TRAIN GUIDE FOR A BICYCLE

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a cable guide for a bicycle, i.e., a usable guide through which cables or wires can be inserted into the frame or fork of a bicycle. Background of the invention

[0002] Cable guides are used for the internal routing of gear and brake cables or other cables. These cable guides are used for bicycles, including e-bikes, pedelecs, and cargo bikes (also with three or four wheels).

[0003] For example, the patent application EP 3 034 386 A1 shows a two-part train bushing which can be positively inserted into the opening of a frame.

[0004] The fact that the cable guide can be threaded in ensures easy installation.

[0005] However, a disadvantage is that the train or cable has to be pulled through the opening formed by the train guide.

[0006] Document EP 2 842 852 A1 shows a cable gland with a two-part upper section, the two halves of which can be clipped together around the cable. Object of the invention

[0007] In contrast, the invention is based on the objective of making the assembly of a cable gland even simpler.

[0008] Furthermore, the insertion of the cable guide into the opening should be made easier and / or the fit of the cable guide in the opening should be improved. Summary of the invention

[0009] The object of the invention is already solved by a cable guide for a bicycle according to claim 1.

[0010] Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0011] The invention relates to a cable guide for a bicycle. In particular, the invention relates to a cable guide which is inserted into the opening of the tube of a frame or fork of the bicycle.

[0012] The cable guide comprises an upper part and a lower part, wherein the upper part and lower part can be fixed in an opening of a frame or fork by pulling them together.

[0013] Preferably, the fixing is achieved by a form-fitting mechanism, with one edge of the upper or lower part resting against each side of the opening.

[0014] To allow passage for a train or cable, at least one channel extends through the upper and lower parts.

[0015] The train passage can also serve the purpose of laying trains in the narrower sense, as well as electrical or hydraulic lines.

[0016] According to the invention, the upper part and / or the lower part comprises a lateral slot for threading a train or cable into the at least one channel.

[0017] At least one channel is therefore accessible from the side via the slot.

[0018] For installation, the slot can be bent open and the cable or pulley inserted into the channel.

[0019] It goes without saying that in its unexpanded state, the slot is narrower than the cable or string that is to be guided through it. This ensures that the cable or string is held in position after it has been expanded and inserted.

[0020] In particular, in one embodiment of the invention, the width of the slot is less than 3 mm, preferably less than 1 mm and most preferably less than 0.5 mm.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, only the upper part comprises a lateral slot. Thus, to thread the cable or cord into the channel, only the upper part needs to be spread apart or widened.

[0022] In contrast, the channel of the lower part is open so wide at the sides that, at least in the unassembled state, the cable or pulley can be inserted laterally without widening the channel.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the side wall of the upper part and / or lower part adjacent to the slot comprises a chamfer which transitions into the slot.

[0024] The edge of the slot adjacent to the side wall is chamfered in such a way that when a pulley or cable is pressed into it, the slot widens. The chamfer preferably has a width of at least 0.5 mm.

[0025] This makes threading the train or cable into the channel even easier.

[0026] The chamfer and the slot preferably run parallel to the at least one channel. In particular, the chamfer, slot, and channel are perpendicular, but not perpendicular, to the top surface of the upper part.

[0027] According to a further development of the invention, the train passage comprises at least two channels which merge into one another.

[0028] In many applications, multiple cables or wires need to be routed. Multiple cables or wires can be threaded through overlapping channels, i.e., channels that merge into one another, from one side.

[0029] The channels overlap in such a way that separate channel-shaped guides are maintained for each individual train or cable. In particular, the channels are spaced apart from each other by more than half their respective diameters (measured by the lateral distance to the edge formed by the overlap).

[0030] According to a further development of the invention, the cable entry is designed such that at least one channel has an offset between the upper part and the lower part in the assembled state.

[0031] The offset causes a narrowing of the free cross-section of the channel and thus clamps the pull or cable during assembly.

[0032] In a channel that runs at an angle to the top of the cable gland, such a constriction can be created, in particular, by moving the upper and lower parts towards each other during assembly. In the unassembled state, the upper and lower parts can still be spaced far enough apart that the cable or string can be pulled through the channel without any effort. Only during assembly, and the associated movement of the upper and lower parts towards each other, is the cable or string clamped in place.

[0033] Preferably, the offset is dimensioned such that the cable or pulley is clamped securely, but can still be pulled through the cable gland with some force. This allows for subsequent pulling out or pushing in of a section of the cable or pulley. In particular, the cable or pulley can be pulled out with a force of more than 5 N and / or less than 50 N.

[0034] When assembled, the maximum offset is preferably less than 3 mm and more than 0.5 mm.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lower part comprises on two opposite sides a contact surface for the underside of the frame or fork adjacent to the opening of the lower part.

[0036] The contact surfaces of the lower part are located particularly on the narrow sides of the lower part.

[0037] In contrast, the other opposite sides of the lower part preferably do not include a contact surface for the underside of the frame or fork.

[0038] For assembly, the lower part can be easily threaded in by first sliding it far enough behind the opening on one side so that the opposite side of the lower part fits through. Then, the lower part can be pulled forward again so that the contact surfaces adjacent to the opening on the underside of the frame or fork are in contact.

[0039] A remaining central part, extending beyond the mounting surfaces, preferably sits in the opening and thus centers the lower part in the opening in a form-fitting manner.

[0040] The upper part preferably includes a circumferential contact surface for the upper side of the frame or fork adjacent to the opening.

[0041] Since the upper part does not need to be threaded through the opening, it preferably includes a collar which forms a circumferential contact surface for the upper part.

[0042] The upper part is preferably designed in such a way that it has a width of such a large amount everywhere that it cannot be threaded into the opening of the frame or fork.

[0043] The upper part preferably centers itself automatically over a remaining middle part that extends beyond the collar, which forms the contact surface.

[0044] The remaining central section of the upper or lower part, as defined above, can be polygonal, particularly rectangular. Preferably, the remaining central section tapers in the threading direction. Accordingly, the corresponding opening in the frame or fork is also polygonal, particularly rectangular.

[0045] In particular, the remaining middle section and the opening are trapezoidal in shape.

[0046] The cable guide preferably tapers in width overall. This makes threading the lower part easier in particular.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cable entry is designed as a quadrilateral in the top view.

[0048] In particular, the train passage can be essentially trapezoidal in shape.

[0049] At least one channel preferably runs diagonally, but not perpendicularly, to the top of the cable gland.

[0050] In particular, at least one channel runs at an angle of 30° to 70° to the top of the cable guide. This makes it easier to align the cables towards the handlebars, where they are usually attached.

[0051] The upper and lower parts can preferably be pulled together by means of at least one screw.

[0052] In particular, it is intended that the upper and lower parts will be pulled together using two screws.

[0053] In this way, especially if the lower part and / or upper part fit snugly into the opening, a cable entry point can be provided which is flexible and usable for different wall thicknesses.

[0054] The screws are preferably arranged diagonally opposite each other, with at least one channel positioned between the screws.

[0055] At least one screw is preferably designed as a thread-forming screw.

[0056] Preferably, the upper and lower parts are pre-assembled and can be inserted into the opening of the frame or fork in the pre-assembled state.

[0057] Such pre-assembly is particularly easy to achieve using a thread-forming screw, as this clamps itself when screwed in, especially into a through-hole provided for this purpose.

[0058] It is specifically designed that the two screws are already screwed into the lower part, thus holding the upper and lower parts together.

[0059] However, in this pre-assembled state, the upper and lower parts can still be spaced apart in such a way that the lower part can be threaded into the opening of the frame or fork.

[0060] For assembly, the cable or pull cord is first threaded laterally through the slot into the pull cord guide.

[0061] The lower part is then threaded into the opening of the frame or fork. Due to a protruding middle section, the upper part is now already securely centered in the opening.

[0062] The screws can now be tightened to securely fix the cable gland in the opening. The cable or string will be clamped in place due to the offset of the channel.

[0063] However, after fastening, adjustments to the extended length can still be made by pushing the pull or cable in or out. Brief description of the drawings

[0064] The subject matter of the invention will below be described with reference to the drawings. Figs. 1 to 8 This will be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a train passage according to the invention. Fig. 2 This is a side view of the train passage on the narrow side. Fig. 3 This is a sectional view of the train feedthrough in the assembled state along its main extension direction. Fig. 4 shows the cable entry from the underside. Fig. 5This is a perspective view of the lower part of the train passage. Fig. 6 This is a perspective view of the upper part of the train passage.

[0065] Referring to the perspective views according to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 An alternative embodiment of a train passage will be explained. Detailed description of the drawings

[0066] Fig. 1 shows in a perspective view an embodiment of a train passage 1 according to the invention.

[0067] The train passage 1 comprises an upper part 2 and a lower part 3.

[0068] The upper part 2 and the lower part 3 are connected to each other by means of the diagonally opposite screws 4.

[0069] In this embodiment, the cable passage 1 comprises the channels 5a-5c, which extend obliquely, but not vertically, through the upper part 2 and lower part 3.

[0070] Channels 5a-5c overlap, so that trains or cables can be pushed through the outermost channel 5c into channel 5a.

[0071] It is understood that channels 5a-5c may each have a different diameter adapted to the respective train or cable.

[0072] The side wall 7 transitions into the top of the upper part 2 via a chamfer 9.

[0073] The heads of the screws 4 are preferably completely countersunk in the upper part 3.

[0074] In order to be able to thread a train or cable into the train guide 1, the upper part 2 includes a lateral slot 6.

[0075] Slot 6 runs parallel to channels 5a-5c, i.e. across, but not perpendicular to the top surface.

[0076] Adjacent to the side wall 7 of the upper part 2, the edges formed by the slot 6 are each provided with a chamfer 8. The chamfers 8 cause the upper part 2 to widen when a cable or pulley is inserted along the slot 6, allowing the cable or pulley to be threaded into the channels 5a-5c from the side.

[0077] After threading, the upper part 2 springs back into its starting position and the pull or cable is secured in the respective channel 5a-5c.

[0078] Channels 5a-5c overlap each other, thus forming guides for the trains or cables.

[0079] Fig. 2 This is a view of the narrow side of the train passage 1. In this view, it can be seen in particular that upper part 2 and lower part 3 can be adapted to the curvature of the frame.

[0080] Between the upper part 2 and the lower part 3, in the assembled state shown here, there is a slot 10, within which, in the assembled state, the wall of the frame adjacent to the opening (not shown) is enclosed.

[0081] Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the train passage 1 along its main extension direction.

[0082] Particularly visible in this view is the slit 10, which is formed by a collar 11 of the upper part 2 and the lower part 3 projecting below the collar. The slit is defined by the contact surface 12 of the upper part 2 and the contact surface 15a or 15b of the lower part (see Fig. 5 ) formed.

[0083] Furthermore, it can be seen that channel 5b has an offset when installed.

[0084] The section of channel 5b leading through the upper part 2 thus transitions via a step into the section located in the lower part 3.

[0085] Because the channel 5b runs obliquely, but not perpendicularly, preferably at an angle of 30 to 70° to the top, the offset only occurs when the upper part 2 and lower part 3 are moved towards each other by tightening the screws 4.

[0086] This narrows the free cross-section of channel 5b in the area of ​​the offset, and the train or cable becomes trapped.

[0087] On the underside, the lower part 3 is provided with a chamfer 13 in the area of ​​channels 5a to 5c. This makes the lower part 3 narrower laterally, allowing the cable to be guided more easily inside along the frame tube.

[0088] Fig. 4 This is a view of the underside of the train passage 1.

[0089] The surrounding mounting surface 12 of the upper part 2 can be seen, which extends beyond the lower part 3 on the long sides.

[0090] On the narrow sides, however, the lower part itself engages with its own contact surface (15a, 15b, see Fig. 5 ) under the wall of the frame adjacent to the opening, so that the mounting surface 12 is covered by the lower part 3 on the narrow sides.

[0091] The lower part 3 can include a central recess 14, which primarily serves to save weight.

[0092] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the lower part 3.

[0093] The lower part 3 comprises the adjacent and overlapping channels 5a-5c.

[0094] A train or cable can be routed via channel 5c into the subsequent channels 5a and 5b.

[0095] The lower part comprises the two opposing contact surfaces 15a and 15b, which in this embodiment are arranged on the narrow side.

[0096] The lower part tapers towards the mounting surface 15b. On the long sides, however, the lower part 3 does not include a mounting surface.

[0097] The lower part 3 can thus be threaded into the opening, preferably with the contact surface 15b of the narrower side leading, and is then pushed back so that both contact surfaces 15a, 15b adjacent to the opening engage under the wall of the frame.

[0098] The lower part 3 is centered due to the protruding central part 17 remaining between the mounting surfaces.

[0099] Adjacent to the mounting surfaces 15a, 15b, the lower part 3 can be understood as having a chamfer 16, which facilitates threading.

[0100] Fig. 6 Shows the top part 2 from the underside.

[0101] The upper part 2 comprises a circumferential contact surface 12, which is formed by a laterally projecting collar 11.

[0102] The upper part 3 is centered over the remaining middle part 18.

[0103] Also visible is the side slot 6 for threading cables and wires.

[0104] The cable gland 1 shown here is preferably used in its pre-assembled state.

[0105] In this embodiment, the cable passage 1 is essentially trapezoidal in shape.

[0106] In the pre-assembled state, the upper part 2 and the lower part 3 may still be spaced apart.

[0107] Trains and cables can initially be easily inserted through slot 6 by widening the upper part 2.

[0108] Due to channels 5a-5c, trains or cables are now already routed parallel to each other.

[0109] Then the lower part 2 can be threaded into the frame.

[0110] The upper part 2 is centered over the remaining middle part 18.

[0111] The screws can now be tightened, causing the lower part 3 to move towards the upper part 2.

[0112] The remaining central section 17 of the lower part is moved into the opening, and the cable gland is then positively secured in the opening. A force-fit connection by clamping is not necessary.

[0113] Due to this design, in particular due to the central parts 17, 18 which form a positive fit in the opening, the cable entry 1 can be used flexibly for different wall thicknesses, e.g. in aluminium or carbon frames, provided that sufficiently long screws are used.

[0114] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are perspective views of a further embodiment of a train feedthrough according to the invention 1.

[0115] In contrast to the one referring to Figs. 1 to 6 The depicted train routing includes the one shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8The depicted train routing 1 has two channels instead of three, 5a, 5b.

[0116] Otherwise, the cable entry 1 is designed in accordance with the cable entry described above and includes in particular a lateral slot 6 in the upper part 2, through which a cable or a cable can be threaded into the channels 5a, 5b.

[0117] The invention made it possible to provide a cable gland that is easier to install. Reference symbol list

[0118] 1 Cable gland 2 Top part 3 Bottom part 4 Screw 5a - 5c Channel 6 Slot 7 Side wall 8 Chamfer 9 Bevel 10 Slot 11 Collar 12 Mounting surface 13 Bevel 14 Recess 15a, 15b Mounting surface 16 Chamfer 17 Remaining center part 18 Remaining center part

Claims

1. A cable feedthrough (1) for a bicycle, comprising an upper part (2) and a lower part (3), wherein the upper part (2) and the lower part (3) can be fixed in an opening of a frame by being drawn together, and wherein at least one passage (5a - 5c) for a cable or a wire extends through the upper part (2) and the lower part (3); characterized in that the upper part (2) and / or the lower part (3) has a lateral slot (6) for inserting a cable or a wire into the at least one passage (5a - 5c).

2. The cable feedthrough (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that only the upper part (2) has a lateral slot (6).

3. The cable feedthrough (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side wall of the upper part (2) and / or of the lower part (3) has a chamfer (16) adjacent to the slot (6), which merges into the slot (6).

4. The cable feedthrough (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable feedthrough (1) has at least two passages (5a - 5c) which merge into one another.

5. The cable feedthrough (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one passage (6) exhibits an offset between the upper part (2) and the lower part (3) in the assembled state thereof.

6. The cable feedthrough (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower part (3) has a respective contact surface (15a, 15b) on two opposite sides thereof, for the underside of the frame adjacent to the opening of the lower part (3).

7. The cable feedthrough (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the upper part (2) has a circumferential contact surface (15a, 15b) for the upper side of the frame adjacent to the opening.

8. The cable feedthrough (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable feedthrough (1) tapers in its width.

9. The cable feedthrough (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable feedthrough (1) has a square shape in a top plan view.

10. The cable feedthrough (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable feedthrough (1) is substantially trapezoidal in a top plan view.

11. The cable feedthrough (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one passage (5a - 5c) extends at an angle of 30° to 70° relative to the upper side (2) of the cable feedthrough (1).

12. The cable feedthrough (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper part (2) and the lower part (3) can be drawn together by means of at least one screw (4), in particular by means of two diagonally opposite screws (4).

13. The cable feedthrough (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one screw (4) is designed as a thread-forming screw.

14. The cable feedthrough (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper part (2) and the lower part (3) are pre-assembled and can be inserted into the opening of the frame in the pre-assembled state.

15. A bicycle, comprising a cable feedthrough (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.