Bowden cable coupling and arrangement with such a Bowden cable coupling

Abstract

The present invention relates to a Bowden cable coupling (1) for detachably coupling a first Bowden cable (2a) to a second Bowden cable (2b). Bowden cables are used to transmit mechanical forces from an actuating element to a functional element. The Bowden cable coupling (1) comprises a first coupling unit (4a) connected to the first Bowden cable (2a), a second coupling unit (4b) connected to the second Bowden cable (2b), and a coupling sleeve (10) for connecting the two coupling units (4a, 4b), wherein the first coupling unit (4a) and the coupling sleeve (10) are detachably connected to each other via a bayonet fitting.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a Bowden cable coupling for releasably coupling a first Bowden cable with a second Bowden cable and to an arrangement with such a Bowden cable coupling.

[0002] Bowden cables are used to transmit mechanical forces from an actuator to a functional element. Bowden cables consist of a usually stranded wire, also called a core, which is guided axially within a Bowden cable housing. Typically, the core protrudes from both ends of the Bowden cable and has connectors, such as retaining nipples, which attach one end of the core to an actuator and the other end to the functional element to be actuated. However, it is also possible that a retaining nipple is provided at only one end, with the other end connected to the functional element or actuator by a clamping screw.

[0003] Bowden cables are well-known from bicycles, particularly as gear cables or brake cables. They are also used in strollers, wheelchairs, and therapy chairs, especially for transmitting the mechanical forces of a brake lever to a wheel brake. A problem with components connected by a Bowden cable is that disconnecting the connection is time-consuming and usually requires tools. This is particularly problematic when components need to be separated, especially when one component carries the actuating element and the other the functional element. For example, it may be necessary or intended to detach a handlebar with a brake lever from a bicycle frame to allow for separate storage or to reduce the overall size.It is also quite possible that a bicycle frame is designed to be separable or foldable. Even if the Bowden cable can be detached from one of the components, the problem often arises that this cannot be done without tools. Detaching the Bowden cable at one end, for example, from the component connected to the grip, also has the disadvantage that the cable is then free over a considerable length, allowing this free section to hang down and swing back and forth. Furthermore, such a detachment presents the problem that when reconnecting, it cannot be guaranteed that the effective length of the Bowden cable after reconnection will be identical to the effective length before reconnection. This can lead to an undesirable change in the actuation travel of the control element or necessitate a correction of the effective length.With regard to the separation of components to which elements are attached that are connected to each other via a Bowden cable, it is therefore advantageous if the Bowden cable as such is separable in an area between the two elements, insofar as the Bowden cable as such has detachably coupled Bowden cables or Bowden cable sections.

[0004] Bowden cable couplings for the detachable connection of two Bowden cables or Bowden cable sections are known in the prior art. For example, such a Bowden cable coupling is described in EP 2 495 460 A2. However, its handling for disconnecting and connecting is cumbersome. Furthermore, the Bowden cable coupling described there is not suitable for frequent opening and closing. Bowden cable couplings with bayonet fittings are known from DE 10 2006 057 326 A1, DE 722 661 A, and US 2 416 206 A.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an easy-to-use quick-release coupling for Bowden cables.

[0006] This problem is solved by a Bowden cable coupling having the features of claim 1 and an arrangement according to claim 16. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the general description and the description of exemplary embodiments.

[0007] The invention relates to a Bowden cable coupling for the releasable coupling of a first Bowden cable with a second Bowden cable, comprising: - a first coupling unit, wherein the first coupling unit has a first guide bushing and a first slide unit, wherein the first slide unit is connected to a core of the first Bowden cable, wherein the first guide bushing has a through-opening for the core of the first Bowden cable, wherein the first slide unit is mounted in the first guide bushing so as to be displaceable in the axial direction, - a second coupling unit, wherein the second coupling unit has a second guide bushing and a second slide unit, wherein the second slide unit is connected to a core of the second Bowden cable, wherein the second guide bushing has a through-opening for the core of the second Bowden cable, wherein the second slide unit is mounted to be axially displaceable in the second guide bushing, and - a coupling sleeve, wherein the second coupling unit is connected to the coupling sleeve, wherein the second guide bushing is axially displaceable in the coupling sleeve and the second slide unit is fixed in position to the coupling sleeve, wherein the first coupling unit is detachably connected to the coupling sleeve via a bayonet fitting, wherein the first slide unit has a first component of the bayonet fitting, the coupling sleeve has a second component of the bayonet fitting corresponding to the first component, wherein the first coupling unit can be inserted into the coupling sleeve in the axial direction and the first slide unit can be moved into a locked position of the bayonet fitting by rotation in a direction of rotation about the axial direction,wherein in the closed position the first guide bushing is mounted to be axially displaceable in the coupling sleeve and the first slide unit is coupled to the coupling sleeve, so that in the closed position, i.e. the position in which the first and second slide units are coupled to each other via the coupling sleeve, relative movements of the slide units with respect to the guide bushings are coupled to each other via the coupling sleeve.

[0008] The bayonet fitting allows for easy, safe and quick coupling and uncoupling of the first coupling unit and the coupling sleeve.

[0009] Basically, two different cases are conceivable regarding the relative movement of the guide bushings with respect to the coupling sleeve.

[0010] In the first case, the coupling sleeve is stationary. For example, the coupling sleeve could be fixed to a component, such as a frame or rack, to which an actuating element for operating the coupled Bowden cables or a functional element to be operated via the coupled Bowden cables is also attached. With a fixed coupling sleeve, the slide units are also stationary. When the coupled Bowden cables are actuated, the slide units and the inner tubes connected to them are not moved relative to the Bowden cable housings, for example, pulled, because the slide units are fixed by the coupling sleeve. Instead, the Bowden cable housings, together with the guide bushings, are moved axially relative to the stationary inner tubes and thus within the stationary coupling sleeve.

[0011] In the second case, the coupling sleeve is not fixed. With a non-fixed coupling sleeve, actuating the coupled Bowden cables moves the inner tubes and thus the slide units as usual, since the movement of the slide units is coupled via the coupling sleeve. Therefore, the coupling sleeve is displaced relative to the guide bushings when actuated.

[0012] The term "axial direction" here refers specifically to the longitudinal direction of the cable core. Typically, the Bowden cable, and therefore the core itself, will be curved. The axial direction then refers to the longitudinal direction of the core in the relevant section of the core.

[0013] It is considered advantageous if the second coupling unit is permanently connected to the coupling sleeve. This simplifies handling and prevents the coupling sleeve from being lost. However, it is also conceivable that the second coupling unit could also be connected to the coupling sleeve via a bayonet fitting.

[0014] It is considered particularly advantageous if the respective guide bushing forms a counter bearing for the Bowden cable housing of the respective Bowden cable.

[0015] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the guide bushings are designed to bear against each other in the axial direction, at least when the Bowden cables are actuated. A certain amount of play between the guide bushings has proven advantageous in simplifying coupling and uncoupling.

[0016] Preferably, the coupling sleeve is cylindrical, in particular circular cylindrical.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the first sliding unit has radially outward projections opposite the first guide bushing, these projections forming the first component of the bayonet lock. In this context, it is considered particularly advantageous if the coupling sleeve has slots or grooves corresponding to the projections, forming the second component of the bayonet lock. Preferably, such a slot has a longitudinal slot extending axially from an insertion end of the coupling sleeve, which transitions into a transverse slot at its rear, closed end.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the first slide unit has a base body axially guided in the first guide bushing, wherein the first slide unit has a locking pin to secure the base body against falling out of the first guide bushing, wherein the locking pin penetrates the base body and the first guide bushing transversely to the axial direction, and wherein opposite ends of the locking pin form the radially outward projections of the bayonet lock relative to the first guide bushing.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the second slide unit, like the first slide unit, has a base body axially guided in the second guide bushing. The second slide unit also has a locking pin to secure the base body against falling out of the second guide bushing, the locking pin extending transversely through the base body and the second guide bushing to the axial direction. In contrast to the first slide unit, the second slide unit features the opposite ends of the locking pin being positively engaged in opposing receiving openings in the coupling sleeve. No release mechanism or bayonet fitting is provided.

[0020] The use of a base body and a locking pin offers advantages during assembly. The base body can first be inserted axially into the guide bushing and then secured against falling out by inserting the locking pin. In principle, it is conceivable that, in the assembled state, there is an interference fit between the locking pin and the base body, making disassembly of the slide assembly difficult and requires considerable force. However, for the sake of simpler assembly, it is considered advantageous if the locking pin and the base body are connected via the respective Bowden cable core. In a preferred embodiment, the Bowden cable core passes through both the base body and the locking pin. For this purpose, the base body and the locking pin have through-holes, which the core passes through in the assembled state.This prevents the locking pin from being pushed out or falling out of the base body when assembled. The coupling unit can be assembled as follows: First, the base body is inserted axially into the guide bushing. Then, the locking pin is inserted into the base body, preferably perpendicular to the axial direction, to secure the base body against falling out of the guide bushing. The locking pin is inserted so that the through-holes of the locking pin and the base body are aligned. The inner tube is then threaded through so that it passes through the aligned through-holes of the base body and locking pin, as well as the through-hole of the guide bushing.

[0021] A connection between the respective slide unit and the respective core is preferably made via a retaining nipple connected to the core and a corresponding nipple bearing formed in the slide unit. In an embodiment with a locking pin and a base body, it is considered particularly advantageous if the locking pin and the base body form axially adjacent sections of the nipple bearing. When the retaining nipple is arranged in the nipple bearing, it secures the locking pin in the base body.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the first slide unit is axially displaceable within the first guide bushing between a proximal end position facing the second coupling unit and a distal end position facing away from the second coupling unit, and / or the second slide unit is axially displaceable within the second guide bushing between a proximal end position facing the first coupling unit and a distal end position facing away from the first coupling unit. It is considered particularly advantageous if each guide bushing has a closed-end guide slot in which the respective slide unit is guided axially. This ensures that each slide unit is securely mounted and guided within its respective guide bushing.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the first coupling unit is provided with a return element, wherein the first slide unit is displaced towards the distal end position against the return force of the return element, and / or wherein the second coupling unit is provided with a return element, wherein the second slide unit is displaced towards the proximal end position against the return force of the return element. This ensures that the first Bowden cable and any control element connected to the first Bowden cable are pre-tensioned even in the uncoupled and unactuated state. This facilitates coupling, as the first slide unit is positioned as far forward as possible in the insertion direction and is also stable due to the return force.Regarding the second slide unit, the return element has the effect of holding the functional element in an unactuated position when uncoupled.

[0024] The return element is preferably a mechanical spring, preferably a coil spring, wherein the coil spring surrounds the core of the respective Bowden cable or the core passes through the coil spring.

[0025] In principle, both clutch units can have a return element. However, it is considered advantageous if only one of the clutch units, preferably the first clutch unit, has a return element. Preferably, the Bowden cable of this clutch unit is connected to an actuating element, for example, a brake lever. A return element is generally not necessary for the clutch unit that is connected to the functional element to be actuated, e.g., a brake, since functional elements usually already have corresponding return elements.

[0026] Preferably, the first and / or the second slide unit, in particular the base body of the respective slide unit, has a blind hole for receiving the return element.

[0027] In order to minimize the number of different components required for the Bowden cable coupling, it is considered advantageous if the slide units and / or the guide bushings and / or the coupling units are each identically designed.

[0028] The arrangement according to the invention comprises an actuating element, for example in the form of a brake lever, and a functional element, for example in the form of a brake, which can be actuated by the actuating element. The arrangement has a first component and a second component that can be removed from the first component or folded down relative to the first component. The actuating element is attached to the first component, and the functional element is attached to the second component. The actuating element and the functional element are operatively connected to each other via the Bowden cable coupling according to the invention or one of the aforementioned advantageous embodiments of the Bowden cable coupling. The coupling sleeve is fixedly attached to the second component. In this respect, the first case described above, in which the coupling sleeve is stationary, is realized in this design.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the actuating element is a brake lever and the functional element is a brake.

[0030] Preferably, the components are components of a bicycle, in particular a folding bicycle, a stroller, a wheelchair or a therapy chair.

[0031] Preferably, the first component is a handlebar or grip, and the second component is a base body with wheels.

[0032] The following figures explain the invention in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, without being limited to these. They show: Fig. 1 a Bowden cable coupling with a first coupling unit of a first Bowden cable, a second coupling unit of a second Bowden cable and a coupling sleeve for coupling the coupling units in a coupled state, Fig. 2 the Bowden cable coupling according to Fig. 1 in a decoupled state, Fig. 3 the first coupling unit of the Bowden cable coupling according to Fig. 1, Fig. 4 the coupling sleeve of the Bowden cable coupling according to Fig. 1, Fig. 5 the second clutch unit of the Bowden cable clutch according to Fig. 1, Fig. 6 the Bowden cable coupling according to Fig. 1 in an unactivated state, Fig. 7 the Bowden cable coupling according to Fig. 1 in an activated state, Fig. 8 the Bowden cable coupling according to Fig. 6 in a representation without coupling sleeve, Fig. 9 the Bowden cable coupling according to Fig. 7 in a representation without coupling sleeve, Fig. 10 the first coupling unit in an exploded view, Fig. 11 the first coupling unit in sectional view according to line AA in Fig. 10, Fig. 12 components of the first coupling unit in an assembled state, Fig. 13 components of a bicycle with a Bowden cable coupling.

[0033] The Fig. Figures 1 to 11 show a Bowden cable coupling 1 for the detachable coupling or connection of a first Bowden cable 2a with a second Bowden cable 2b. In the coupled state, the two Bowden cables 2a, 2b form a functional Bowden cable. The Bowden cable coupling 1 makes it possible to quickly and easily disconnect and reconnect an actuating element and a functional element to be actuated by the actuating element, such as a brake lever and a brake, which are operatively connected to each other via both Bowden cables 2a, 2b. This allows, for example, quick disassembly and assembly and / or enabling folding functions, such as on a folding bicycle, without obstruction from the Bowden cable. An example is shown in the Fig. Figure 13 shows the use of the Bowden cable coupling 1 on a bicycle 3. The first Bowden cable 2a is connected to a brake lever 25, which is attached to a handlebar 23 of the bicycle 3. The second Bowden cable is connected to a brake (not shown) which is attached to the bicycle frame of the bicycle 3. Only a portion of the head tube 24 of the bicycle frame is shown. The coupling and uncoupling of the two Bowden cables 2a, 2b is achieved by a manual push-twist or twist-pull motion, which will be described in detail below.

[0034] The Bowden cable coupling 1 comprises a first coupling unit 4a, which is connected to the first Bowden cable 2a, and a second coupling unit 4b, which is connected to the second Bowden cable 2b. The two coupling units 4a and 4b are connected to each other via a coupling sleeve 10, thereby connecting the first Bowden cable 2a and the second Bowden cable 2b to form a functional Bowden cable. The components of the Bowden cable coupling 1, namely the first coupling unit 4a, the second coupling unit 4b, and the coupling sleeve 10, are shown in the Fig. 3 to 5 are shown separately.

[0035] The first coupling unit 4a has a first guide bushing 5a. The first guide bushing 5a forms a counter bearing for a Bowden cable housing 11, which encloses the inner tube 8 of the first Bowden cable 2a. An adjusting screw 9 is connected to the first guide bushing 5a, and the effective length of the Bowden cable housing 11 enclosing the inner tube 8 of the first Bowden cable 2a can be adjusted via this adjusting screw 9. The inner tube 8 of the first Bowden cable 2a passes through the adjusting screw 9 and the first guide bushing 5a in an axial direction Z, which corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the first Bowden cable 2a. A first slider unit 6a, 7a is connected to the inner tube 8 of the first Bowden cable 2a and is slidably mounted in the first guide bushing 5a in the axial direction Z.The first slide unit 6a, 7a is multi-part and comprises a base body 6a axially guided within the first guide bushing 5a and a locking pin 7a for securing the base body 6a against falling out of the first guide bushing 5a. The locking pin 7a extends through the base body 6a transversely to the axial direction Z, with the sections of the locking pin 7a projecting from the base body 6a passing through guide slots 19 of the first guide bushing 5a opposite the one extending in the axial direction Z and projecting transversely, i.e., radially outwards, from the first guide bushing 5a.

[0036] The inner cable 8 is attached to the first slide unit 6a, 7a via a retaining nipple 20 connected to the inner cable 8 of the first Bowden cable 2a, wherein the first slide unit 6a, 7a has a nipple bearing 18 corresponding to the retaining nipple 20. The nipple bearing 18 in the slide unit 6a, 7a forms a counter bearing for the retaining nipple 20 when the Bowden cable is under tension, with the nipple bearing 18 positively engaging the retaining nipple 20. A through-opening adjoins the nipple bearing 18, and the inner cable 8 of the first Bowden cable 2a passes through this through-opening.

[0037] The assembly of the first coupling unit 4a is carried out as follows: First, the base body 6a is inserted into the first guide bushing 5a.

[0038] The locking pin 7a is then inserted perpendicular to the axial direction Z into the base body 7a to secure the base body 6a against falling out of the first guide bushing 5a. The base body 6a and the locking pin 7a each have a through-opening for the inner cable 8 of the first Bowden cable 2a. During assembly, the locking pin 7a is inserted such that the through-opening of the locking pin 7a and the through-opening of the base body 6a are aligned. These through-openings then necessarily also align with the through-opening of the first guide bushing 5a. The inner cable 8 is then threaded through such that it passes through the aligned through-openings of the base body 6a, the locking pin 7a, and the first guide bushing 8a. This condition is in the Fig. 11 is shown, with the safety pin 7a in the for clarity. Fig. 11 is shown offset to the left compared to its actual position. Fig. Figure 12 shows the arrangement of guide bushing 5a, base body 6a and locking pin 7a without offset in a state after the locking pin 7a has been inserted into the base body 6a and before the threading of the core 8.

[0039] The locking pin 7a and the base body 6a have adjacent sections 18', 18'' in the axial direction Z, which form the nipple bearing 18. In the assembled state, the retaining nipple 20 is partially located in the section 18' formed in the locking pin 7a and partially in the section 18'' formed in the base body 6a of the nipple bearing 18. This prevents the locking pin 7a from being pulled out of or falling out of the base body 6a.

[0040] The second coupling unit 4b is essentially identical in design to the first coupling unit 4a and, analogous to the first coupling unit 4a, has a second guide bushing 5b and a second slide unit 6b, 7b with a base body 6b and a locking pin 7b, wherein the core 8 of the second Bowden cable 2b is connected to the second slide unit 6b, 7b in the same way as the core of the first Bowden cable 2a is connected to the first slide unit 6a, 7a.

[0041] The two Bowden cables 2a, 2b are coupled to each other via the coupling sleeve 10. The coupling sleeve 10 is essentially hollow and cylindrical and open at ends 12, 13 that are opposite each other in the axial direction Z. The second coupling unit 4b is arranged in one end 13 and permanently connected to the coupling sleeve 10, such that the second guide bushing 5b is slidably mounted in the coupling sleeve 10 in the axial direction Z, and the second slide unit 6b, 7b is fixed in position to the coupling sleeve 10. For this purpose, the coupling sleeve 10 has receiving openings formed by a transverse bore 16, with the opposite ends of the locking pin 7b being fixed in position and permanently mounted in the transverse bore 16, thus permanently connecting the second coupling unit 4b to the coupling sleeve 10. A solution that can be resolved by the user is not intended, at least not in the foreseeable future.

[0042] In contrast to the second coupling unit 4b, the first coupling unit 4a is detachably connected to the coupling sleeve 10 via a bayonet fitting. Connecting and disconnecting, or coupling and uncoupling, is therefore accomplished by a manual insertion-turning or turning-pulling motion. For this purpose, the first sliding unit 6a, 7a has a first component of the bayonet fitting, formed by the opposing ends of the locking pin 7a, which project radially outwards from the first guide bushing 5a. The coupling sleeve 10 has the second component of the bayonet fitting, corresponding to these projections, in this case in the form of opposing longitudinal slots 14 extending axially from the end 12 in the Z direction, and a transverse slot 15 adjacent to each longitudinal slot 14. This results in an overall L-shaped slot.At the end of the transverse slot 15, it transitions into a transverse bore 22, the transverse bore 22 having a larger diameter than the transverse bore 16 for the locking pin 7b of the second coupling unit 4b. To connect the first coupling unit 4a, it is inserted into the... Fig. 2. In the rotational position shown in the axial direction Z, the first coupling unit 4a is inserted into the coupling sleeve 10 and, by rotating the first coupling unit 4a about the axial direction Z, the first sliding unit 6a, 7a is moved into the locking position of the bayonet lock, which is in the Fig. Figure 1 shows that in the closed position, the first guide bushing 5a is axially displaceable in the coupling sleeve 10, whereas the first slide unit 6a, 7a is axially coupled to the coupling sleeve 10. For improved grip, the end of the first guide bushing 5a facing the adjusting screw 9 has a hexagonal surface. Good grip could also be achieved, for example, by knurling this area.

[0043] The distance between the transverse bores 16 and 22 of the coupling sleeve 10 is chosen such that when the first coupling unit 4a is inserted into the coupling sleeve 10, the first coupling unit 4a must be pressed against the second coupling unit 4b to move the second guide bushing 5b sufficiently to allow the locking pin 7a of the first slide unit 6a, 7a to engage in the larger transverse bore 22. Since the L-shaped slot 14, 15 guiding the locking pin 7a is significantly narrower than the diameter of the transverse bore 22, the locking pin 7a, and thus the first slide unit 6a, 7a, is pressed by the counter-pressure of the second slide unit 4b against the edge of the transverse bore 22 facing away from the second slide unit 4b, and is thus locked to the coupling sleeve 10. The counter-pressure of the second coupling unit 4b prevents unintentional disengagement.When tensile stress is applied to the core 8 of the first Bowden cable 2a, the locking pin 7a also rests against this edge. In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse bore 22 has a diameter approximately 2 mm larger than the width of the L-shaped slot 14, 15. Thus, on the one hand, the force required for coupling and uncoupling remains relatively low, and on the other hand, the 1 mm detent prevents unintentional uncoupling.

[0044] The first sliding unit 6a, 7a of the first coupling unit 4a is linearly guided in the guide slot 19 of the first guide bushing 5a between a proximal end position facing the second coupling unit 4b and a distal end position facing away from the second coupling unit 4b. The same applies to the second sliding unit 6b, 7b of the second coupling unit 4b. In contrast to the second coupling unit 4b, the first coupling unit 4a has a restoring element acting on the first sliding unit 6a, 7a in the form of a compression spring 17. The compression spring 17 is mounted in a blind hole 21 of the first guide bushing 5a and a blind hole 26 of the base body 6a, with the core 8 passing through the compression spring 17 in the axial direction Z. Displacement of the first sliding unit 6a, 7a towards the distal end position occurs against the restoring force of the compression spring 17.The compression spring 17 therefore ensures that the first Bowden cable 2a remains pre-tensioned in the decoupled state, thus keeping the retaining nipple 20 in the nipple bearing 18. This is particularly advantageous when the first Bowden cable 2a is connected to an actuating element, e.g., a brake lever 25, as shown in [reference]. Fig. 12, which is connected and does not have its own return element. In contrast, a return element is not necessary in the second clutch unit, since a functional element to be actuated, e.g., a disc brake, usually has a corresponding return element.

[0045] The operation of the Bowden cable coupling 1 is explained below using the following as an example. Fig. 6 to 9 explained in more detail. Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 8 shows the Bowden cable coupling 1 in a coupled, unactuated state. Due to the compression spring 17 and the restoring forces of the functional element connected to the second Bowden cable 2b, the first sliding unit 6a, 7a is in the proximal end position in the unactuated state, and the second sliding unit 6b, 7b is in the distal end position, as can be seen in particular from the Fig. 8. Since the guide bushings 5a, 5b support each other, as can be seen in particular from the Fig. 8 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 9, when the coupled Bowden cables 2a, 2b are actuated, the first sliding unit 6a, 7a moves into the distal end position and, due to the coupling via the coupling sleeve 10, the second sliding unit 6b, 7b moves accordingly into the proximal end position, as can be seen from the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. This actuates the functional element connected to the second Bowden cable 2b, for example, a disc brake. Since the clutch sleeve 10 follows the movement of the slide units 6a, 7a or 6b, 7b, the clutch sleeve 10 moves relative to the guide bushings 5a, 5b, as can also be seen from a comparison of the Fig. 6 with the Fig. 7 is evident.

[0046] In principle, it is conceivable that the coupling sleeve 10 is movable and the Bowden cable housings 11 are fixed. However, for the sake of simple coupling and uncoupling, it is considered advantageous if the coupling sleeve 10 is fixed, for example, attached to a head tube 24 of the bicycle frame, as is shown in the example in the Fig.Figure 13 shows that with the coupling sleeve 10 fixed, the slide units 6a, 7a, 6b, 7b are fixed. When the coupled Bowden cables 2a, 2b are actuated, the inner tubes 8 do not move relative to the Bowden cable housings 11 as usual, since the position of the slide units 6a, 7a, 6b, 7b is fixed by the coupling sleeve 10. Instead, the Bowden cable housings 11 are displaced relative to the fixed inner tubes 8 because the guide bushings 5a, 5b move relative to the fixed coupling sleeve 10 when the Bowden cables 2a, 2b are actuated. Both configurations—a movable coupling sleeve 10 and a fixed coupling sleeve 10—lead to the same result: a relative movement of the guide bushings 5a, 5b and the coupling sleeve 10 to each other. Reference symbol list 1 Bowden cable coupling 2a first Bowden cable 2b second Bowden cable 3 bicycles 4a first coupling unit 4b second coupling unit 5a first guide bushing 5b second guide bushing 6a Basic body 6b Basic body 7a Safety pin 7b Safety pin 8 soul 9 adjusting screw 10 Coupling sleeve 11 Bowden cable housing 12 End 13 End 14 longitudinal slots 15 cross slots 16 transverse bore 17 Compression spring 18 nipple bearings 18' Sub-area 18'' sub-area 19 guide slots 20 retaining nipples 21 Blind Hole 22 Cross bore 23 handlebars 24" head tube 25 brake levers 26 blind hole

Claims

[1] Bowden cable coupling (1) for releasably coupling a first Bowden cable (2a) with a second Bowden cable (2b), comprising: - a first coupling unit (4a), wherein the first coupling unit (4a) has a first guide bushing (5a) and a first slide unit (6a, 7a), wherein the first slide unit (6a, 7a) is connected to a core (8) of the first Bowden cable (2a), wherein the first guide bushing (5a) has a through-opening for the core (8) of the first Bowden cable (2a), wherein the first slide unit (6a, 7a) is mounted in the first guide bushing (5a) so as to be displaceable in the axial direction (Z), - a second coupling unit (4b), wherein the second coupling unit (4b) has a second guide bushing (5b) and a second slide unit (6b, 7b), wherein the second slide unit (6b, 7b) is connected to a core (8) of the second Bowden cable (2b), wherein the second guide bushing (5b) has a through-opening for the core (8) of the second Bowden cable (2b), wherein the second slide unit (6b, 7b) is mounted in the second guide bushing (5b) so as to be displaceable in the axial direction (Z), and - a coupling sleeve (10), wherein the second coupling unit (4b) is connected to the coupling sleeve (10), wherein the second guide bushing (5b) is slidably mounted in the coupling sleeve (10) in the axial direction (Z), and the second slide unit (6b, 7b) is fixedly connected to the coupling sleeve (10), wherein the first coupling unit (4a) is detachably connected to the coupling sleeve (10) via a bayonet fitting, wherein the first slide unit (6a, 7a) has a first component of the bayonet fitting, the coupling sleeve (10) has a second component of the bayonet fitting corresponding to the first component, wherein the first coupling unit (4a) can be inserted into the coupling sleeve (10) in the axial direction (Z), and by rotation in a direction of rotation about the axial direction (Z), the first slide unit (6a, 7a) is moved into a locking position of the can be converted to a bayonet lockwherein in the closed position the first guide bushing (5a) is slidably mounted in the coupling sleeve (10) in the axial direction (Z) and the first slide unit (6a, 7a) is coupled to the coupling sleeve (10), so that in the closed position relative movements of the slide units (6a, 7a; 6b, 7b) with respect to the guide bushings (5a; 5b) are coupled to each other via the coupling sleeve (10). [2] Bowden cable coupling (1) according to claim 1, wherein the respective guide bushing (5a, 5b) forms a counter bearing for a Bowden cable housing (11) of the respective Bowden cable (2a, 2b). [3] Bowden cable coupling (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the guide bushings (5a, 5b) support each other in the axial direction (Z). [4] Bowden cable coupling (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first slide unit (6a, 7a) has radially outward projections opposite the first guide bushing (5a) which form the first part of the bayonet lock, and the coupling sleeve (10) has slots corresponding to the projections, wherein each slot has a longitudinal slot (14) extending from an insertion end (12) in the axial direction (Z), which transitions into a transverse slot (15) at its rear closed end. [5] Bowden cable coupling (1) according to claim 4, wherein the first slide unit (6a, 7a) has a base body (6a) axially guided in the first guide bushing (5a), wherein the first slide unit (6a, 7a) has a locking pin (7a) for securing the base body (6a) against falling out of the first guide bushing (5a), wherein the locking pin (7a) passes through the base body (6a) and the first guide bushing (5a) transversely to the axial direction (Z) and wherein opposite ends of the locking pin (7a) form the radially outwardly projecting projections of the bayonet lock. [6] Bowden cable coupling (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second slide unit (6b, 7b) has a base body (6b) axially guided in the second guide bushing (5b), wherein the second slide unit (6b, 7b) has a locking pin (7b) for securing the base body (6b) against falling out of the second guide bushing (5b), wherein the locking pin (7b) passes through the base body (6b) and the second guide bushing (5b) transversely to the axial direction (Z) and wherein opposite ends of the locking pin (7b) are positively engaged in opposite receiving openings of the coupling sleeve (10). [7] Bowden cable coupling (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second coupling unit (4b) is permanently connected to the coupling sleeve (10). [8] Bowden cable coupling (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first slide unit (6a, 7a) is displaceable in the first guide bushing (5a) in the axial direction (Z) between a proximal end position facing the second coupling unit (4b) and a distal end position away from the second coupling unit (4b) and / or wherein the second slide unit (6b, 7b) is displaceable in the second guide bushing (5b) in the axial direction (Z) between a proximal end position facing the first coupling unit (4a) and a distal end position away from the first coupling unit (4a). [9] Bowden cable coupling (1) according to claim 8, wherein the first coupling unit (4a) has a return element, wherein the first slide unit (6a, 7a) is displaced in the direction of the distal end position against the return force of the return element. [10] Bowden cable coupling (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the second coupling unit (4b) has a return element, wherein the second slide unit (6b, 7b) is displaced in the direction of the proximal end position against the return force of the return element. [11] Bowden cable coupling (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first slide unit (6a, 7a) has a nipple bearing (18) and a through-opening adjacent to the nipple bearing (18) extending in the axial direction (Z), wherein the inner tube (8) of the first Bowden cable (2a) passes through the through-opening and a retaining nipple (20) connected to the inner tube (8) of the first Bowden cable (2a) is mounted in the nipple bearing (18) and / or wherein the second slide unit (6b, 7b) has a nipple bearing (18) and a through-opening adjacent to the nipple bearing (18) extending in the axial direction (Z), wherein the inner tube (8) of the second Bowden cable (2b) passes through the through-opening and a retaining nipple (20) connected to the inner tube (8) of the second Bowden cable (2b) is mounted in the nipple bearing (18) is. [12] Bowden cable coupling (1) according to claim 5 or 6 and claim 11, wherein the locking pin (7a; 7b) and the base body (6a, 6b) of the first coupling unit (4a) and / or the second coupling unit (4b) form axially adjacent partial areas (18', 18'') of the nipple bearing (18) in the direction (Z). [13] Bowden cable coupling (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first coupling unit (4a) has an adjusting screw (9) connected to the first guide bushing (5a), wherein an effective length of a Bowden cable sheath (11) enclosing the core (8) of the first Bowden cable (2a) is adjustable via this adjusting screw (9) and / or wherein the second coupling unit (4b) has an adjusting screw (9) connected to the second guide bushing (5b), wherein an effective length of a Bowden cable sheath (11) enclosing the core (8) of the second Bowden cable (2b) is adjustable via this adjusting screw (9). [14] Bowden cable coupling (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first Bowden cable (2a) is operatively connected at its end facing away from the first coupling unit (4a) to an actuating element, wherein the actuating element forms a counter bearing for the Bowden cable sheath (11) and when the actuating element is actuated, the actuating element pulls on the inner tube (8) of the first Bowden cable (2a). [15] Bowden cable coupling (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the slide units (6a, 7a; 6b, 7b) and / or the guide bushings (5a; 5b) and / or the coupling units (4a; 4b) are identical. [16] Arrangement comprising an actuating element, a functional element to be actuated by the actuating element and a Bowden cable coupling (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the arrangement comprises a first component and a second component that can be removed from the first component, wherein the actuating element is attached to the first component and the functional element is attached to the second component, wherein the actuating element and the functional element to be actuated are operatively connected to each other via the Bowden cable coupling (1), wherein the coupling sleeve (10) is fixedly attached to the second component.

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