing the risk of breakage of at least one thin-walled region of a centering ring

Abstract

The invention relates to a centering ring (5) and a method for reducing the risk of breakage of at least one thin-walled region of a centering ring (4), wherein the centering ring (5) has at least two thick-walled sections, namely at least one first thick-walled section (15) and a second thick-walled section (16), wherein the first thick-walled section (15) has a side face (23) which faces a side face (31) of the second thick-walled section (16), wherein the side faces (23, 31) at least partially contact one another or are arranged at a distance from one another with a gap (37) having a gap size B (38) and the centering ring (5) has at least one movement limiter (24, 48) by means of which a separation of the side faces (23, 31) caused by a force and / or a slippage of the side faces (23, 31) towards one another caused by a force can only be achieved up to a certain gap size B (38).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention is based on a centering ring and a method for reducing the risk of breakage in at least one thin-walled region of the centering ring. Specifically, the invention is based on a centering ring for the handlebars of two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles, which is integrated into the vehicle's control head bearing (a device for coaxially supporting the shaft in a hole), wherein manufacturing-related diameter fluctuations of the accessory are compensated, and backlash-free, concentric support of the component is achieved.

[0002] Centering rings for coaxially supporting fork-shaped stud heads are known. This forms a rotatable connection between the bicycle frame and the fork. According to the prior art, the centering ring has a gap (groove) to allow for tolerance compensation of accessories. This gap represents a weakening because the centering ring, as an open C-shaped member, does not represent a more stable self-connecting disc (closed, disc-shaped O-type).

[0003] Common bearing arrangements are standardized according to the so-called Standardized Cup Identification System (SHIS). This standardization for identifying modern threadless cup assemblies (front-mounted cup assemblies), which use a claw mechanism instead of a forked stud thread to adjust bearing clearance, provides three different mounting positions: External Cup (EC), Zero Stack (ZS), and Integrated Standard (IS). For the External Cup (EC), the bearing bush is located outside the head tube; for the Zero Stack (ZS), the bearing bush is pressed into the head tube; and for the Integrated Standard (IS), the bearing bush is directly integrated into the head tube, meaning it is no longer visible from the outside. A centering ring is available for all three mounting positions.

[0004] To install a SHIS standard headset, rolling bearings (typically tilting contact ball bearings) need to be inserted into the integrated standard (IS) bicycle frame. A centering ring is inserted into the upper rolling bearing, and then the fork is pushed through the hole in the lower rolling bearing and then through the hole in the centering ring. The centering ring is used in the upper support point because it must be, in particular, backlash-free, as the forces introduced by the handlebars are primarily absorbed by the upper unit.

[0005] Prior art also includes those centering rings disclosed in European patent application EP1721820A2, Japanese publication JPS5613086U, Spanish patent ES2166263B1, and US documents US10050490B1 and US3236572A.

[0006] The centering ring, corresponding to existing technologies, solves the task of establishing a rotatable connection between the bicycle frame, fork, and rolling bearings. For example, in modern bicycles, brake cables, shifter cables, or power cables are all internally arranged, which is why the centering ring must have a corresponding recess. Such a centering ring is disclosed in published patent applications DE102020102826A1 and DE102015202383A1. Therefore, the centering ring of modern bicycles differs from conventional centering rings.

[0007] To enable pipeline feedthrough within the centering ring, the ring must possess additional characteristics: firstly, a high wall thickness corresponding at least to the thickness of the feedthrough; and secondly, a pipeline inlet must be provided. This results in mechanical weaknesses in the centering ring, as thin-walled areas (thin-walled sections) appear in the pipeline routing area. These thin-walled areas may fracture during operation because the oscillation forces during two-wheeled vehicle operation cause tension and compression within the centering ring. Furthermore, the thin-walled areas may be damaged during assembly because the centering ring is generally less elastic due to this weakening. Damage during transportation and careless assembly cannot be ruled out. Additionally, existing centering rings have gaps (slots) that allow for tolerance compensation during assembly. This further increases the risk of damage during transportation or assembly. A possible solution to stabilize the centering ring and thus reduce the risk of damage during transportation, assembly, or use is to increase the wall thickness of the weak areas or eliminate the gaps. Without gaps, this means tolerance compensation will no longer be possible. Increasing the wall thickness is practically impossible because it is directly related to increasing the diameter of the head tube.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a centering ring that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, and a method for reducing the risk of breakage of at least one thin-walled region of the centering ring that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The centering ring according to the invention, and the method according to the invention for reducing the risk of breakage of at least one thin-walled region of the centering ring, have the advantage that the centering ring has at least two thick-walled sections, namely at least one first thick-walled section and a second thick-walled section, wherein the first thick-walled section has a side facing the side of the second thick-walled section, wherein a gap is arranged between these sides, the gap having a gap size, wherein the gap size can vary between a minimum gap size and a maximum gap size, wherein these sides are at least partially in contact with each other or arranged to be spaced apart from each other by the gap having the gap size, and the centering ring has at least one movement limiter having at least one contact surface and / or at least one end face, by which force-induced separation of these sides can only be achieved up to the maximum gap size and / or force-induced sliding of these sides toward each other can only be achieved up to the minimum gap size. In particular, when the sides of the first thick-walled section and the second thick-walled section are moving away from or close to each other in the radial direction and / or when the sides of the first thick-walled section and the second thick-walled section move from one relative position to at least a partially relative position, or from one at least a partially relative position to a relative position, in particular in the axial direction, there will be situations where they move away from or toward each other.

[0010] When a certain gap size is reached, one or more movements that change the gap size are braked or stopped.

[0011] Because the two sides of the first and second thick-walled sections are in contact with each other or spaced apart by a gap, the centering ring according to the invention can compensate for fluctuations in the diameter of the fittings. Additionally, the centering ring according to the invention provides the possibility of pipeline feedthrough. To at least minimize or eliminate the risk of damage associated with tolerance compensation and pipeline feedthrough, for example during transport, assembly, or use, the centering ring according to the invention has at least one movement limiter (connecting element) by which the centering ring is stabilized, thereby ensuring, for example, damage-free transport, damage-free assembly, and long-term use of the centering ring. To ensure this, the centering ring according to the invention has the ability to accommodate production-related diameter fluctuations of the connecting components. However, this radial expansion of the C-shaped centering ring required for this purpose is limited by at least one movement limiter, such that when the maximum expansion of the gap reaches a certain gap size (maximum gap size) or when the minimum expansion reaches a certain gap size (minimum gap size, in extreme cases, the thick-walled sections are in contact with each other), at least one movement limiter generates a force transmission between the two thick-walled sections of the centering ring according to the invention. The tension and compression caused by the oscillating force between the thick-walled sections of the centering ring according to the invention no longer have a destructive effect on the thin-walled region (thin-walled section) of the centering ring, as this is likely only minimal compression. Due to at least one movement limiter, the centering ring according to the invention is not a C-shaped member as disclosed in the prior art, but corresponds geometrically to a closed disc shape, despite the presence of gaps or, despite, the contact sides of the thick-walled sections. The at least one movement limiter also has the advantage that the centering ring according to the invention, usable in all three SHIS mounting positions, possesses inherent stability, for example, during loading, unloading, transport, and assembly, thus differing from prior art centering rings that are damaged before assembly or even during installation.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the centering ring of the invention, the side is disposed on the end side of the first thick-walled section and / or the side is disposed on the end side of the second thick-walled section.

[0013] According to another advantageous embodiment of the centering ring of the invention, at least one movement limiter is arranged on the side of the first thick-walled segment and / or at least one movement limiter is arranged on the side of the second thick-walled segment and / or at least one movement limiter is a separate component.

[0014] According to another advantageous embodiment of the centering ring of the invention, at least one thick-walled segment has at least one contact surface for at least one movement limiter.

[0015] In this respect, according to an advantageous embodiment of the centering ring of the invention, at least one contact surface is arranged in a cavity, which is arranged on a thick-walled section.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment of the centering ring according to the invention, in order to form a mortise and tenon connection between the movement limiter and the thick-walled section, at least one groove is arranged on the movement limiter, and correspondingly at least one tenon is arranged on the thick-walled section; and / or in order to form a mortise and tenon connection between the movement limiter and the thick-walled section, at least one tenon is arranged on the movement limiter, and correspondingly at least one groove is arranged on the thick-walled section. Due to the mortise and tenon connection, the movement limiter is adapted to stabilize the centering ring according to the invention when a force is applied in the axial direction, thereby preventing damage under improper operation.

[0017] According to another advantageous embodiment of the centering ring of the invention, in order to form a mortise and tenon connection between the movement limiter and another movement limiter, at least one groove is arranged on one movement limiter and at least one tenon is arranged on the other movement limiter accordingly, and / or in order to form a mortise and tenon connection between the movement limiter and another movement limiter, at least one tenon is arranged on one movement limiter and at least one groove is arranged on the other movement limiter accordingly.

[0018] According to another advantageous embodiment of the centering ring of the invention, the centering ring has a first thin-walled segment and a second thin-walled segment, wherein the first thin-walled segment is adjacent to a first thick-walled segment and the second thin-walled segment is adjacent to a second thick-walled segment.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the centering ring of the invention, the thick-walled section, namely the third thick-walled section, is arranged between the first thin-walled section and the second thin-walled section.

[0020] In another advantageous embodiment of the centering ring according to the invention, at least one thin-walled section is a conduit sleeve. This allows the thick-walled section to be secured, particularly to the front end.

[0021] In another advantageous embodiment of the centering ring according to the invention, at least one thin-walled section is a conduit sleeve. With the aid of the conduit sleeve, electrical wires, cables, and / or hydraulic lines can be laid in a protected manner within the frame.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method for reducing the risk of breakage of at least one thin-walled segment of a centering ring according to the invention, the centering ring has at least two thick-walled segments, namely at least one first thick-walled segment and a second thick-walled segment, wherein the first thick-walled segment has a side facing the side of the second thick-walled segment, wherein a gap is arranged between these sides, the gap having a gap size, wherein the gap size can vary between a minimum gap size and a maximum gap size, wherein the sides are at least partially in contact with each other or arranged to be spaced apart from each other by the gap having the gap size, and the centering ring has at least one movement limiter having at least one contact surface and / or at least one end face, by which force-induced separation of the sides can only be achieved until the maximum gap size and / or force-induced sliding of the sides toward each other can only be achieved until the minimum gap size, and once at least one contact surface of the movement limiter contacts at least one contact surface arranged on the thick-walled segment, or once the end face of the movement limiter contacts at least one contact surface disposed in a cavity on the thick-walled segment, the force-induced separation of the sides and / or force-induced sliding toward each other is braked or stopped.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, at least one movement restrictor has at least two contact surfaces, namely a first contact surface and a second contact surface, such that once the first contact surface of the movement restrictor contacts at least one contact surface arranged on the first thick-walled section, and the second contact surface of the movement restrictor contacts at least one contact surface arranged on the second thick-walled section, the force-induced separation and / or force-induced sliding toward each other of the sides is braked or stopped.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, at least one movement restrictor has at least two contact surfaces, namely a first contact surface and a second contact surface, such that once the first contact surface of the movement restrictor contacts at least one contact surface arranged on the thick-walled section, and the second contact surface of the movement restrictor contacts a contact surface arranged on the second movement restrictor, the force-induced separation and / or force-induced sliding toward each other of the sides is braked or stopped.

[0025] In another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least one movement limiter has at least one contact surface such that once at least one contact surface of the movement limiter contacts at least one contact surface disposed on a second movement limiter, the force-induced separation and / or force-induced sliding toward each other of the sides is braked or stopped.

[0026] According to another advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, force transmission is established between the two thick-walled segments of the centering ring at the latest when a certain gap size specified by one or more movement limiters is reached.

[0027] In another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the centering ring is used in the control head bearing of a vehicle.

[0028] In another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the centering ring described above is used as the centering ring.

[0029] Further advantages and advantageous improvements of the invention can be found in the following description and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the subject matter according to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and explained in more detail below. In the drawings: Figure 1 An exploded isometric view of the control head bearing is shown; Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the upper part of the control head bearing is shown; Figure 3 A perspective sectional view of the upper bearing is shown; Figure 4 Another perspective sectional view of the upper bearing is shown; Figure 5 A side sectional view of the upper bearing is shown; Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 Detail A in the text; Figure 7 A perspective view of the centering ring according to the present invention in its unassembled state is shown; Figure 8 It shows according to Figure 7 Another perspective view of the centering ring according to the present invention; Figure 9 It shows according to Figure 7 A top view of the centering ring according to the present invention; Figure 10 It shows according to Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the centering ring according to the present invention; Figure 11 A perspective view of the centering ring according to the present invention in its assembled state is shown; Figure 12 It shows according to Figure 11 A top view of the centering ring according to the present invention; Figure 13 It shows according to Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the centering ring according to the present invention; Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 Detail C; Figure 15 It shows according to Figure 3 A top view of the cross-section of the upper bearing in the unloaded state; Figure 16 It shows according to Figure 3 A top view of the cross-section of the upper bearing under load; Figure 17 It shows according to Figure 16 A top view of the cross-section of the upper bearing under load, with the compression section shown in magnification; Figure 18 It shows according to Figure 16 A top view of the cross section along line EE of the upper bearing under load; Figure 19 It shows along Figure 18 Side sectional view of line EE; Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the centering ring according to the present invention is shown; Figure 21 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the centering ring according to the present invention is shown; Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the centering ring movement limiter according to the present invention is shown; Figure 23 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the centering ring movement limiter according to the present invention is shown; Figure 24 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the centering ring according to the present invention is shown; Figure 25 A perspective view of a centering ring in an unassembled state according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 26 It shows according to Figure 25 A cross-sectional view of the centering ring according to the present invention in the assembled state; Figure 27 It shows according to Figure 26 A top view of the centering ring according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1An exploded isometric view of the control head bearing is shown. The control head bearing is mounted in the head tube 1 of a vehicle frame (not shown here) and includes, in a known manner, an upper bearing disposed in the head tube 1 below the handlebar tip 2 of the vehicle handlebars and a lower control head bearing (also not shown here) above the fork with a fork-shaped head 3 of the vehicle. The upper control head bearing has an upper bearing shell with an upper bearing 4 (upper rolling bearing), which is mounted in the head tube 1 by a centering ring 5 (clamping ring) according to the invention. The lower control head bearing comprises a base 6 pressed against the fork-shaped head 3, a lower bearing 7 (lower roller bearing) placed on the base 6, and a lower bearing shell, the lower bearing 7 being pressed into the lower bearing shell with its outer ring. The lower bearing shell is pressed into the lower opening of the head tube 1. The fork-shaped head 3 is guided through the inner ring of the lower bearing 7 and the inner ring of the upper bearing 4 and protrudes into the centering ring 5 according to the invention above. A clamping pawl 8 is hammered into the upper opening of the fork-shaped head 3. This clamping pawl transmits the steering torque applied by the rider to the handlebars to the front fork via the handlebar tip 2. For completeness, the components connecting the handlebar tip 2 to the front fork and head tube 1 are as follows: Figure 1 As shown: The head tube 1 is covered by a cover 9 (gasket). The handlebar front end 2 is securely connected to the fork head 3 via a clamping cover 10 and an adjusting screw 11, and is rotatably connected to the head tube 1 without play. In addition, the handlebar front end 2 is spaced apart by spacer rings 12, upper sealing rings 13, and lower sealing rings 14.

[0032] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the upper part of the control head bearing is shown.

[0033] Figure 3 A perspective sectional view of the upper bearing 4 is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the centering ring 5 according to the invention has three thick-walled sections: a first thick-walled section 15, a second thick-walled section 16, and a third thick-walled section 17. A first thin-walled section 18 is disposed between the first thick-walled section 15 and the third thick-walled section 17. A second thin-walled section 19 is located between the second thick-walled section 16 and the third thick-walled section 17. The thin-walled sections 18 and 19 are designed as conduit sleeves 20, having conduit insertion openings 21 and connecting bridges 22, allowing conduits to be laid within the frame. It is also conceivable that the thin-walled design of the thin-walled sections is solely for weight reduction. A movement limiter 24 is arranged on the side 23 of the first thick-walled section 15, which in this case is designed as an end face. In the assembled state of the centering ring 5 according to the invention, or in the installed state as shown here, the movement limiter 24 extends into the cavity 25 arranged on the second thick-walled section 16.

[0034] Figure 4Another perspective sectional view of the upper bearing is shown. The centering ring 5 according to the invention has an inner surface 26 facing the fork head 3, an outer surface 27 facing the upper bearing 4 (upper rolling bearing), an end face, an upper contact surface 28 facing the cover 9, and an inclined contact surface 29 adjacent to the outer surface 27. When the centering ring 5 according to the invention is used, radial and axial forces act on the centering ring 5 according to the invention. The radial force is the force acting on the inner surface 26 and the outer surface 27. The radial force is the operating force introduced by the braking process or by driving over an obstacle. The axial force is the force acting on the upper contact surface 28 and the inclined contact surface 29 on the end side. The axial force is the internal force introduced by the axial preload of the headset, a combined axial force or oscillation force caused by the bending of the fork between the thick-walled sections, and therefore between the first thick-walled section 15, the second thick-walled section 16, and the third thick-walled section 17 in the exemplary embodiment shown.

[0035] Figure 5 A side sectional view of the upper bearing 4 is shown.

[0036] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 Detail A. A gap 30 exists between the centering ring 5 and the fork-shaped head 3 according to the invention. The gap 30 is compensated by the function of the centering ring 5 according to the invention, so that there is no clearance between the rolling bearing components, the centering ring 5 according to the invention, and the fork-shaped head 3.

[0037] Figure 7 A perspective view of the centering ring 5 according to the invention in its unassembled state is shown. In the unassembled state, the centering ring 5 according to the invention can be unfolded, thereby positioning the movement limiter 24 outside the cavity arranged on the side 31 of the second thick-walled section 16.

[0038] Figure 8 It shows according to Figure 7 Another perspective view of the centering ring 5 according to the invention. The movement limiter 24 may optionally be designed to have slight elasticity and has contact surfaces 32 and 33. When the movement limiter 24 is at least partially located in the cavity 25 in the assembled or installed state, the contact surface 32 may be operatively connected to or functionally connected to the contact surface 34 arranged in the cavity 25. Alternatively or additionally, when the movement limiter 24 is at least partially located in the cavity 25 in the assembled or installed state, the contact surface 33 may be operatively connected to or functionally connected to the contact surface 35 arranged in the cavity 25. Thus, the movement limiter 24 is adapted to stabilize the centering ring 5 according to the invention when a force is applied in the axial direction, thereby preventing damage in case of improper operation.

[0039] Figure 9 It shows according to Figure 7A top view of the centering ring 5 according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 10 It shows according to Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the centering ring 5 according to the present invention.

[0041] Figure 11 A perspective view of the centering ring 5 according to the invention in its assembled state is shown. During assembly, and in the assembled state, the movement limiter 24 is located within the cavity disposed on the second thick-walled section 16. The connecting hole 36 enables the thick-walled section to be fixed, thereby forming a rigid connection with the front end. To create this rigid connection, a pin disposed on the side of the cover 9 facing the centering ring 5 according to the invention is preferably inserted into the connecting hole 36. In this exemplary embodiment, the third thick-walled section 17 is fixed.

[0042] Figure 12 It shows according to Figure 11 A top view of the centering ring 5 according to the invention. A gap 37, having a gap dimension X 38, exists between the side surface 23 of the first thick-walled section 15 and the side surface 31 of the second thick-walled section 16. It is also conceivable that the side surface 23 and the side surface 31 come into contact with each other during assembly or fitting.

[0043] Figure 13 It shows according to Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the centering ring 5 according to the invention. The cavity 25 has a contact surface 39, which serves as a stop for the end face 40 if the movement limiter 24 with the end face 40 is designed to be sufficiently long, to brake or stop the counterclockwise rotational movement of the first thick-walled segment 15 and / or the clockwise rotational movement of the second thick-walled segment 16 caused by force. This leaves a minimum gap between the first thick-walled segment 15 and the second thick-walled segment 16, which, according to the design of the movement limiter 24, has a gap size 38 > 0 mm. The minimum gap size 38 of 0 mm is achieved when the sides 23 and 31 contact before the end face 40 contacts the contact surface 39 or when the end face 40 contacts the contact surface 39, thereby also braking or stopping the rotational movement of the first thick-walled segment 15 and / or the second thick-walled segment 16. The minimum gap size 38 > 0 mm is achieved if the sides 23 and 31 do not contact each other when the end face 40 contacts the contact surface 39.

[0044] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13Detail C. The movement limiter 24 has a contact surface 41 that, in the event of clockwise rotational movement due to force acting on the first thick-walled section 15 and / or counterclockwise rotational movement due to force acting on the second thick-walled section 16, engages with a contact surface 42 disposed on the cavity 25, thereby braking or stopping the rotational movement. In the unloaded state, i.e., when no force, particularly a oscillating force, acting on the centering ring 5 according to the invention, causing tension and pressure between the first thick-walled section 15, the second thick-walled section 16, and / or the third thick-walled section 17, is applied, a gap 43 is arranged between the contact surfaces 41 and 42.

[0045] Figure 15 It shows according to Figure 3 A top view of the cross-section of the upper bearing 4 in the unloaded state. The gap 43 arranged between contact surfaces 41 and 42 has a gap dimension D 44. The first thin-walled section 18 has a first connecting bridge 45, and the second thin-walled section 19 has a first connecting bridge 46.

[0046] Figure 16 It shows according to Figure 3 A top view of the cross-section of the upper bearing 4 under load. Under load, i.e., when forces, particularly oscillating forces, causing tension and pressure between the first thick-walled section 15, the second thick-walled section 16, and / or the third thick-walled section 17 act on the centering ring 5 according to the invention, the clearance dimensions D 44 and B 38 are changed. Here, increasing the clearance dimension D 44 results in a smaller clearance dimension B 38, while decreasing the clearance dimension D 44 results in a larger clearance dimension B 38. The clearance 37 reaches its maximum clearance dimension when contact surfaces 41 and 42 are in contact. The clearance 43 reaches its maximum clearance dimension if the end face 40 is in contact with contact surface 39.

[0047] Forces, particularly oscillating forces, can cause the first thick-walled section 15 to experience a circumferential force toward the third thick-walled section 17. This operational force causes compression of the first connecting bridge 45 disposed between them, and in the case of a centering ring belonging to the prior art, this compression leads to overload and ultimately to the breakage of at least one connecting bridge. Conversely, the tensile forces acting on the connecting bridge 22 do not pose a problem because these forces generated during driving operations are below the load limit.

[0048] The centering ring 5 according to the invention solves this problem because only limited rotational movement is possible between the first thick-walled section 15 and the second thick-walled section 16. Here, the free movement of the two thick-walled sections relative to each other corresponds to the distance required to compensate for the usual tolerance deviations of the connecting parts.

[0049] For example, if a oscillating force occurs during operation, causing excessive compression of the connecting bridge 22 or both connecting bridges 22, the two thick-walled sections engage with each other and are in an active connection, thereby transmitting tensile force between the first thick-walled section 15 and the second thick-walled section 16. This avoids overloading of the connecting bridge 22 or the connecting bridges 22 because the ability of the two thick-walled sections to move relative to each other is restricted. Consequently, the third thick-walled section 17 and the connecting bridge 22 or the connecting bridges 22 are not compressed, and therefore the centering ring 5 according to the invention is not damaged.

[0050] Figure 17 It shows according to Figure 16 A top view of the cross-section of the upper bearing 4 under load, showing the compression section 47 in an enlarged manner; the third thick-walled section 17 is non-rotatably connected to the handlebar front end 3 via a connecting hole 36. For example, if the oscillating force now causes the first thick-walled section 15 to move in a clockwise circular motion, the first thick-walled section 15 moves toward the third thick-walled section 17. A first connecting bridge 45 is provided between the first thick-walled section 15 and the third thick-walled section 17. The first thick-walled section 15 is operatively connected to the second thick-walled section 16, thereby transmitting tension. Because the second thick-walled section 16 is operatively connected to the third thick-walled section 17 via the second connecting bridge 46, tension can be transmitted. Force balance exists. Therefore, the harmful oscillating force on the first thick-walled section 15 will not cause the first connecting bridge 45 of the first thin-walled section 18 to break. The first connecting bridge 45 is at most slightly compressed.

[0051] Figure 18 It shows according to Figure 16 A top view of the cross section along line EE of the upper bearing 4 under load.

[0052] Figure 19 It shows along Figure 18 The side sectional view of line EE.

[0053] Figure 20 A cross-sectional view is shown in another exemplary embodiment of the centering ring 5 according to the present invention. Figure 13 Compared to the centering ring 5 according to the present invention shown, Figure 20 The centering ring 5 according to the invention shown has only a thin-walled section, namely the first thin-walled section 18, and only two thick-walled sections, namely the first thick-walled section 15 and the second thick-walled section 16. In this exemplary embodiment, the second thick-walled section 16 is fixed to the front end 2 of the handlebar via a connecting hole 36.

[0054] Figure 21 A cross-sectional view is shown in another exemplary embodiment of the centering ring 5 according to the present invention. Figure 13 Compared to the centering ring 5 according to the present invention shown, Figure 21The centering ring 5 according to the invention shown has only a thin-walled section, namely the second thin-walled section 19, and only two thick-walled sections, namely the first thick-walled section 15 and the second thick-walled section 16. In this exemplary embodiment, the first thick-walled section 15 is fixed to the front end 2 of the handlebar via a connecting hole 36.

[0055] Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the centering ring 5 according to the invention is shown. Compared to the exemplary embodiment currently shown, the centering ring 5 according to the invention has two movement limiters 24, the corresponding contact surfaces 41 of which are actionably connected to each other to brake or stop the rotational movement of one or more thick-walled segments. It is also conceivable that such an embodiment is equipped only with thin-walled segments. It is also conceivable that a tenon-and-groove connection is provided between the movement limiters 24, the tenon-and-groove connection being adapted to stabilize the centering ring 5 according to the invention when a force is applied in the axial direction, thereby preventing damage in the event of improper operation.

[0056] Figure 23 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the movement limiter 48 of the centering ring 5 according to the invention is shown. In this case, the movement limiter 48 is designed as a separate component having contact surfaces 49 and 50, through which the movement limiter 48 can be operatively connected with contact surfaces 42 arranged on the thick-walled section and / or with contact surfaces arranged on other movement limiters 24, i.e., contact surfaces 41, 49, or 50 and / or with contact surfaces arranged on other movement limiters 48, i.e., contact surfaces 49 or 50. Additionally, the movement limiter 48 has an end face 40, through which the movement limiter can be operatively connected with contact surfaces 39 arranged on the thick-walled section.

[0057] Figure 24 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the centering ring 5 according to the invention is shown. The centering ring 5 according to the invention has three movement restrictors, namely two movement restrictors 24 and one movement restrictor 48, wherein the movement restrictors 24 are disposed on the thick-walled section 15, the movement restrictor 24 is disposed on the thick-walled section 16, and the third movement restrictor 48 is designed as a separate component having contact surfaces 49 and 50, through which the movement restrictor 48 can be operatively connected with the contact surfaces 41 disposed on the other movement restrictors 24, so as to brake or stop the rotational movement of one or more thick-walled sections.

[0058] It is also conceivable that such embodiments are equipped only with thin-walled sections. It is also conceivable that a tenon-and-groove connection is provided between the movement restrictors 24 and 48, the tenon-and-groove connection being suitable for stabilizing the centering ring 5 according to the invention when force is applied in the axial direction, thereby preventing damage in case of improper operation. It is also conceivable that only the movement restrictor 24 is used on the thick-walled section, and one end of the movement restrictor 48, designed as a separate component, extends into a cavity arranged on another thick-walled section, whereby the movement restrictor can be operatively connected with contact surface 42 arranged thereon by its contact surface 49 or 50, or with contact surface 39 arranged thereon by its end face 40.

[0059] Figure 25 A perspective view of a centering ring 5 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention in its unassembled state is shown. In the unassembled state, the centering ring 5 according to the invention can be unfolded, thereby positioning the movement limiter 24 outside the cavity 25 arranged on the side 31 of the second thick-walled section 16. Figure 7 Compared to the centering ring 5 shown according to the present invention, Figure 25 The illustrated movement limiter 24 does not have a locking hook, but instead has a ball head 51. Other geometries of the movement limiter 24 are also conceivable, having contact surfaces capable of activating with contact surfaces arranged within the cavity 25, whereby destructive forces on one or more thick-walled sections do not cause breakage of the thin-walled sections. During assembly, and in the assembled state, the movement limiter 24 is located within the cavity 25 arranged on the second thick-walled section 16. It is also conceivable that such an exemplary embodiment only includes the thin-walled sections, thereby omitting the third thick-walled section 17.

[0060] Figure 26 It shows according to Figure 25 A cross-sectional view of the centering ring according to the invention in its assembled state. The connecting hole 36 enables the fixing of the thick-walled section, thereby forming a rigid connection with the front end. To create this rigid connection, a pin arranged on the side of the cover 9 facing the centering ring 5 according to the invention is preferably inserted into the connecting hole 36. In this exemplary embodiment, the third thick-walled section 17 is fixed. It is also conceivable that side surfaces 23 and 31 contact each other during assembly or fitting, thus eliminating gaps 37. The cavity 25 has a contact surface 39, which, if the movement limiter 24 with end face 40 is designed to be sufficiently long, serves as a stop for the end face 40 to brake or stop the counterclockwise rotational movement of the first thick-walled section 15 and / or the clockwise rotational movement of the second thick-walled section 16 caused by force.

[0061] Figure 27 It shows according to Figure 26A top view of the centering ring 5 according to the invention. A gap 37, having a gap dimension X 38, exists between the side surface 23 of the first thick-walled section 15 and the side surface 31 of the second thick-walled section 16. It is also conceivable that the side surface 23 and the side surface 31 come into contact with each other during assembly or fitting.

[0062] All features presented in the specification, appended claims, and drawings are essential to the present invention, individually and in any combination thereof.

[0063] List of reference numerals 1. Head tube (bicycle frame) 2. Handlebar front end 3. Forked column capital 4. Upper bearing 5. Centering ring (clamping ring) 6 bases 7 Lower bearing 8. Clamping claws 9. Cover 10. Clamping cap 11 Adjusting screw 12 spacer rings 13 Upper sealing ring 14 Lower sealing ring 15 First Thick-Walled Section 16 Second Thick-walled Section 17 Third Thick-walled Section 18 First thin-walled section 19 Second thin-walled section 20 Pipeline sleeve 21 Pipeline insertion opening 22 Connecting bridge 23 Side View 24 Movement Restrictor 25 Cavity 26 Inner surface 27 Outer surface 28 Upper contact surface 29 Inclined contact surface 30 gap 31 Side View 32 Contact surface 33 Contact surface 34 Contact surface 35 Contact surface 36 Connecting holes 37 gap 38 Gap dimension B 39 Contact surface 40 end face 41 Contact surface 42 Contact surface 43 gap 44 Gap dimension D 45 First connecting bridge 46 Second connecting bridge 47 Compression Section 48 Movement Restrictor 49 Contact surface 50 contact surface 51 Ball Head

Claims

1. A centering ring for two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles (5). - It has at least two thick-walled segments, namely at least one first thick-walled segment (15) and a second thick-walled segment (16), wherein the first thick-walled segment (15) has a side (23) facing the side (31) of the second thick-walled segment (16). -Having at least one thin-walled segment adjacent to the first thick-walled segment (15) and / or the second thick-walled segment (16), Its features are, A gap (37) is arranged between the sides (23, 31), the gap having a gap size B (38), wherein the gap size B (38) is capable of varying between a minimum gap size and a maximum gap size. The sides (23, 31) are at least partially in contact with each other or arranged to be spaced apart from each other by the gap (37) having a gap size B (38). as well as The centering ring (5) has at least one movement limiter (24, 48) having at least one contact surface (32, 33, 41, 49, 50) and / or at least one end face (40), through which force-induced separation of the sides (23, 31) can only be achieved until the maximum gap size is reached and / or force-induced sliding of the sides (23, 31) toward each other can only be achieved until the minimum gap size is reached, wherein: To form a mortise and tenon connection between the movement restraint (24, 48) and the thick-walled section, at least one groove is provided on the movement restraint (24, 48), and correspondingly at least one tenon is provided on the thick-walled section; and / or at least one tenon is provided on the movement restraint (24, 48), and correspondingly at least one groove is provided on the thick-walled section; and / or To form a mortise and tenon connection between one movement limiter (24, 48) and another movement limiter (24, 48), at least one groove is provided on one movement limiter (24, 48) and at least one tenon is provided on the other movement limiter (24, 48) accordingly, and / or at least one tenon is provided on one movement limiter (24, 48) and at least one groove is provided on the other movement limiter (24, 48) accordingly.

2. The centering ring (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side (23) is disposed on the end side of the first thick-walled section (15) and / or the side (31) is disposed on the end side of the second thick-walled section (16).

3. The centering ring (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one movement limiter (24) is arranged on the side (23) of the first thick-walled section (15) and / or at least one movement limiter (24) is arranged on the side (31) of the second thick-walled section (16) and / or at least one movement limiter (48) is a separate component.

4. The centering ring (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one thick-walled segment has at least one contact surface (39) for at least one movement limiter (24, 48).

5. The centering ring (5) according to claim 4, characterized in that, At least one contact surface (39) is arranged in a cavity (25), the cavity being arranged in a thick-walled section.

6. The centering ring (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centering ring (5) has a first thin-walled section (18) and a second thin-walled section (19), wherein the first thin-walled section (18) is adjacent to the first thick-walled section (15) and the second thin-walled section (19) is adjacent to the second thick-walled section (16).

7. The centering ring (5) according to claim 6, characterized in that, A thick-walled section, namely the third thick-walled section (17), is provided between the first thin-walled section (18) and the second thin-walled section (19).

8. The centering ring (5) according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, One of the thick-walled sections has a connecting hole (36).

9. The centering ring (5) according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, At least one thin-walled section is a pipeline sleeve (20).

10. A method for reducing the risk of breakage of at least one thin-walled segment of a centering ring (5) for two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles, wherein the centering ring (5) has at least two thick-walled segments, namely at least one first thick-walled segment (15) and a second thick-walled segment (16), wherein the first thick-walled segment (15) has a side (23) facing the side (31) of the second thick-walled segment (16). Its features are, A gap (37) is arranged between the sides (23, 31), the gap having a gap size B (38), wherein the gap size B (38) is capable of varying between a minimum gap size and a maximum gap size. The sides (23, 31) are at least partially in contact with each other or arranged to be spaced apart from each other by the gap (37) having a gap size B (38). as well as The centering ring (5) has at least one movement limiter (24, 48) having at least one contact surface (32, 33, 41, 49, 50) and / or at least one end face (40), through which force-induced separation of the sides (23, 31) can only be achieved until the maximum gap size is reached and / or force-induced sliding of the sides (23, 31) toward each other can only be achieved until the minimum gap size is reached, wherein: To form a mortise and tenon connection between the movement restraint (24, 48) and the thick-walled section, at least one groove is provided on the movement restraint (24, 48), and correspondingly at least one tenon is provided on the thick-walled section; and / or at least one tenon is provided on the movement restraint (24, 48), and correspondingly at least one groove is provided on the thick-walled section; and / or To form a mortise and tenon connection between one movement limiter (24, 48) and another movement limiter (24, 48), at least one groove is provided on one movement limiter (24, 48) and at least one tenon is provided on the other movement limiter (24, 48) accordingly, and / or at least one tenon is provided on one movement limiter (24, 48) and at least one groove is provided on the other movement limiter (24, 48) accordingly.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Once at least one contact surface (32, 33, 41, 49, 50) of the movement limiter (24, 48) comes into contact with at least one contact surface (34, 35, 42) arranged on the thick-walled section, or once the end face (40) of the movement limiter (24, 48) comes into contact with at least one contact surface (39) arranged in the cavity (25) on the thick-walled section, the force-induced separation and / or force-induced sliding toward each other of the sides (23, 31) is braked or stopped.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, At least one of the movement restrictors (48) has at least two contact surfaces (41), namely a first contact surface (49) and a second contact surface (50), such that once the first contact surface (49) of the movement restrictor (48) contacts at least one contact surface (42) arranged on the first thick-walled section (15), and the second contact surface (50) of the movement restrictor (48) contacts at least one contact surface (42) arranged on the second thick-walled section (16), the force-induced separation and / or force-induced sliding toward each other of the sides (23, 31) is braked or stopped.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, At least one of the movement restrictors (48) has at least two contact surfaces (41), namely a first contact surface (49) and a second contact surface (50), such that once the first contact surface (49) of the movement restrictor (48) contacts at least one contact surface (42) arranged on the thick-walled section, and the second contact surface (50) of the movement restrictor (48) contacts the contact surface (41) arranged on the second movement restrictor (24, 48), the force-induced separation and / or force-induced sliding toward each other of the sides (23, 31) is braked or stopped.

14. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, At least one of the movement restrictors (24, 48) has at least one contact surface (41, 49, 50) such that once at least one contact surface (41, 49, 50) of the movement restrictor (24) comes into contact with at least one contact surface (41, 49, 50) arranged on the second movement restrictor (24, 48), the force-induced separation and / or force-induced sliding toward each other of the sides (23, 31) is braked or stopped.

15. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Force transmission is established between the two thick-walled sections of the centering ring (5) at the latest when a certain gap size B (38) specified by the at least one movement limiter (24, 48) is reached.

16. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The centering ring (5) is used for the control head bearing of the vehicle.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that, The centering ring (5) is the centering ring (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images