System for attaching an accessory to the stem of a bicycle

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a system for attaching an accessory to the stem of a bicycle. Furthermore, the invention relates to an accessory for a bicycle, which is particularly designed as a light, and to a clamping shell for the system for attaching an accessory. Background of the invention

[0002] It is known from practice to attach accessories such as lights, bicycle computers and control elements for an electric auxiliary drive to the handlebars of the bicycle using a clamp.

[0003] Especially with e-bikes, there is often little space to attach another accessory, such as a light, to the handlebars because of the additional controls in addition to the gears, brakes and bell.

[0004] Furthermore, a central mount is desirable in many cases. This is especially true for lights or heavier items such as transport boxes or baskets, since a central mount places the accessory in direct mechanical contact with the sturdy stem, which connects the handlebars to the fork tube.

[0005] However, the clamping shells of the handlebar clamp stand in the way of a central attachment.

[0006] Since the clamping shells of the handlebar clamp are tightened together by means of screws, it would be conceivable to use these mounting points for attaching an accessory.

[0007] However, this makes attaching the accessory relatively complicated. In this case, the handlebar clamp must be loosened to attach and remove the accessory.

[0008] Systems for attaching accessories, especially on bicycles, are known from the following documents: D1 WO 2018 / 197847 A1 D2 EP 2 583 885 B1 D3 DE 20 2007 013693 U1 D4 DE 20 2017 001538 U1 D5 DE 20 2016 102628 U1 D6 US 6 615 686 B1 D7 CN 201 400 270 Y The documents WO 2018 / 197847 A1 and EP 2 583 885 B1 disclose the features of the preamble of claim 1. Object of the invention

[0009] The invention is based on the object of providing a system in which the handlebar clamp can be used in a simple and attractive manner to attach an accessory. Summary of the invention

[0010] The object of the invention is already achieved by a system for attaching an accessory to the stem of a bicycle by means of a holder designed for this purpose, an accessory and a clamping shell according to one of the independent claims.

[0011] Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0012] The invention relates to a system for attaching an accessory to the stem of a bicycle.

[0013] The stem is the component that connects the handlebar to the head tube.

[0014] The handlebar is held in place by a clamp.

[0015] The clamping comprises, in relation to the direction of travel, a front and a rear clamping shell.

[0016] The clamps are connected with screws. The clamping of the handlebar allows for adjustment of the angle of the handlebar.

[0017] According to the invention, the system comprises a clamping shell which is formed as part of the handlebar clamp.

[0018] In particular, the system includes the front clamping shell, which is connected to the rear clamping shell with four screws.

[0019] According to the invention, the clamping shell is formed from two halves, wherein the two halves are connected to each other via at least one web.

[0020] A web is any strut formed transversely to the direction of travel, which connects the right and left halves of the clamping shell.

[0021] According to the invention, an undivided front clamping shell is therefore preferably used.

[0022] The system further comprises a holder for the accessory, which can be fastened to the at least one web.

[0023] The invention is based on using a bar running transversely to the direction of travel to attach the accessory. It has been found that this provides a simple yet very stable attachment.

[0024] In addition, the mounting position is exactly in the middle in front of the handlebar, which is particularly advantageous when using the system to attach a light.

[0025] In particular, it is provided that the holder can be suspended on at least one web.

[0026] In particular, the holder can comprise at least one hook that engages behind the bar when attached. A gap is preferably provided between the bar and the handlebar. For this purpose, the bar is preferably thinner than the adjacent halves of the clamping shell.

[0027] Preferably, the holder is designed in such a way that, when used as intended, it can be hooked into the web from above.

[0028] The holder preferably comprises a contact surface for the handlebar, which is adapted to the contour, i.e. the curvature of the handlebar.

[0029] According to the invention, the at least one web comprises an outwardly facing extension. In particular, the web comprises at least one extension that points upward or downward in the mounted position. According to a preferred embodiment, a first extension is provided that points downward and a second extension that points upward.

[0030] The provision of a laterally outwardly projecting extension enables particularly simple production of the clamping shell.

[0031] Furthermore, the extension can be gripped by the holder of the accessory.

[0032] In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one extension is arranged between the through holes for clamping the clamping shell.

[0033] In particular, a first extension is located between the two upper through holes and a second extension is located between the two lower through holes.

[0034] The extension can be essentially cuboid-shaped.

[0035] In a further development of the invention, the holder can be locked onto the at least one web. Locking is understood to mean the engagement of a spring-loaded locking element, which secures the holder to the handlebar.

[0036] In particular, it is provided that the holder comprises at least one hook with which it is hooked onto the web, as well as a locking element which locks under the web and thus secures the holder against unhooking.

[0037] The holder is designed in such a way that it can be hooked into place by rotating it around the center axis of the handlebar. The locking element only needs to secure the holder against reversing.

[0038] The locking element is preferably designed in such a way that the user can unlock the locking element against a spring preload and thus remove the holder again.

[0039] In a further development of the invention, the two halves of the clamping shell are connected to each other via two webs.

[0040] There is a recess between the bars.

[0041] The two bars thus make it possible to provide a holder which is hooked into the two bars from one side using two hooks.

[0042] On the other hand, the recess thus created between the webs can serve to push the locking element back against the spring preload.

[0043] For this purpose, the recess can be bevelled adjacent to at least one web.

[0044] Alternatively or in combination, the locking element can also have a guide surface, i.e. be designed as a snap-in latch.

[0045] When the holder is inserted, the latch springs back against the spring preload and then locks into its final position, relative to the sliding direction, in front of the bar. The latch is thus designed as a snap-action mechanism.

[0046] This makes it particularly easy to attach the holder, which can even be done with one hand.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, which does not have a locking element, the holder can also comprise two hooks, namely a first hook with which the holder can be hooked from one side and a second, movable hook which engages the at least one web from the other side and which can be moved into a mounting position, in particular by means of a screw.

[0048] This embodiment of the invention is designed for the long-term attachment of an accessory. Since the holder cannot be removed without tools, it offers increased theft protection.

[0049] The holder may in particular comprise an inclined guide surface with which the holder can be pulled along a ramp thus formed in the direction of the other holder for fastening.

[0050] In particular, the invention makes it possible to provide a system with two different holder designs, namely a first holder that can be snapped onto the bridge. This holder can be used for accessories that the user only wants to carry occasionally.

[0051] Another holder of the system, however, can be attached via two hooks using a screw and is used when an accessory is to be permanently attached to the stem.

[0052] The invention further relates to a holder designed for the above system, which is designed to be suspended on a web of a handlebar clamp arranged transversely to the direction of travel.

[0053] The invention further relates to a bicycle accessory equipped with the holder. This accessory can be designed, for example, as a light, a bicycle computer, an electronic control unit, in particular for controlling an e-bike, a smartphone holder, a navigation system, a bag, a camera, a bottle holder, or a storage box.

[0054] Furthermore, the invention relates to a clamping shell which is designed for the system described above.

[0055] The clamping shell can in particular comprise two halves which are connected to one another via two spaced-apart webs.

[0056] There is a space between the respective web and the handlebar stem for hanging a holder.

[0057] Such a clamping shell hardly differs optically from conventional clamping shells available on the market. In particular, the space between the web and the handlebar stem is hardly visible, since it is only a gap preferably 1 to 3 mm high.

[0058] The invention further relates to a bicycle which comprises the clamping shell. In particular, it is the front clamping shell of the handlebar clamp. Brief description of the drawings

[0059] The subject matter of the invention will hereinafter be explained with reference to the drawings Fig. 1 to Fig. 16 by means of exemplary embodiments, where Fig. 14 to 16 an exemplary embodiment of the clamping shell according to the invention is shown. Fig. 1 to Fig. 9show an accessory including a holder and handlebar clamp, with the holder being lockable onto the handlebar clamp. This embodiment of the invention is primarily intended for temporary attachment. Fig. 10 to Fig. 13 show an alternative embodiment of a holder which is fastened by means of a screw and therefore serves more for the permanent attachment of an accessory. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are perspective views of the accessory including holder and handlebar clamp. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the accessory and holder. Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the accessory and the components of the holder. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are perspective views of the clamping shell. Fig. 9 is a longitudinal section of the holder attached to the clamping shell. Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are perspective views of another embodiment of a holder. Fig. 12 is a central longitudinal section. Fig. 13is a longitudinal cut that runs alongside the fastening screw. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a clamping shell for the system according to the invention. Fig. 15 is a detailed view and Fig. 16 is a central longitudinal section of the clamping shell. Detailed description of the drawings

[0060] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an accessory designed as a light 10, which can be attached using a system 1 for fastening an accessory. The light 10 is attached to the clamping shell 20 of a handlebar clamp by means of a holder 30.

[0061] Only the front clamping shell 20 is shown, which has four through holes 21 with which it is connected to the rear clamping shell and thus serves to clamp the handlebar.

[0062] The holder 30 is connected to the clamping shell 20.

[0063] The lamp 10 is designed as a battery-operated lamp and comprises a preferably circular-cylindrical housing 11 with a light-emitting disc 12. On the top of the housing 11 there is a switch 13 for switching on the lamp 10.

[0064] The luminaire 10 can be pivoted relative to the holder 30. Preferably, the luminaire can be adjusted from a horizontal position, i.e., perpendicular to the horizontal, to an angle of 10 to 30°.

[0065] In this embodiment, a knurled screw 14 is provided to pivot the light 10. The user can loosen the knurled screw 14 and then adjust the light 10 and retighten the knurled screw 14.

[0066] The luminaire 10 is located directly in front of the clamping shell 20. In this embodiment, the luminaire 10 is no higher than the clamping shell 20. This provides an attractive and compact design.

[0067] Fig. 2 is a further perspective view of the luminaire 10 together with the holder 30 and the clamping shell 20. In this embodiment, the holder 30 comprises on the rear side the hooks 31a and 31b with which the holder 30 is suspended between the halves 20a, 20b of the clamping shell 20.

[0068] Furthermore, the holder 30 comprises a latch 32 which locks in the mounted position so that the hooks 31a and 31b cannot be unhooked upwards.

[0069] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of only the lamp 10 and holder 30.

[0070] The holder 30 comprises a contact surface 33, which is preferably aligned concentrically to the central axis of the handlebar.

[0071] The holder 30 is hooked onto the clamping shell from above according to the directional marking 34. The latch 32 can be pushed in against a spring preload and locks onto the clamping shell.

[0072] In order to remove the lamp 10 again, the holder 30 engages an actuating element 35.

[0073] The actuating member 35 comprises the latch 32 and can be moved in the proximal direction via a gripping recess 45, so that the latch moves back and the light 10 can be unhooked and removed again.

[0074] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the holder only.

[0075] The holder 30 is designed as an arm aligned in the direction of travel when installed and includes a through hole 36 at the front, to which the light is attached. This hole may surround a profile that serves as an anti-twist device for the knurled screw.

[0076] The Fig. 5 The luminaire 10 shown in a perspective view of the rear side comprises a central groove 15 extending vertically on the rear side and running out towards the edge on the upper side.

[0077] Adjacent to the groove 15, through holes 16 are guided through the housing in order to fix the lamp 10 on the Fig. 4 shown holder (30).

[0078] The holder is therefore partially enclosed by the housing of the lamp 10, which also contributes to a compact design.

[0079] Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the luminaire along with the system for attaching an accessory.

[0080] As already described above, the lamp 10 comprises a through hole 16 with which it is fastened to the through hole 36 of the holder 30 by means of the knurled screw 14 and the nut 17.

[0081] The holder 30 comprises a main housing 43 in which the actuating member 35 with the latch 32 is mounted so as to be longitudinally displaceable.

[0082] For this purpose, the actuating member 35 comprises rails 37 which engage in complementary rails of the main housing 43.

[0083] The actuator 35 is mounted on the main housing 43 by means of the front plate 38.

[0084] For this purpose, the nut 41 is inserted into the main housing 43.

[0085] The front plate 38 includes a through hole 39 for the screw 40 for fastening.

[0086] Furthermore, a spring 42, in this embodiment a coil spring, is provided between the front plate 38 and the actuating element 35. The spring 42 sits between the front plate 38 and the actuating element 35.

[0087] In the assembled state, the actuating member 35 can be displaced in the proximal direction against the preload of the spring 42.

[0088] The clamping shell 20 comprises the two halves 20a and 20b, which are connected to each other via the webs 22a, 22b distributed around the circumference.

[0089] Accordingly, an opening 23 is present between the webs 22a and 22b.

[0090] Fig. 7is a perspective view of the clamping shell 20.

[0091] It can be seen that at least the web 22b, preferably also the web 22a, comprises a ramp 24, i.e. an inclined surface, adjacent to the opening 23, which can facilitate the snapping in of the latch 32 during attachment.

[0092] The latch is therefore automatically pushed back when attached, without the user having to operate the actuator.

[0093] As shown in the perspective view of the inside according to Fig. 8 As shown, the webs 22a and 22b arranged between the halves 20a and 20b of the clamping shell 20 are thinner than the two halves 20a, 20b of the clamping shell, so that in the attached state there is a gap between the inside of the respective web 22a, 22b and the handlebar, which space serves to accommodate a hook.

[0094] Fig. 9is a central longitudinal section of the holder 30 mounted on the clamping shell 20.

[0095] The holder 30 comprises a main housing 43 with the two hooks 31a, 31b, which are hung from above onto the webs 22a, 22b of the clamping shell 20.

[0096] The holder 30 is rotated around the central axis of the handlebar.

[0097] The latch 32, which is formed in one piece with the actuating member 35, is pushed in against the pretension of the spring 42 and locks the holder 30 in the position shown here by the latch 32 snapping under the web 22b in the end position.

[0098] The spring 42 sits in a corresponding recess of the main housing 43 and is mounted on a spring holder 44 of the actuating member 35.

[0099] The recess for the spring 42 is closed with the front plate 38. The front plate 38 is attached to the main housing 43 with the screw 40.

[0100] The spring 42 is located below the screw 40 and is arranged parallel to the screw 40.

[0101] The knurled screw 14, which is used to fasten the lamp, also forms the pivot bearing of the lamp, which is arranged transversely to the direction of travel.

[0102] The web(s) 22a, 22b preferably assume an angle α of 30 to 150°, particularly preferably of 50 to 110°.

[0103] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a holder 50 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0104] The holder 50 is attached as intended to the clamping shell 20 shown above.

[0105] For this purpose, the holder comprises the two hooks 51a, 51b, which grip the web from opposite sides.

[0106] The holder 50 is also located directly in front of the clamping shell.

[0107] According to this embodiment, the holder comprises two obliquely upwardly oriented arms 52a, 52b, each comprising a through hole 53.

[0108] Such an accessory can be attached between the arms 52a and 52b and on their outer surfaces.

[0109] The holder 50 is fixed by tightening the screw 54 on the clamping shell 20, which is accessible from the front in the direction of travel.

[0110] When assembled, the two arms 51a, 51b each engage under a web. Fig. 11 shows the mounting position.

[0111] The arm 51b is movable relative to the main body 58 of the holder 50 and can be moved downwards by means of the screw 54 in order to disassemble the holder 50.

[0112] Fig. 12 is a central longitudinal section through the holder 50.

[0113] The screw 54 is passed through the through hole 56 and sits in a thread 55 of the hook 51b.

[0114] The through hole 56 is designed such that the screw 54 has enough play to follow a downward movement of the hook 51b.

[0115] As shown in the longitudinal section parallel to screw 54 according to Fig. 13 As shown, the main housing 58 includes a ramp 57.

[0116] The ramp 57 is, in particular, a surface which is aligned at an angle of 20 to 70° to the horizontal (when installed as intended).

[0117] The hook 51b also comprises an obliquely aligned contact surface which runs on the ramp 57.

[0118] Adjacent to the hooks 51a, 51b is a contact surface 59 which is arranged concentrically to the central axis of the handlebar.

[0119] If the screw 54 is loosened, the hook 51a, 51a moves distally and simultaneously downwards. This allows the holder 50 to be pulled off at the bottom and then unhooked at the top.

[0120] When the screw 54 is tightened, the hook 51b moves in the opposite direction, i.e. upwards, whereby it engages under the web and, by moving in the proximal direction, simultaneously tightens the holder 50 to the clamping shell.

[0121] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a clamping shell 20 according to the invention.

[0122] In this embodiment of the invention, the clamping shell 20 is also undivided.

[0123] This comprises two webs, namely an upper web 22a and a lower web 22b.

[0124] On the side of the web 22a, 22b, an extension 25a, 25b protrudes outward. Extension 25a protrudes upward in the assembly position, and extension 25b protrudes downward in the assembly position.

[0125] The extensions 25a, 25b are each arranged between the through holes 21 for clamping.

[0126] The holder of the accessory part can now engage the extensions 25a, 25b and thus secure the accessory part.

[0127] Instead of the two webs 22a, 22b shown here, another embodiment provides for the clamping shell 20 to be closed and not have the central opening shown here. Such a clamping shell would therefore have only one web connecting the two halves.

[0128] As shown in the detailed view according to Fig. 15As shown, the extension 25a is essentially cuboid-shaped and has rounded corners at the front. The rear side, i.e., the side adjacent to the handlebar, has no rounded corners. This provides a better grip for the accessory holder.

[0129] As can be seen particularly in the central longitudinal section according to Fig. 16 As can be seen, the webs 22a, 22b are not undercut, in contrast to the embodiment described above, and not even in the area of ​​the extensions 25a, 25b.

[0130] The webs, including the extensions, thus merge into the rest of the clamping shell without forming an edge. This has manufacturing advantages. Unlike the previously described embodiment, no additional manufacturing step is required to create the undercut.

[0131] The invention made it possible to provide a flexible and easy-to-use system for attaching accessories such as lights. List of reference symbols

[0132] 1 System for attaching an accessory 10 Light 11 Housing 12 Light emitting disc 13 Switch 14 Knurled screw 15 Groove 16 Through hole 17 Nut 20 Clamping shell 20a, 20b Halves of the clamping shell 21 Through hole 22a Bridge 22b Bridge 23 Opening 24 Ramp 25a, 25b Extension 30 Holder 31a, 31b Hook 32 Latch 33 Contact surface 34 Direction marking 35 Actuator 36 Through hole 37 Rail 38 Front plate 39 Through hole 40 Screw 41 Nut 42 Spring 43 Main housing 44 Spring holder 45 Gripping recess 50 Holder 51a, 51b Hook 52 Arm 53Through hole 54Screw 55Thread 56Through hole 57Ramp 58Main housing 59Contact surface

Claims

1. A system for attaching an accessory (1) to the stem of a bicycle, comprising a clamping shell (20) which is formed as part of the handlebar clamp, wherein the clamping shell (20) is defined by two halves, the two halves being connected to one another via at least one web (22a); wherein the system comprises a holder (30) for the accessory, which holder can be fastened to the at least one web (22a); characterized in that the at least one web (22a) has an outwardly pointing extension (25a, 25b).

2. The system for attaching an accessory (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the holder (30) can be suspended on the at least one web (22a).

3. The system for attaching an accessory (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (30) can be latched onto the at least one web (22a).

4. The system for attaching an accessory (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the latch connection can be unlocked by means of a locking member that is actuatable against a spring preload.

5. The system for attaching an accessory (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system comprises one extension pointing upwards and one extension pointing downwards (25a, 25b) in the assembled position.

6. The system for attaching an accessory (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one extension (25a, 25b) is provided between through holes (16) of the clamping shell (20).

7. The system for attaching an accessory (1) according to any one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one extension (25a, 25b) is substantially cuboid in shape.

8. The system for attaching an accessory (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two halves are connected to one another via at least two webs (22a) distributed around the circumference, in particular wherein the webs (22a) are bevelled adjacent to a recess provided between said webs (22a).

9. The system for attaching an accessory (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (30) has a snap which engages on the at least one web (22a); and / or that the holder (30) comprises two hooks (31a, 31b) with which it can be hooked onto two webs (22a) from one side; or that the holder (30) comprises a hook (31a, 31b) with which it can be hooked from one side, and a further, movable hook (30) with which it can be hooked from the opposite side, in particular a hook (30) which can be moved along an inclined guide surface by means of a screw (40); and / or that the system comprises a first holder (30) which can be latched, and a second holder (30) which can be fastened by means of a screw (40), in particular by means of a hook (31a, 31b) which can be moved via the screw (40); and / or that the at least one web (22a) has a partially circular cross-section; and / or that a main housing (43) of the holder (30) has an annular contact surface (59).

10. A holder (30), designed for a system according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. An accessory for a bicycle, in particular a light (10), bicycle computer, electronic control unit, bag, camera, bottle holder or storage box, comprising a holder (30) according to the preceding claim.

12. A clamping shell (20) designed for a system according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. A bicycle with a handlebar clamp, comprising at least one clamping shell (20) according to the preceding claim.