Clamping device for fastening component to bicycle handlebar

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamping device for fastening a component to a bicycle handlebar. The invention relates to a clamping device for a component, comprising an open annular base body which is bent about a central axis and which has a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end, and comprising a locking region which is provided for forming a releasable snap connection to the component. In this case, the base body is provided for surrounding a bicycle handlebar, a joint gap being formed between the first circumferential side end and the second circumferential side end. The locking region is disposed on the first circumferential side end. The first circumferential side end and the second circumferential side end are provided for being connected along a fastening axis by means of a fastening element in order to fasten the clamping device to the bicycle handlebar, and wherein the locking region is provided for fastening the component by means of the fastening element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device for fastening a component on a bicycle handlebar, a clamping assembly and a method for fastening a component on a bicycle handlebar. Background Art

[0002] Various embodiments of clamping devices for fastening components to bicycle handlebars are known in the prior art. Fastening components to bicycle handlebars using clamping devices according to the prior art often requires a complex assembly process. This installation process may include multiple assembly steps and often requires complex alignment of the components relative to one another.

[0003] It would be desirable to have a clamping device for fastening a component to a bicycle handlebar that allows for intuitive and rapid assembly of the component to the bicycle handlebar while being simple and cost-effective to manufacture. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The clamping device for securing a component to a bicycle handlebar according to the present invention has the following advantages: the component can be easily aligned and secured in the locking region of the clamping device, wherein the clamping device and the component can then be secured to the bicycle handlebar by means of a fastening element. According to the present invention, this is achieved by the clamping device comprising an open, annular base body bent about a central axis, the base body having a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end, the base body being configured to surround the bicycle handlebar. A joint gap is formed between the first and second circumferential ends. Furthermore, the clamping device comprises a locking region, which is arranged on the first circumferential end and is configured to form a releasable connection with the component. The releasable connection is preferably a releasable snap-fit ​​connection. The first and second circumferential ends are configured to be connected along a fastening axis by means of at least one fastening element, preferably precisely one screw, in order to secure the clamping device to the bicycle handlebar. Furthermore, the locking region is configured to secure the component by means of at least one fastening element in addition to the releasable connection. The fastening axis is preferably arranged perpendicular to the central axis. Thus, the component can be temporarily aligned and fastened to the clamping device by means of the snap connection. Subsequently, the clamping device and the component can be quickly and easily permanently fastened to the bicycle handlebar by means of the fastening element. In particular, the clamping connection according to the invention enables a single-handed fastening of the component to the bicycle handlebar.

[0005] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown below.

[0006] Preferably, the locking region comprises an undercut and a projection, which are configured to form a releasable snap-fit ​​connection with the component. The undercut and projection are preferably designed so that they jointly restrict all degrees of freedom of the component relative to the clamping device in order to form a positive-locking connection with the component. The projection is preferably flexible and forms a snap-fit ​​element, enabling simple engagement and release of the snap-fit ​​connection. The combination of the undercut and projection enables a snap-fit ​​connection that can be easily integrated into the clamping device and by means of which the component can be easily fastened to the clamping device.

[0007] Further preferably, the projection is arranged radially outside the fastening axis from the base body on a first circumferential end, and the undercut is arranged between the center axis of the base body and the fastening axis. This enables simple fastening and subsequent fixing of the component to the clamping device.

[0008] The first and second circumferential ends preferably have through-holes for receiving screws. The through-holes can be manufactured cost-effectively. The screws preferably engage threads provided on the component to secure the component and the clamping device to the bicycle handlebar. The through-holes in the first circumferential end preferably have a larger diameter than the through-holes in the second circumferential end.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first circumferential end and / or the second circumferential end have a spacer device that is arranged radially outside the tightening axis relative to the base body and projects into the joint gap. Thus, the spacer device primarily prevents contact between the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end, while a joint gap of a defined distance still exists between the first and second circumferential ends. During the tightening process, the joint gap can be reduced by means of the screw, thereby ensuring reliable application of the clamping force.

[0010] The clamping device preferably comprises a guide rib which is arranged adjacent to the undercut and forms a lateral stop in the direction along the central axis. The clamping device thus enables simple assembly and simultaneous orientation of the component.

[0011] Further preferably, the clamping device is one-piece. Therefore, the clamping device can be manufactured in a low-cost manner in one step. In addition, the one-piece clamping device enables reliable use of the clamping device.

[0012] The present invention also describes a clamping assembly comprising a fastening element, a component, and the aforementioned clamping device. The clamping device is configured to secure the component to a bicycle handlebar using the fastening element. The fastening element is preferably a single screw. This allows the component to be simply and reliably secured to the bicycle handlebar using the clamping device.

[0013] Further preferably, the clamping assembly is arranged to be used for fixing the component below the bicycle handlebar.Therefore, the center of gravity of the clamping assembly is positioned below the bicycle handlebar, which can achieve a stable position for fixing the clamping assembly.

[0014] The present invention also includes a method for fastening a component to a bicycle handlebar. In one step, the clamping device described above is mounted on the bicycle handlebar. In another step, the component is fastened to the clamping device. In a final step, the clamping device is fastened to the bicycle handlebar using a fastening element, and the component is secured to the clamping device. The fastening element is, in particular, a single screw. This method thus enables simple and reliable fastening of the component to the bicycle handlebar. The component can be fastened to the clamping device before or after the clamping device is mounted on the bicycle handlebar. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 : A schematic perspective view of a clamping device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 : A detailed view of a first circumferential side end portion of a clamping device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 : A cross-sectional view of the clamping device and the bicycle handlebar according to the first embodiment before the clamping device is mounted on the bicycle handlebar;

[0019] Figure 4 : A cross-sectional view of a bicycle handlebar and the clamping device according to the first embodiment after the clamping device has been installed on the bicycle handlebar;

[0020] Figure 5 : A cross-sectional view of a clamping assembly consisting of a clamping device and a member according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the clamping device and the member are fixed to a bicycle handlebar by means of screws;

[0021] Figure 6 : A detailed view of the clamping assembly according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention in the region of the joint gap;

[0022] Figure 7 : Flowchart of a method for fastening a component to a bicycle handlebar according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Preferably, all identical components, elements and / or units are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Refer to the following Figures 1 to 7 The clamping device 10 , the clamping assembly 100 , and the method for fastening the member 40 to the bicycle handlebar 50 according to the first embodiment are described in detail.

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view of a clamping device 10 is shown. The clamping device 10 comprises an open, annular base body 12, which is bent about a central axis XX. The base body 12 has a first circumferential end 14 and a second circumferential end 16. Between the first circumferential end 14 and the second circumferential end 16, the clamping device 10 has a joint gap 18.

[0026] The first circumferential end 14 and the second circumferential end 16 each have a planar joining surface 27. The joining surface 27 is oriented parallel to the center axis XX.

[0027] The first circumferential end 14 and the second circumferential end 16 each have a through-hole 26 , which is oriented perpendicularly to the center axis XX. The through-hole 26 is arranged in the joint surface 27 and perpendicularly thereto.

[0028] In the fastened state, the through holes 26 have a common fastening axis SS. Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , the fastening axis SS is shown in the through-hole 26 on the first circumferential end 14 .

[0029] The second circumferential end 16 has a spacer 28 which projects from the second circumferential end 16 in the direction of the joint gap 18. The spacer 28 is arranged radially outside the through-opening 26, as viewed from the center axis XX.

[0030] The clamping device 10 is preferably an injection-molded component made of a plastic material. Therefore, it can be manufactured quickly and cost-effectively. Furthermore, plastic has good flexibility, which enables easy fastening of the clamping device 10 to the bicycle handlebar 50 and easy fastening of the component 40 to the clamping device 10.

[0031] The first circumferential side end 14 has an outwardly pointing locking area 20. The locking area 20 is provided for forming a releasable snap connection with the component 40. For this purpose, the locking area 20 has an undercut 22 and two rectangular protrusions 24, which can engage with the corresponding recesses 41 on the component 40 (at Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) and protrusion 43 (shown in Figure 52 ). Here, the projection on the component 40 can engage in the undercut 22. By subsequently rotating the component 40, the projection 24 can snap into the recess 41 of the component 40, thereby fastening the component to the clamping device.

[0032] In the locking region 20, guide ribs 23 are arranged on both sides of the undercut 22, so that the undercut 22 is located centrally between the two guide ribs 23. The guide ribs 23 extend along a plane perpendicular to the central axis XX. Thus, the guide ribs 23 form a guide and a stop for the component 40.

[0033] Figure 2 A detailed view of the locking area 20 is shown.

[0034] The locking region 20 has a planar stop surface 29 which is arranged parallel to the engagement surface 27. The through-opening 26 extends from the stop surface 29 to the engagement surface 27 and is arranged perpendicular thereto.

[0035] At the radial ends of the locking region 20, two rectangular projections 24 are arranged on the stop surface 29. The projections 24 have chamfers 21 that facilitate forming and releasing the snap connection with the component 40. The component 40 can be fixed to the stop surface 29 and to the projections 24 by means of screws 60.

[0036] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the clamping device 10 and a bicycle handlebar 50 is shown. Here, the clamping device 10 has not yet been mounted on the bicycle handlebar 50. The bicycle handlebar 50 has a circular cross-section.

[0037] To mount the clamping device 10 on the bicycle handlebar 50, the first circumferential end portion 14 and the second circumferential end portion 16 are bent away from each other to increase the joint gap 18. The base body 12 has such flexibility that the first circumferential end portion 14 and the second circumferential end portion 16 can be bent away from each other to such an extent that the joint gap 18 becomes wider than the diameter of the bicycle handlebar 50 without the base body 12 being plastically deformed.

[0038] The second circumferential end 16 has a recess 25 on the side opposite the joint gap 18, which is provided for receiving the screw head of the screw 60. The recess 25 is shaped in such a way that the screw head can rest flush against it.

[0039] Figure 3 The basic state of the clamping device 10 is shown, in which the joint gap 18 is not bent open or closed by external forces.

[0040] exist Figure 4 5. It can be seen in FIG. 5 that after the clamping device has been mounted on the bicycle handlebar 50. Here, the clamping device 10 is restored to its basic state.

[0041] In the installed basic state, there is a gap between the base body 12 and the bicycle handlebar 50 , so that the clamping device 10 can move freely along the bicycle handlebar 50 .

[0042] Locked Area 20 Geodesy Arranged below the center axis XX of the clamping device 10 .

[0043] Figure 5 The clamping assembly 100 is shown, which is composed of a screw 60 , a component 40 and a clamping device 10 . In this case, the clamping assembly 100 is fixed to a bicycle handlebar 50 by means of the screw 60 .

[0044] The component 40 is shown as a bicycle light, for example, but can also be a bicycle computer, a bell, an additional sensor or an input unit, for example.

[0045] The component 40 forms a releasable snap-on connection with the locking region 20 . Here, the projection 43 of the component 40 engages in the undercut 22 of the clamping device 10 . Furthermore, the projection 24 of the clamping device 10 engages in the associated recess 41 of the component 40 .

[0046] The component 40 is fixed to the clamping device 10 by means of a screw 60. The screw extends through the through-holes 26 in the first circumferential end 14 and the second circumferential end 16 and engages in the associated threaded hole 42 in the component 40. The threaded hole 42 is arranged coaxially with the through-hole 26. The screw head rests against the notch 25 in the second circumferential end 16, so that the screw 60 screws the second circumferential end 16 and the component 40 together.

[0047] The second circumferential end 16 rests against the engagement surface 27 of the first circumferential end 14 via the spacer 28. A narrow engagement gap 18 still exists between the engagement surface 27 of the first circumferential end 14 and the engagement surface 27 of the second circumferential end 16. By screwing the screw 60 further into the component 40, the engagement gap 18 can be reduced, which increases the clamping force of the clamping device 10 on the bicycle handlebar 50.

[0048] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 Detail view of the clamping assembly 100 in the area of ​​the joint surface.

[0049] It can be seen that the through-hole 26 in the first circumferential end portion 14 has a larger diameter than the through-hole 26 in the second circumferential end portion 16. Furthermore, the through-hole 26 in the first circumferential end portion 14 has a chamfer 21, which adjoins the joint gap 18. The larger diameter and the chamfer 21 in the first circumferential end portion 14 facilitate the introduction of the screw 60 when the through-holes 26 in the first circumferential end portion 14 and the second circumferential end portion 16 are not oriented coaxially with respect to one another.

[0050] Figure 7 A flow chart illustrating a method for securing a component 40 to a bicycle handlebar 50 is shown.

[0051] In a first step S1, the clamping device 10 is mounted on the bicycle handlebar 50. To this end, the clamping device 10 is preferably bent open to such an extent that the engagement gap 18 is wider than the diameter of the bicycle handlebar 50. After the clamping device 10 is mounted on the bicycle handlebar, it is preferably returned to its basic state.

[0052] In a second step S2 , the component 40 is fastened to the clamping device 10 by means of a releasable snap connection.

[0053] Alternatively, the component 40 may also be fastened to the clamping device 10 before the clamping device 10 is fastened to the bicycle handlebar 50 .

[0054] Finally, in a third step S3, the clamping device 10 is fixed to the bicycle handlebar 50 and the component 40 is simultaneously fixed to the clamping device 10 by means of precisely one screw 60. Thus, the component 40 can be fixed to the bicycle handlebar 50 in a few steps by means of the clamping device 10.

Claims

1. A clamping device for fastening a member (40) to a bicycle handlebar (50), comprising: an open, annular base body (12) bent about a central axis (XX), the base body having a first circumferential end (14) and a second circumferential end (16); a locking region (20) configured to form a releasable connection, in particular a releasable snap-on connection, with the component (40); - wherein the base (12) is configured to surround the bicycle handlebar (50); It is characterized by: - in the assembled state, a joining gap (18) is formed between the first circumferential end portion (14) and the second circumferential end portion (16); - wherein the locking area (20) is arranged on the first circumferential end (14); wherein the first circumferential end portion (14) and the second circumferential end portion (16) are configured to be connected along a fastening axis (SS) by at least one fastening element, preferably precisely one screw (60), in order to fasten the clamping device (10) to the bicycle handlebar (50); and - wherein the locking region (20) is provided for fixing the component (40) by means of the at least one fastening element in addition to the releasable connection.

2. The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein The locking area (20) has an undercut (22) and a protrusion (24) which are configured to form the releasable snap connection with the component (40).

3. The clamping device according to claim 2, wherein: The projection (24) is arranged radially outside the fastening axis (SS) from the base body (12) on the first circumferential end (14), and the undercut (22) is arranged between the center axis (XX) and the fastening axis (SS).

4. The clamping device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first circumferential end (14) and the second circumferential end (16) have a through-hole (26) which is provided for receiving the fastening element, in particular exactly one screw (60).

5. The clamping device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first circumferential end (14) and / or the second circumferential end (16) has a spacer (28) which is arranged radially outside the fastening axis (SS) from the base body (12) and projects into the joint gap (18).

6. The clamping device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a guide rib (23) which is arranged adjacent to the undercut (22) and forms a lateral stop in the direction along the center axis (XX).

7. The clamping device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The clamping device (10) is in one piece.

8. A clamping assembly comprising a fastening element, in particular exactly one screw (60), a component (40) and a clamping device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The clamping device (10) is provided for fastening the component (40) to a bicycle handlebar (50) by means of the fastening element.

9. The clamping assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The clamping assembly (100) is configured to geodetically secure the member (40) beneath the bicycle handlebar (50).

10. A method for fastening a member (40) to a bicycle handlebar (50), comprising the steps of: - mounting (S1) the clamping device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 on the bicycle handlebar (50); - fastening (S2) the component (40) to the clamping device (10); The clamping device (10) is fastened (S3) to the bicycle handlebar (50) and the component (40) is fastened to the clamping device (10) by means of a fastening element, in particular precisely one screw (60).

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