mudguards for a bicycle

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a wheel guard for attachment to the steerer tube of a bicycle, comprising an insert that can be inserted into the end of the steerer tube. The insert has an expanding element by which the insert can be clamped to the end of the steerer tube, particularly in the area of ​​a steerer tube cone, and a splash guard connected to a holder. The holder comprises a base that can be axially inserted into a sleeve of the insert.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a mudguard for a bicycle, which can be attached to the fork tube of the bicycle. Background of the invention

[0002] Retrofittable mudguards for bicycles that protect the rider from dirt and moisture are well known. These can include a bracket that is inserted into the open-fronted fork stem tube and clamped there.

[0003] Published patent application EP 3 339 150 A1 discloses a mudguard whose fastening mechanism includes two magnets intended to facilitate installation. However, attaching the mudguard from the side from the front is cumbersome, as the guide rail must be precisely aligned. Furthermore, the magnets result in a rather bulky structure.

[0004] Another well-known mudguard, marketed under the trade name MonkeyLink® by SKS Metaplast Scheffer-Klute GmbH, is a mudguard comprising a holder that is inserted axially into an insert clamped into the fork steerer tube. A magnetic attraction facilitates installation of the mudguard. To remove it, the mudguard can be unlocked and pulled out against the magnetic force.

[0005] The disadvantage is that the clamp is located quite deep in the fork tube. Therefore, the bracket on the mudguard must be correspondingly long, which also makes installation more difficult. Object of the invention

[0006] The invention, in contrast, is based on the object of at least reducing the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is intended to provide a robust, simply constructed, and easily attachable mudguard for attachment to the fork stem. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the invention is already achieved by a mudguard for attachment to the fork tube of a bicycle according to one of the independent claims.

[0008] Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0009] The invention relates to a mudguard for attachment to the fork stem of a bicycle. A bicycle, as defined by the invention, also includes vehicles equipped with an electric auxiliary motor, so-called e-bikes and pedelecs, as well as multi-track vehicles, in particular cargo bikes.

[0010] The mudguard is designed to be mounted on the fork stem, which is open at the bottom. "Bottom" and "top," as well as "front" and "rear," refer to the installation position during intended use.

[0011] The mudguard includes an insert that can be inserted into the end of the fork steerer tube. The insert has an expanding element that allows the insert to be clamped to the end of the fork steerer tube.

[0012] The insert is clamped at the lower end of the steerer tube, specifically in the steerer cone. This allows for a particularly short design.

[0013] The mudguard also includes a splash guard. A splash guard is a profile that protects the rider from splashing water and dirt. Such a component is also commonly referred to as a fender. The splash guard can, in particular, be designed as an injection-molded plastic part.

[0014] The mudguard is connected to a bracket. The bracket is used to attach the mudguard to the insert. The insert remains stationary on the bike, whereas the bracket is removed along with the mudguard when disassembled.

[0015] The holder comprises a base that can be inserted axially into a sleeve of the insert.

[0016] The base can in particular be designed as a component protruding from a base plate, which is inserted into the insert in the axial direction (relative to the center axis of the fork stem tube).

[0017] This ensures that the splash guard is attached particularly robustly.

[0018] Preferably, the holder and insert are secured against rotation relative to each other. This can be achieved, in particular, by a polygonal cross-section of the base, in particular a rectangular cross-section.

[0019] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the base is drawn into the sleeve of the insert by magnetic attraction, whereby the holder and insert lock into a connected state.

[0020] A magnetic attraction between the insert and the holder ensures easy installation of the holder on the insert. The holder moves axially into the insert. Preferably, the magnetic attraction force is so strong that a locking action between the holder and the insert occurs automatically, particularly by pushing a latch back against a spring bias.

[0021] To remove the holder and splash guard, release the locking mechanism and pull the splash guard and holder downwards against the magnetic attraction.

[0022] The locking mechanism ensures that the splash guard stays securely in place even in the event of major shocks, such as when driving off-road.

[0023] The expansion element is directly adjacent to the sleeve. The sleeve thus forms a lower part, and the injection-molded part an upper part of the insert. The sleeve preferably has a height of less than 3 cm, in particular less than 2 cm, in particular 1-3 cm.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, one magnetic element, in particular a magnet, is arranged in the base, and two further magnetic elements, in particular magnets, are arranged in the wall of the sleeve. The magnets can thus be arranged, in particular, in a row extending perpendicular to the central axis of the sleeve.

[0025] The magnets are specifically aligned in such a way that the middle magnet, located in the base, is attracted to the sides of the magnets located in the sleeve. The polarity of the magnets is therefore opposite.

[0026] Such an arrangement can provide a relatively high attractive force. Furthermore, the sleeve can dispense with a magnetic element at the bottom. In particular, a screw for expanding the expansion element can be easily accessible at the bottom of the sleeve.

[0027] In a further development of the invention, a latch protrudes from a side wall of the base and, when connected, engages a recess in the sleeve. The locking mechanism thus takes place within the sleeve. This allows for a compact design while simultaneously protecting the latch from dirt.

[0028] The invention makes it possible to provide a particularly short insert, in particular an insert that protrudes less than 6 cm into the cable tube, in particular the insert protrudes 2-5 cm into the steerer tube.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the expansion element comprises three segments that can be expanded by means of an upper and a lower cone.

[0030] The lower cone can in particular be designed as the head piece of the sleeve.

[0031] The upper cone forms a counter-holder and spreads the expansion elements from above.

[0032] The tip angle of the cone can be 30-60°.

[0033] The segments of the expansion element are preferably made of a rigid material, particularly metal or plastic. Compared to an expandable elastic insert, a higher clamping force can be generated. Furthermore, separate segments can cover a larger diameter range with respect to the inner diameter of the steerer tube.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, it relates to a mudguard for attachment to the fork tube of a bicycle.

[0035] This can be designed in particular as described above.

[0036] The mudguard comprises an insert that can be inserted into the fork tube and has an expanding element that allows the insert to be clamped in place.

[0037] Furthermore, according to this aspect of the invention, the mudguard also comprises a splash guard which is connected to a holder, wherein the holder comprises a base which can be inserted axially into a sleeve of the insert.

[0038] The base is drawn into the sleeve of the insert by magnetic attraction and the holder and insert can be locked together using a locking element.

[0039] According to this aspect of the invention, the locking element comprises a latch which can be moved out of the base of the holder and which can be reset by moving the locking element against a spring preload.

[0040] The locking element is in particular linearly movable.

[0041] The locking element can, in particular, comprise an integrally formed spring. For example, the locking element can be provided as a plastic injection-molded part with an integrated spring.

[0042] The spring can, in particular, be a wave spring. A wave spring, in the sense of the invention, is a resilient section that meanders in a serpentine manner.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking element comprises an unlocking member that is guided over a base plate of the holder, in particular in a rail. The locking member is guided through a channel in the base and protrudes from a side wall of the base.

[0044] By pressing the release mechanism, the bolt is pulled inwards and the lock is released.

[0045] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a mudguard which is designed in particular as above and has an insert which can be inserted into the fork stem tube and has an expanding element by means of which the insert can be clamped in place.

[0046] Furthermore, the mudguard has a splash guard that is connected to a holder, whereby the holder and insert can be connected to each other.

[0047] The mudguard includes an adapter that extends around the expansion element to adapt to the inner diameter of the steerer tube.

[0048] The adapter can in particular be designed as a slotted sleeve.

[0049] According to the invention, a single adapter ensures use on steerer tubes with an inner diameter of 21-35 mm.

[0050] This is made possible in particular by an expansion element which is divided into segments that are spread apart via an upper and a lower cone.

[0051] This allows a wide diameter range, especially from 21 to 31 mm, to be covered without the use of an adapter. To cover larger diameters up to 35 mm, a single adapter is sufficient.

[0052] The invention further relates to a bicycle which is equipped with the mudguard described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0053] The subject matter of the invention will be explained below using an embodiment with reference to the drawings Fig. 1 - Fig. 13 will be explained in more detail. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mudguard. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are perspective views of the use of the mudguard. Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the insert. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the insert counterholder. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a segment of the expansion element. Fig. 7 is a detailed view of the removed splash guard in the area of ​​the holder. Fig. 8 is a detailed view from below. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the holder and locking element. Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are exploded views of the holder and locking element. Fig. 12 is a longitudinal section. Fig. Figure 13 is a schematic representation of the insert inserted into a steerer tube. Detailed description of the drawings

[0054] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a mudguard 1.

[0055] The mudguard 1 comprises an insert 100 for attachment to the fork stem tube, which can be clamped into the fork stem tube (see Fig. 12).

[0056] The insert 100 remains on the bike even when the mudguard is removed.

[0057] Furthermore, the mudguard 1 comprises a splash guard 10. This can in particular be designed as a plastic injection-molded part.

[0058] In this embodiment, the splash guard 10 has a step 11.

[0059] The splash guard 10 comprises a holder 200 which has a base that can be inserted axially into the insert 100.

[0060] During installation, the holder 200 is pulled into the insert 100 by magnetic force and locked into place. This ensures the splash guard 10 is securely attached in a simple manner.

[0061] To remove the splash guard 10, the user presses the release mechanism 211 and pulls the splash guard 10 together with the holder 200 downwards against the magnetic force of attraction.

[0062] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the insert 100. The insert 100 includes a base plate 110 which, when assembled, rests against the end of the steerer tube.

[0063] A sleeve 111 extends inwardly or upwardly from the base plate 110. Adjacent to the sleeve extends the expansion element 120, which comprises three expandable segments 121.

[0064] As shown in the perspective view according to Fig. 3, the sleeve 111 of the insert 100 comprises a channel 112 into which the base of the holder (see 201 in Fig. 7) is introduced.

[0065] By tightening the screw 101, the head of which is located at the end of the channel 112, the insert 100 can be clamped in place.

[0066] In this embodiment, channel 112 and the base of the holder have a rectangular cross-section with rounded corners.

[0067] The base can preferably only be inserted into the channel 112 in a single orientation. Thus, the insertion position of the holder into the insert 100 is clearly defined.

[0068] In this embodiment, this is achieved by having the corners of the channel 112 and the base with different radii in cross-section. In particular, the front corners have a larger radius than the rear corners.

[0069] Furthermore, the insert 100 comprises a recess 113 in the area of ​​the base plate 110, which in cooperation with a corresponding extension of the holder (203 in Fig. 7) forms a positive connection which additionally secures the insert 100 and holder against twisting.

[0070] Fig. Figure 4 is an exploded view of insert 100.

[0071] The insert 100 comprises the sleeve 111, which has an opening 114 from which the latch of the locking element protrudes in the assembled state.

[0072] The sleeve 111 comprises a conical head piece 115, which serves to spread the segments 121 of the spreading element.

[0073] In this embodiment, conically aligned rails 116 are provided, in which the segments 121 run with the grooves 122. Thus, the segments 121 are secured against rotation relative to the conical head piece 115.

[0074] A screw 101 is guided through the through hole 117 and engages in a thread 131 of the counterholder 130.

[0075] The thread 131 can be provided, for example, by an inserted or injected nut.

[0076] The segments 121 are held together by O-rings 102, which are inserted into the circumferential grooves 123.

[0077] The magnets 118 are inserted opposite each other in the side wall of the sleeve 111. These can be glued or injected, for example.

[0078] Furthermore, an adapter 2 is provided, which is designed as a slotted ring and which can be placed on the expansion element.

[0079] The adapter 2 is used to adapt the expansion element to larger inner diameters of the steerer tube.

[0080] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the counterholder 130.

[0081] The counterholder 130 also has conically aligned rails 132 for spreading the segments of the spreading element.

[0082] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an expansion element 121.

[0083] The expansion element 121 comprises the grooves 122 formed obliquely according to the inclination of the rails of the counterholder and head piece as well as the circumferential grooves 123 into which the O-rings are inserted.

[0084] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the removed splash guard 10 in the area of ​​the holder 200.

[0085] The holder 200 comprises the base plate 202, which is pushed into the rails 12 of the splash guard 10.

[0086] When assembled, the base 201 protrudes into the insert.

[0087] The bar 212 protrudes from the side wall of the base.

[0088] By pressing the unlocking member 211 of the locking element 210, the latch 212 is reset and the splash guard 10 can be removed.

[0089] The extension 203 serves in cooperation with a recess of the insert (113 in Fig. 3) additional stabilization.

[0090] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the splash guard 10 from below.

[0091] On the lower side, i.e. opposite the holder, a plate 205 runs in a rail 13 of the splash guard 10.

[0092] The holder can be moved longitudinally relative to the splash guard 10.

[0093] After loosening screw 204, the splash guard 10 can be moved longitudinally relative to the bracket. This allows for adjustment to the respective frame geometry.

[0094] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the holder 200 from below.

[0095] The locking element 210 can now be seen, which is guided in the rail 207 arranged on the base plate.

[0096] The locking element 210 comprises the unlocking member 211, which can be moved linearly against the preload of the wave spring 213 in order to retract the bolt.

[0097] The wave spring 213 merges into an arm 214 which is suspended in a recess of the rail 207.

[0098] The thread 208 is used to mount the holder 200 on the splash guard.

[0099] The side wings 206 are used to insert the holder into the rails of the splash guard (12 in Fig. 7).

[0100] Fig. 10 is an exploded view of the holder 200.

[0101] It can be seen that the locking element has the latch 212, which projects into the base 201 and which projects out of the base through the opening 209.

[0102] The magnet 220 is inserted into the base 201, in particular glued or injected.

[0103] When assembled, the opposite poles of the magnets of the insert (118 in Fig. 4) opposite on a plane of the side wall of the sleeve of the insert.

[0104] As in Fig. 11, the locking element 210 is inserted into the rail 207 of the insert.

[0105] Fig. 12 is a central longitudinal section of the insert and holder area.

[0106] It can be clearly seen that the magnets 118 of the insert and the magnet 220 of the holder are arranged in a row aligned perpendicular to the central axis m.

[0107] Below the magnets 118, 220, the holder is secured in use by the latch 212.

[0108] The unlocking member 211 for retracting the bolt 212 is arranged at the rear, relative to the direction of travel.

[0109] Fig. 13 shows a schematic representation of the insert 100 inserted into the steerer tube 20.

[0110] The steerer tube 20 has a conical area at the front, namely the steerer cone 21.

[0111] The expansion element 120 of the insert 100 is located in the area of ​​the fork shaft cone.

[0112] This ensures a particularly short design.

[0113] For fork tubes with larger diameters, the Fig.4 adapters shown are used (not shown).

[0114] The invention made it possible to provide an easily attachable and robustly designed mudguard, which can be used in particular for a wide range of fork tube diameters. List of reference symbols 1 mudguard 2 adapters 10 Splash guard 11th level 12 rail 13 Rail 20 steerer tube 21 Fork steerer cone 100 bets 101 Screw 102 O-ring 110 base plate 111 Sleeve 112 Channel 113 Recess 114 Opening 115 conical headpiece 116 Rail 117 Through hole 118 Magnet 120 expansion element 121 segments 122 groove 123 groove 130 counterholders 131 threads 132 rail 200 holders 201 base 202 base plate 203 Extension 204 screw 205 plate 206 wings 207 Rail 208 threads 209 Opening 210 locking element 211 Release device 212 bars 213 Wave spring 214 Arm 220 Magnet QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 339 150 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Mudguard (1) for attachment to the fork tube (20) of a bicycle, wherein the mudguard (1) comprises an adapter extending around the expansion element (120) for adaptation to the inner diameter of the fork tube (20). [2] Mudguard (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that with a single adapter the insert (100) can be attached to steerer tubes (20) with an inner diameter of 21 mm-35 mm. [3] Mudguard (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an insert (100) which can be inserted into the fork stem tube (20), the insert having an expanding element (120) by means of which the insert (100) can be clamped, a splash guard (10) which is connected to a holder (200), the holder (200) comprising a base (201) which can be inserted axially into a sleeve (111) of the insert (100). [4] Mudguard (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat the spreading element (120) is directly adjacent to the sleeve (111). [5] Mudguard (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a magnetic element is arranged in the base (201) and that two further magnetic elements are arranged in the wall of the sleeve (111) and / or that a latch (212) protrudes from a side wall of the base (201) and, in the connected state, engages in a recess (113) of the sleeve (111). [6] Mudguard (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the insert (100) projects less than 6 cm into the fork stem tube (20), in particular 2 to 5 cm and / or that the spreading element (120) comprises three segments which can be spread by means of an upper and a lower cone. [7] Mudguard (1) for attachment to the fork tube (21) of a bicycle, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an insert (100) insertable into the steerer tube (20), the insert having an expansion element (120) by means of which the insert (100) can be clamped, a splash guard (10) connected to a holder (200), the holder (200) comprising a base (201) which can be inserted axially into a sleeve (111) of the insert (100), and wherein the holder (200) and insert (100) can be locked via a locking element (210), wherein the locking element (210) comprises a latch (212) which can be moved out of the base (201) of the holder (200) and which can be reset by a displacement of the locking element (210) against a spring preload. [8] Mudguard (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the locking element (210) comprises an integrally formed spring, in particular designed as a wave spring. [9] Mudguard (1) for attachment to the fork tube (20) of a bicycle, comprising an insert (100) insertable into the end of the steerer tube (20), wherein the insert (100) has an expanding element (120) by means of which the insert (100) can be clamped to the end of the steerer tube (20), a splash guard (10) connected to a holder, the holder comprising a base (201) which can be inserted axially into a sleeve (111) of the insert (100), the base (201) being drawn into the sleeve (111) of the insert (100) by magnetic attraction, and wherein the holder (200) and insert (100) lock in a connected state. [10] Bicycle comprising a mudguard (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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