Clamping device for attaching a component to a bicycle handlebar

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clamping device for fastening a component to a bicycle handlebar. The clamping device comprises an open, annular base body bent around a central axis, having a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end, and a locking region configured to form a releasable snap connection with the component. The base body is configured to enclose the bicycle handlebar, with a joining gap formed between the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end. The locking region is arranged at the first circumferential end.The first circumferential end and the second circumferential end are configured to be connected by a fastening element along a fastening axis in order to fix the clamping device to the bicycle handlebar, and wherein the locking region is configured to fix the component by means of the fastening element.

Description

State of the art

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

[0002] Clamping devices for attaching components to bicycle handlebars are known in various designs in the prior art. Attaching a component to a bicycle handlebar using a prior art clamping device usually requires a complex assembly process. This can involve numerous assembly steps. Often, complex alignment of the components is also necessary.

[0003] It would be desirable to have a clamping device for attaching components to a bicycle handlebar, which allows intuitive and quick assembly of components on a bicycle handlebar while being simple and cost-effective to manufacture. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The clamping device according to the invention for fastening a component to a bicycle handlebar with the features of claim 1 has the advantage that the component can be easily aligned and fastened in a locking region of the clamping device, wherein the clamping device and the component can then be fixed to the bicycle handlebar using a fastening element. This is achieved according to the invention in that the clamping device comprises an open, annular base body bent around a central axis, having a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end, which is designed to enclose the bicycle handlebar. A joining gap is formed between the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end. Furthermore, the clamping device comprises a locking region which is arranged at the first circumferential end and is designed to form a detachable connection with the component.The detachable connection is, in particular, a detachable snap connection. The first circumferential end and the second circumferential end are configured to be connected by at least one fastening element, preferably precisely one screw, along a fastening axis in order to fix the clamping device to the bicycle handlebar. Furthermore, the locking region is configured to fix the component by means of the at least one fastening element in addition to the detachable 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 using the snap connection. Subsequently, the clamping device and the component can be quickly and easily permanently fastened to the bicycle handlebar using the fastening element. In particular, the clamping connection according to the invention enables the component to be fixed to the bicycle handlebar with one hand.

[0005] The subclaims show preferred developments of the invention.

[0006] The locking region preferably has an undercut and a projection, which are configured to form the releasable snap connection with the component. The undercut and the projection are preferably configured such that, in combination, they restrict all degrees of freedom of the component relative to the clamping device in order to form a positive connection with the component. The projection is preferably flexible and forms a snap element, thus enabling easy joining and releasing of the snap connection. The combination of undercut and projection enables a snap connection that can be easily integrated into the clamping device and by means of which components can be easily attached to the clamping device.

[0007] Further preferably, the projection is arranged radially outside the fastening axis at the first circumferential end of the base body, and the undercut is arranged between the central axis of the base body and the fastening axis. This enables easy fastening and subsequent fixation of the component to the clamping device.

[0008] The first circumferential end and the second circumferential end preferably have through-holes to accommodate the screw. Through-holes can be manufactured cost-effectively. The screw preferably engages a thread provided in the component to fasten the component and the clamping device to the bicycle handlebar. The through-hole in the first circumferential end preferably has a larger diameter than the through-hole in the second circumferential end.

[0009] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the first circumferential end and / or the second circumferential end comprises a spacer, which is arranged radially outside the fastening axis from the base body and protrudes into the joint gap. Thus, the spacer initially closes the contact between the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end, while the joint gap remains at a defined distance between the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end. The joint gap can be reduced during the fastening process using the screw, thereby ensuring the reliable application of a clamping force.

[0010] The clamping device preferably comprises a guide bar arranged adjacent to the undercut and forming a lateral stop in the direction along the central axis. Thus, the clamping device can enable easy attachment and simultaneous alignment of the component.

[0011] More preferably, the clamping device is a one-piece assembly. Thus, the clamping device can be manufactured cost-effectively in a single step. Furthermore, the one-piece clamping device enables reliable use of the clamping device.

[0012] The invention further describes a clamping assembly comprising a fastening element, a component, and a clamping device as described above. The clamping device is configured to fix the component to a bicycle handlebar by means of the fastening element. The fastening element is preferably a screw. This enables simple and reliable attachment of the component to the bicycle handlebar using the clamping device.

[0013] Further preferably, the clamping assembly is configured to fix the component below the bicycle handlebar. Thus, the center of gravity of the clamping assembly is positioned below the bicycle handlebar, enabling a stable position for fixing the clamping assembly.

[0014] The invention further comprises a method for fastening a component to a bicycle handlebar. In one step, a previously described clamping device is attached to a bicycle handlebar. In a further step, the component is fastened to the clamping device. In a final step, the clamping device is fixed to a bicycle handlebar and the component is fixed to the clamping device with a fastening element. The fastening element is, in particular, a screw. Thus, the method 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 attached to the bicycle handlebar. Short description of the drawings

[0015] A preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a clamping device according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 a detailed view of the first circumferential end of the clamping device according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the clamping device according to the first embodiment and a bicycle handlebar before the clamping device is attached to the bicycle handlebar, Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the bicycle handlebar and the clamping device according to the first embodiment, after the clamping device has been attached to the bicycle handlebar, Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a clamping assembly according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention comprising the clamping device and a component, which are fixed to the bicycle handlebar by means of a screw, Fig. 6 a detailed view of the clamping assembly according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention in the region of the joint gap, and Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a method for attaching the component to the bicycle handlebar according to the first embodiment of the invention. Embodiments of the invention

[0016] Preferably, all identical components, elements and / or units in all figures are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0017] The following is based on the Fig. 1 to 7, a clamping device 10, a clamping assembly 100 and a method for fastening a component 40 to a bicycle handlebar 50 according to a first embodiment are described in detail.

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the clamping device 10. The clamping device 10 comprises an open, annular base body 12, which is bent around a central axis XX. The base body 12 has a first circumferential end 14 and a second circumferential end 16.

[0019] The clamping device 10 has a joining gap 18 between the first circumferential end 14 and the second circumferential end 16.

[0020] The first circumferential end 14 and the second circumferential end 16 each have a flat joining surface 27. The joining surfaces 27 are aligned parallel to the central axis XX.

[0021] The first circumferential end 14 and the second circumferential end 16 each have a through-bore 26 oriented perpendicular to the central axis XX. The through-bores 26 are arranged within the joining surface 27 and perpendicular to it.

[0022] In the mounted state, the through holes 26 have a common mounting axis SS. Fig. 1, the fastening axis SS is shown in the through hole 26 at the first circumferential end 14.

[0023] The second circumferential end 16 has a spacer 28, which protrudes from the second circumferential end 16 in the direction of the joint gap 18. The spacer 28 is arranged radially outside the through holes 26, as viewed from the central axis XX.

[0024] The clamping device 10 is preferably an injection-molded component made of a plastic material. This allows for quick and cost-effective production. Furthermore, plastic exhibits good flexibility, which allows for easy attachment of the clamping device 10 to the bicycle handlebar 50 and of the component 40 to the clamping device 10.

[0025] The first circumferential end 14 has an outwardly directed locking region 20. The locking region 20 is designed to form a releasable snap connection with the component 40. For this purpose, the locking region 20 has an undercut 22 and two cuboid-shaped projections 24, which are connected to an associated indentation 41 (in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) and nose 43 (in Fig. 5) can form the snap connection on the component 40. The nose on the component 40 can engage in the undercut 22. By subsequently rotating the component 40, the projections 24 can snap into the recesses 41 of the component 40, thereby securing the component to the clamping device.

[0026] In the locking area 20, a guide web 23 is arranged on each side next to the undercut 22, so that the undercut 22 is located centrally between the guide webs 23. The guide web 23 extends along a plane orthogonal to the central axis XX. Thus, the guide web 23 forms a guide and a stop for the component 40.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the locking area 20.

[0028] The locking area 20 has a flat stop surface 29, which is arranged parallel to the joining surface 27. The through-bore 26 extends from the stop surface 29 to the joining surface 27 and is arranged perpendicular to it.

[0029] At one radial end of the locking region 20, two cuboid-shaped projections 24 are arranged on the stop surface 29. The projections 24 have a chamfer 21, which facilitates the formation and release of a snap connection with the component 40. Using a screw 60, the component 40 can be fixed to the stop surface 29 and the projections 24.

[0030] Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the clamping device 10 and the bicycle handlebar 50. The clamping device 10 is not yet attached to the bicycle handlebar 50. The bicycle handlebar 50 has a round cross-section.

[0031] To attach the clamping device 10 to the bicycle handlebar 50, the first circumferential end 14 and the second circumferential end 16 are bent apart, thereby increasing the joint gap 18. The base body 12 has such flexibility that the first circumferential end 14 and the second circumferential end 16 can be bent apart so far that the joint gap 18 is wider than the diameter of the bicycle handlebar 50, without the base body 12 undergoing plastic deformation.

[0032] The second circumferential end 16 has a recess 25 on a side opposite the joint gap 18, which is designed to receive a screw head of the screw 60. The recess 25 is shaped such that the screw head can rest flush against it.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a basic state of the clamping device 10, in which the joint gap 18 is not bent open or closed by any external forces.

[0034] In Fig. 4 shows the clamping device 10 after it has been mounted in the bicycle handlebar 50. The clamping device 10 has returned to its initial state.

[0035] In the attached basic state, there is a play socket between the base body 12 and the bicycle handlebar 50, so that the clamping device 10 is freely movable along the bicycle handlebar 50.

[0036] The locking area 20 is arranged geodetically below the central axis XX of the clamping device 10.

[0037] Fig. 5 shows the clamping assembly 100 consisting of screw 60, component 40 and clamping device 10. The clamping assembly 100 is fixed to the bicycle handlebar 50 using the screw 60.

[0038] The component 40 is shown, for example, as a bicycle light, but can also be, for example, a bicycle computer, a bell, an additional sensor or an input unit.

[0039] The component 40 forms a releasable snap connection with the locking area 20. The nose 43 of the component 40 engages the undercut 22 of the clamping device 10. Furthermore, the projection 24 of the clamping device 10 engages the corresponding recess 41 of the component 40.

[0040] The component 40 is fixed to the clamping device 10 by means of the screw 60. The screw extends through the through holes 26 in the first circumferential end 14 and the second circumferential end 16 and engages a corresponding threaded bore 42 in the component 40. The threaded bore 42 is arranged coaxially with the through holes 26. The screw head rests against the recess 25 of the second circumferential end 16, so that the screw 60 pulls the second circumferential end 16 and the component 40 together.

[0041] The second circumferential end 16 rests with the spacer 28 against the joining surface 27 of the first circumferential end 14. A narrow joining gap 18 remains between the joining surface 27 of the first circumferential end 14 and the joining surface 27 of the second circumferential end 16. By further screwing the screw 60 into the component 40, the joining gap 18 can be reduced, which increases the clamping force of the clamping device 10 on the bicycle handlebar 50.

[0042] Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of the clamping assembly 100 from Fig. 5 in the area of ​​the joining surface.

[0043] It can be seen that the through-hole 26 in the first circumferential end 14 has a larger diameter than the through-hole 26 in the second circumferential end 16. Furthermore, the through-hole 26 in the first circumferential end 14 has a chamfer 21, which borders the joint gap 18. The larger diameter and the chamfer 21 in the first circumferential end 14 facilitate the insertion of the screw 60 when the through-holes 26 in the first and second circumferential ends 14, 16 are not coaxially aligned with one another.

[0044] Fig. 7 shows a flowchart of a method for attaching the component 40 to the bicycle handlebar 50.

[0045] In a first step S1, the clamping device 10 is attached to the bicycle handlebar 50. For this purpose, the clamping device 10 is preferably bent open so that the joining gap 18 is wider than the diameter of the bicycle handlebar 50. After the clamping device 10 has been attached to the bicycle handlebar, it preferably bends back to its initial state.

[0046] In a second step S2, the component 40 is fastened to the clamping device 10 by means of a detachable snap connection.

[0047] Alternatively, the component 40 can also be attached to the clamping device 10 before the clamping device 10 is attached to the bicycle handlebar 50.

[0048] Finally, in a third step S3, the clamping device 10 is fixed to the bicycle handlebar 50, and at the same time, the component 40 is fixed to the clamping device 10 with exactly one screw 60. Thus, with the aid of the clamping device 10, the component 40 can be fixed to the bicycle handlebar 50 in just a few steps.

Claims

[1] Clamping device for fastening a component (40) to a bicycle handlebar (50), comprising - an open, annular base body (12) bent around a central axis (XX) with a first circumferential end (14) and a second circumferential end (16), and - a locking region (20) which is designed to form a detachable connection, in particular a detachable snap connection, with the component (40), - wherein the base body (12) is designed to enclose the bicycle handlebar (50), characterized by , - that in the assembled state a joint gap (18) is formed between the first circumferential end (14) and the second circumferential end (16), - wherein the locking region (20) is arranged at the first circumferential end (14), - wherein the first circumferential end (14) and the second circumferential end (16) are arranged to be connected by at least one fastening element, preferably exactly one screw (60), along a fastening axis (SS) in order to fix the clamping device (10) to the bicycle handlebar (50), and - wherein the locking region (20) is configured to fix the component (40) by means of the at least one fastening element in addition to the detachable connection. [2] Clamping device according to claim 1, wherein the locking region (20) has an undercut (22) and a projection (24) which are designed to form the releasable snap connection with the component (40). [3] Clamping device according to claim 2, wherein the projection (24) is arranged radially outside the fastening axis (SS) at the first circumferential end (14) from the base body (12) and wherein the undercut (22) is arranged between the central axis (XX) and the fastening axis (SS). [4] Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first circumferential end (14) and the second circumferential end (16) have through-bores (26) which are designed to receive the fastening element, in particular the exactly one screw (60). [5] Clamping device according to 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] Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a guide web (23) which is arranged adjacent to the undercut (22) and forms a lateral stop in the direction along the central axis (XX). [7] Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping device (10) is one-piece. [8] Clamping assembly, comprising a fastening element, in particular exactly one screw (60), a component (40) and a clamping device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping device (10) is designed to fix the component (40) to a bicycle handlebar (50) by means of the fastening element. [9] Clamping assembly according to claim 8, wherein the clamping assembly (100) is configured to fix the component (40) geodetically below the bicycle handlebar (50). [10] Method for attaching a component (40) to a bicycle handlebar (50) comprising the steps: - Attaching (S1) a clamping device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7 to the bicycle handlebar (50), - Fastening (S2) the component (40) to the clamping device (10), - Fixing (S3) the clamping device (10) to the bicycle handlebar (50) and the component (40) to the clamping device (10) with a fastening element, in particular exactly one screw (60).

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